Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad: A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory & Fresh
When it comes to creating a salad that’s both refreshing and full of flavor, it doesn’t get much better than a Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad. This dish combines the peppery bite of fresh arugula, the sweetness of ripe blackberries, and the salty richness of prosciutto. Tossed together with a simple balsamic glaze and a touch of Parmesan, it’s a salad that’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a show-stopping starter for a dinner party.
What’s great about this salad is how beautifully the flavors and textures come together. The arugula adds a fresh, slightly spicy note, while the juicy blackberries provide a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the salty prosciutto. The combination of these ingredients is elevated by the tangy balsamic glaze and a dusting of nutty Parmesan. It’s a vibrant, satisfying salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and healthy, or want a salad that can serve as a stand-alone meal, this Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad
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Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet and tart blackberries are the star of the show, and when paired with the salty prosciutto and the peppery arugula, the flavor profile is truly extraordinary. The dressing adds a tangy finish, making each bite a little different but always delicious.
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Light, Yet Satisfying: This salad is light enough for a refreshing lunch, but the combination of ingredients makes it feel hearty enough to be a full meal. The prosciutto adds protein and richness, while the blackberries offer natural sweetness, making for a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.
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Seasonal Ingredients: Blackberries are in season during the summer, which makes this salad a great way to take advantage of fresh, juicy berries. If you’re looking for a way to use seasonal produce in a creative and flavorful way, this salad is your answer.
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Beautiful and Elegant: Not only does this salad taste amazing, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the dark berries, the bright green arugula, and the thinly sliced prosciutto create a visually appealing dish that looks great on any table.
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Quick and Easy: This is the kind of salad you can throw together in just minutes. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, you can have a gorgeous salad ready to serve in no time.
How to Serve Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad
This salad is wonderful on its own as a light meal or appetizer, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:
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Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken on top to make it a more substantial meal. The smoky, savory flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the blackberries and the saltiness of the prosciutto perfectly.
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Cheese: A dollop of goat cheese, burrata, or a crumbling of feta can take this salad to the next level. The creamy texture of the cheese adds richness and helps balance the tangy balsamic glaze.
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Crispy Bread: Serve with a slice of toasted baguette or crusty sourdough to soak up any leftover balsamic glaze. The crunch of the bread makes the salad even more satisfying.
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Wine Pairing: This salad would pair well with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry rosé. These wines have enough acidity to complement the tangy dressing and fresh berries without overpowering the flavors.
Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad Recipe
Ready to make this sweet and savory salad? It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a warm summer day.
Blackberry & Prosciutto Arugula Salad
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
This Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad is a show-stopping dish that effortlessly combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the vibrant tastes of summer, with fresh blackberries and peppery arugula, all tied together with prosciutto and a simple balsamic dressing. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to impress.
So next time you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and easy salad to make, try this Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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2 tbsp fresh mint leaves minced
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⅓ cup olive oil
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1 lime zest and juiced
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2 tbsp real maple syrup or honey
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salt and pepper to taste
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2-3 cups arugula
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1 cup spinach
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8 oz blackberries
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6-8 oz prosciutto
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4-6 oz goat cheese broken into bite size pieces
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1 English cucumber sliced
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⅓ cup pistachio nuts
Mint Lime Vinaigrette
Salad
Directions
In a small bowl. combine all ingredients for the mint lime vinaigrette and stir until mixed. Make and place in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes prior to serving.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook prosciutto until lightly crispy. Remove from heat once desired and set on paper towel to drain excess oil. Once cooled, chop into small bite size pieces.
In a large bowl, add all intgridents for salad. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Recipe Note
Tips for the Best Blackberry Prosciutto Arugula Salad
Use Fresh, Ripe Blackberries: The key to this salad is using fresh, ripe blackberries that are sweet and juicy. If you can find them at a local farmer’s market, that’s even better! If blackberries are out of season, raspberries or strawberries work well as substitutes.
Quality Prosciutto: When it comes to prosciutto, quality matters. Look for a good-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find prosciutto, try substituting with thinly sliced pancetta or speck for a similar salty, savory flavor.
Make it Vegan: If you're looking to make a vegan version of this salad, simply omit the prosciutto and Parmesan, and instead top the salad with roasted chickpeas or a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and protein.
Add Nuts for Crunch: If you love a little crunch in your salads, try adding some toasted pine nuts, candied pecans, or slivered almonds to enhance both the texture and flavor profile of this dish.
Make Ahead: While this salad is best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance. Store the dressing separately and keep the arugula, prosciutto, and berries refrigerated until you’re ready to toss everything together.
Mint Lime Vinaigrette:This can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time and stored in an air tight container in refrigerator. Mix well before serving as the liquids will separate.
Salad:This can also be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. If making ahead of time, do not mix in meat, cheese or dressing until right before serving.