When the sun is out and the air is warm, appetites turn towards lighter, fresher fare that still satisfies. Enter the Summer Ham Salad — a dish that marries the sweet, savoury and crisp in one harmonious bowl. It’s a simple yet sophisticated celebration of summer’s bounty, built around one standout ingredient: fine ham. Think thinly sliced Parma or another quality cured ham, gently folded around juicy chunks of ripe melon, bright cherry tomatoes, and a medley of refreshing greens.
This salad strikes a beautiful balance of texture and flavour. The saltiness of the ham plays off the natural sweetness of the melon — a pairing that’s stood the test of time for good reason. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of acidity and vibrant colour, while lettuce leaves, such as crunchy iceberg and bitter-edged radicchio, bring a satisfying bite. Cucumber slices cool the palate and add another layer of freshness, making each forkful a burst of summery goodness.
What makes the Summer Ham Salad so appealing is how easy it is to adapt. You can enhance it with creamy additions like mozzarella pearls or feta cubes, adding richness without overwhelming the delicate flavours. For a more indulgent twist, scatter a few toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for crunch, or slivers of avocado for creaminess. If you’re in the mood for a fruity flourish, thin slices of peach or figs nestle beautifully among the greens, giving an extra touch of seasonal sweetness.
A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon is often all it needs, letting the ingredients speak for themselves. But you could also dress it lightly with a honey-mustard vinaigrette or a balsamic glaze if you want a touch more depth. The key is to keep it light — nothing too heavy or creamy that might mask the delicate flavours of the ham and fruit.
This dish is not just perfect for lunch in the garden or a picnic in the park — it’s a go-to when you want something quick, healthy and elegant. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good: colourful, refreshing, and full of life. So next time the temperatures climb, remember the Summer Ham Salad — a dish that tastes just like sunshine on a plate.
Summer Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 100 g ham cured Parma ham or Serrano thinly sliced
- ½ medium cantaloupe melon or honeydew melon, peeled, deseeded and chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 12 medium cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 cup radicchio leaves torn
- ½ medium cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice or balsamic vinegar optional
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 50 g mozzarella or crumbled feta
- 1 tbsp pine nuts toasted or crushed walnuts
- ½ medium avocado sliced
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce and torn radicchio leaves.2 cups iceberg lettuce, 1 cup radicchio leaves
- Scatter in the melon chunks, cherry tomato halves, and cucumber slices.½ medium cantaloupe melon, 12 medium cherry tomatoes, ½ medium cucumber
- Gently fold in the slices of cured ham. You can tear them into smaller pieces or drape them whole for a more elegant presentation.100 g ham
- Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice or a light splash of balsamic vinegar if desired. Season with freshly ground black pepper.1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, Freshly ground black pepper
- Give everything a gentle toss to combine, being careful not to bruise the leaves or break up the ham too much.
- Add any of the suggested additions for a more indulgent version.50 g mozzarella, 1 tbsp pine nuts, ½ medium avocado
14 comments
I was looking for a light lunch and this was divine. Full.of flavour and textures and the refreshing melon was the perfect touch.
t’s a great light lunch for warm days. I used Serrano ham and melon, and it paired really well.
Really tasty and simple to prepare. I loved the contrast of textures, and it looks beautiful on the plate.
Quick, fresh and delicious. Ideal for those hot days when you don’t want to cook.
I didn’t change a thing and it came out perfect.
The mix of salty ham and sweet melon is divine, and the cucumber and lettuce keep it light and refreshing. I added some feta and a drizzle of balsamic – perfection
I liked the freshness but it wasn’t quite filling enough for me. I ended up having it with some bread and cheese on the side. Might bulk it out with pasta or grains next time.
This is my absolute favourite summer salad
Only reason I gave it four stars is that I prefer a slightly stronger dressing, so I added a honey mustard vinaigrette.
A lovely mix of flavours. I served it at a picnic and everyone raved about it. The figs I added where a superb suggestion.
The salty-sweet combination of Parma ham and melon is always a winner. I made it for a dinner starter and it impressed everyone.
I added avocado for creaminess – great tip in the recipe.
Refreshing, colourful and full of flavour! I love that it’s healthy but still feels like a treat.
I think next time I’ll try it with peaches instead of melon for something a little different.