Fusilli Melon – Romaine Salad – Olive Oil

If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish to elevate your meals, this Fusilli Melon Salad is just what you need! Perfect for summer barbecues and easy to prepare, it brings together the sweetness of melon with the crunch of romaine and the richness of olive oil. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that you can make in no time!

Recipe Information

Servings: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1 head of romaine lettuce
500 grams (about 1 lb) of fusilli pasta
4 slices of Parma ham (can be substituted with a vegetarian option)
1/2 melon (preferably cantaloupe or galia)
Fleur de sel (or sea salt), to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 teaspoons of quality olive oil

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
While the water is heating, wash the romaine lettuce and slice it into thin strips.
Thinly slice the Parma ham.
Cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Remove the skin and cut the melon into small cubes.
Once the pasta is cooked al dente (follow package instructions), drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, romaine, ham, and melon cubes.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with fleur de sel and black pepper, and toss gently until everything is well-mixed.
Your refreshing Fusilli Melon Salad is ready to be served!

Notes

This salad can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dish for potlucks or lunches! Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences.

Recipe Tips

For a charming presentation, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.
To enhance the flavors, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Adding some fresh herbs like basil or mint can bring an extra layer of freshness to the dish.

Nutritional Information

This recipe offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. What other pastas can I use instead of fusilli?

Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle would work well in this recipe.

3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the Parma ham from the recipe and add more vegetables or other proteins like chickpeas or beans.

4. Is there a substitute for olive oil?

You can use avocado oil or any good quality vegetable oil as a substitute if you prefer.

5. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with fruits like strawberries, cherries, or oranges for added flavor.

Fusilli with Melon – Romaine Salad