Summer Melon Salad

This is an easy Summer salad that combines a number of things I love - salty and sweet components including crisped prosciutto, mozzarella, sweet ripe melon, and fresh basil. People are always wowed by it because it makes a pretty presentation on the table, but they don't need to know how simple it is to make! Our secret!

I

ngredients

3 oz prosciutto chopped

4 cups cubed honeydew or cantaloupe melon

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 1/2 cups basil roughly torn

8 oz. mozzarella balls, I prefer the tiny pearls

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsps. white wine vinegar

Juice from 1 lemon

1 tbsp. honey/maple syrup

fresh ground pepper

Maldon sea salt

Crushed red pepper

1. Place a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan and fry the prosciutto until it is crisp. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. On a large platter/bowl arrange the melon, pearl mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

3. Make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a glass measuring cup and whisk to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and use a rubber spatula to carefully combine. Add the pine nuts and the remaining dressing. Top with crisped prosciutto and serve immediately.