How to make the perfect melon and ham salad: our fresh tips for the season
Ultra fresh 🥗 Summer party Balanced sweet and salty Quick & no cooking required
Melon and ham salad, your fresh summer ally 🥗
When the heat sets in, nothing beats a good melon and ham salad to refresh yourself and impress your guests. It's one of the most cult sweet and savory combinations of the season: the fragrant sweetness of melon, the finesse of cured ham, all seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of pepper... Simple, quick, but so effective! Whether you imagine it as a light starter, a main course accompanied by good bread, or even as a chic aperitif version, this recipe is a hit with everyone as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear.
Much more than a “summer recipe,” melon and ham salad embodies the spirit of sharing, the joy of eating outdoors, and indulgence without the hassle. Discover how to make it a success every time, how to customize it to your liking, and our tips for enjoying it without breaking the bank. Ready to savor summer? Follow the guide!
How to serve melon and ham salad: ideas for every taste
The beauty of melon and ham salad is its versatility. You can prepare it quickly in slices on a large family-style plate, or play it elegantly by making melon balls with a Parisienne spoon, like appetizer bites. For an even more convivial touch, serve it on skewers with chunks of mozzarella or feta : guaranteed success on the barbecue table!
Fancy a more indulgent version? Add a few fresh basil leaves, a handful of arugula , or even a few walnut pieces for crunch. For a truly summery experience, pair your salad with a fresh homemade smoothie or serve it as a starter for a large Sunday barbecue .
Looking for inspiration to mix things up all summer long? Take a look at our recipes of the week : you'll find plenty of ideas for enhancing seasonal fruits and vegetables, and even some unexpected twists to add to your melon and ham salad.
Our fresh tips for an irresistible melon and ham salad 🥗🔥
Choose the right melon
Choose a heavy, fragrant Charentais melon with slightly supple skin. If you gently squeeze it at the end opposite the stem, it should give slightly. A melon that's too firm will lack sugar and flavor!
Ham, it's all about the finesse
Choose a quality cured ham : Italian (Parma, San Daniele) or Spanish (Serrano). Ask your butcher to slice it very thin so it melts in your mouth, and avoid thick slices that would overpower the melon.
The seasoning that changes everything
A simple twist of black pepper , a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves is the key! But also dare to add a touch of lime or mint to surprise your taste buds.
Tighten everything at the last minute
To keep the melon fresh and the ham tender, assemble the salad just before serving. Melon cut too early will lose its juices, and the ham may dry out. Prepare all the ingredients in advance, but leave the dressing to the last minute!
The right accompaniment to enhance
A few homemade croutons rubbed with garlic, Parmesan shavings, or a hint of Espelette pepper work wonders. And for an even more summery experience, try the salad alongside grilled meats cooked in the air fryer or on a classic barbecue.
Buying well without blowing your budget: our advice
Good news: melon and ham salad is as delicious as it is budget-friendly . In peak season (June to September), melons are plentiful on the market stalls and often offered in attractive lots. Choose local producers or markets for more flavor and less transport. As for ham, there's no need to break the bank: choose a nice chiffonade, even from a supermarket, as long as you aim for quality rather than quantity.
To complete the dish, don't hesitate to add a few salad leaves from the garden, or to twist the recipe with ingredients you already have on hand. Want a festive touch? A hint of honey in the dressing, or poppy seeds, are enough to transform your salad. And if you want to take your summer meal planning further, discover our selection of kitchen accessories in our barbecue & grill collection .
FAQ: Everything you need to know about melon and ham salad
Which melons should you choose for a successful salad?
Choose a Charentais melon, ripe and fragrant. It should be heavy, smell good, and feel slightly soft to the touch. If you can find melons from local producers, even better!
How to avoid the dish being too bland?
It's all in the seasoning: a good sprinkle of pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of fleur de sel. You can also add fresh herbs like basil, mint, or even a squeeze of lime to boost the freshness.
Can the salad be prepared in advance?
Prepare all the ingredients in advance, but assemble them at the last minute to maintain freshness and texture: the melon should not release too much water, and the ham should remain moist.
What variations can you use to revisit the recipe?
Add feta cheese, mozzarella balls, sweet chili peppers, or even a few thin slices of cucumber. Some also like to sprinkle with seeds or nuts for crunch.
What to serve with melon and ham salad for a complete meal?
Complete with fresh bread, a green salad, or accompany with a homemade smoothie prepared with a blender for an ultra-vitamin break.
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