Effortlessly Elegant Hearts Salad with Prosciutto: A Perfect Blend of Freshness and Flavor
Discover the ultimate simple yet sophisticated salad: our Hearts Salad with Prosciutto. This delightful dish combines the crisp, refreshing crunch of Romaine hearts, the tender tang of marinated artichoke hearts, and the unique, mild sweetness of hearts of palm. Each bite is elevated by savory, thinly sliced prosciutto, rich Parmesan, and creamy mozzarella, all brought together with a vibrant dressing of premium balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that promises a truly satisfying culinary experience, perfect for any occasion.
The Genesis of a Go-To Salad: Simple, Flavorful, Versatile
I first crafted this salad years ago, drawn to its remarkable simplicity and undeniably fabulous flavor profile. It quickly became a staple, admired for how effortlessly it can transition from a light appetizer to a satisfying main course. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to any meal plan, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining. Imagine it perfectly complementing a hearty pasta dish, such as a Pasta with Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Garlic, or standing proudly as the star of a lighter lunch. This Hearts Salad with Prosciutto is more than just a side; it’s a complete experience.
The Trio of “Hearts”: Building a Foundation of Freshness
The foundation of this extraordinary salad lies in its namesake “hearts,” each bringing a distinct characteristic to the bowl. My preparation begins with carefully selected Romaine hearts. For maximum convenience and freshness, I often opt for pre-washed and ready-to-use packages, ensuring that the crisp integrity of the lettuce is maintained. This saves valuable prep time without compromising on quality.
Next, I incorporate marinated, quartered artichoke hearts. These culinary gems infuse the salad with a tangy, slightly briny flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Artichoke hearts are not only delicious but also offer a unique texture and a wealth of nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants. Their marinated nature means they’re packed with flavor from the get-go, requiring minimal fuss.
Completing our trio are the delicate, often-underestimated hearts of palm. You’ve likely encountered them at salad bars or on various restaurant menus, but what exactly are these intriguing vegetables? Hearts of palm are, in essence, a vegetable harvested from the inner core of certain palm trees, most commonly the cabbage palm. They boast a tender yet firm texture, often compared to white asparagus, but with a much milder, subtly sweet, and nutty flavor. This unique taste allows them to seamlessly blend into a variety of salads, adding an exotic touch without overpowering the dish. Beyond their exquisite taste and texture, hearts of palm are surprisingly nutritious. They are low in calories and fat, a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, making them a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
Selecting and Preparing Your “Hearts” for Optimal Flavor
When selecting Romaine hearts, look for vibrant green leaves and firm, crisp textures. For artichoke hearts, quality marinated varieties in jars or cans are excellent. As for hearts of palm, they are typically sold canned or jarred, either whole or sliced. For this recipe, I prefer whole stalks, which I then chop into generous chunks to ensure a satisfying bite in every forkful. Draining them well before adding to the salad is key to preventing excess moisture.
The Savory Stars: Prosciutto, Cheeses, and the Perfect Dressing
Moving beyond the fresh base, the savory elements are what truly elevate this simple salad into something special. Prosciutto, with its thinly sliced, salty, and slightly sweet flavor, provides just the right amount of richness and umami. It’s a delicate cured ham that adds an incredible depth of flavor without being overwhelming. If prosciutto isn’t available or doesn’t suit your preference, excellent substitutes include thinly sliced salami or a good quality smoked ham. When serving, especially as an appetizer, I sometimes cut the prosciutto slices into smaller, more manageable pieces, allowing for easier eating and better distribution throughout the salad.
To enhance the creamy and salty notes, I introduce two types of cheese: mozzarella and Parmesan. For mozzarella, I often use chopped mozzarella sticks for convenience, but my absolute preference is fresh mozzarella balls, specifically “Ciliegine” (small cherry-sized balls) or even “Bocconcini” (slightly larger). These fresh varieties offer a soft, milky texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp greens. Unfortunately, my local store is sometimes out of these fresh options, but the sticks work perfectly well in a pinch!
Large shreds or ribbons of Parmesan cheese are then scattered throughout. The sharp, nutty, and salty notes of Parmesan are indispensable, adding another layer of complex flavor and a delightful texture. Fresh parsley leaves, chopped or roughly torn, contribute a bright, herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses, adding a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic lift.
Crafting the Simple Yet Flavorful Dressing
The dressing for this Hearts Salad is intentionally simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. A generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil provides a smooth, fruity base, while balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy acidity that balances the richness of the prosciutto and cheeses. It’s crucial to use a high-quality balsamic for the best results; look for one that is thick and slightly sweet. Alternatively, if you’re short on time or prefer a ready-made option, a good quality prepared salad dressing (such as a balsamic vinaigrette) can also work. A final seasoning of salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste, completes the dressing. The key is to toss this magnificent bowl of goodness just before serving, ensuring every ingredient is perfectly coated and fresh.
Customization and Enjoyment: Make It Your Own
One of the greatest joys of this Hearts Salad with Prosciutto is its incredible flexibility. There are no rigid rules or hard-set quantities. The beauty of this recipe lies in your freedom to add as much or as little of each ingredient as you wish, tailoring it perfectly to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. While I’ve provided quantities in the recipe card as a helpful starting point, I encourage you to experiment and make this salad truly your own. Feel free to adjust the ratios of Romaine, artichokes, or hearts of palm, or dial up the prosciutto and cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent. You can even add other elements like cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and sweetness, or toasted pine nuts for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This salad’s versatility makes it suitable for countless occasions. Serve it as an elegant starter to a sophisticated dinner party, or pair it with a light soup or a crusty baguette for a satisfying lunch. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer main courses. For a casual gathering, serve it in a large bowl and let guests help themselves. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Hearts Salad with Prosciutto is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. Enjoy!
Hearts Salad with Prosciutto
Ana | Claudia’s Table
June 14, 2020
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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bowl
Ingredients
- 7 oz romaine hearts chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian Parsley leaves only
- 3 oz prosciutto thinly sliced
- 1/2 jar artichoke hearts marinated, quartered
- 3 stalks hearts of palm whole, chopped in large chunks
- 2 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, chopped or fresh balls
- vinegar balsamic
- olive oil extra virgin
- salt
- pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese large shreds or ribbons
Instructions
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Start with washed and dried Romaine lettuce hearts. Chopped.
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Place in a large, shallow bowl.
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Add Prosciutto. Either chopped or whole slices (your preference)
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Chop hearts of palm. Add to the salad.
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Add marinated, quartered artichoke hearts.
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Add Mozarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
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Finish with Parsley leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
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Looking for more fresh and flavorful ideas? How about a delicious Greek Wedge Salad with Yogurt Dill Dressing? Or explore our full collection of delectable salads here – there’s a world of fresh inspiration waiting for you!