A Plate Of Parma Ham Recipe
Make A Plate Of Parma Ham Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Plate components
Dressing & seasoning
To serve
Method
Plate components
Prepare greens and tomatoes
Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Prepare mozzarella and melon
If using a ball of fresh mozzarella, tear it into bite-size pieces. Slice or ball the cantaloupe/melon into thin wedges or medium-sized spheres that are easy to place on the plate.
Arrange the base: on a large serving platter or two plates, make a loose bed of arugula slightly off-center to leave space for ham. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and pieces of mozzarella across the arugula. Tuck melon slices between the greens and tomatoes so they are visually balanced.
Fold or drape Parma ham slices elegantly across and around the bed of arugula and melon. Try rolling a few slices into loose rosettes for height and visual interest.
Finish the plate with a light scatter of Parmesan shavings over the ham, mozzarella, and greens.
Dressing & seasoning
Make the dressing
In a small bowl whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and honey until emulsified. Season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness as desired.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arranged plate, focusing lightly on the arugula, tomatoes, and melon. Avoid drenching the ham; a light touch preserves its texture and flavor.
If using olives, scatter them across the plate now. Finish with the remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt sprinkled lightly only over the greens and tomatoes (be careful because Parma ham is salty). Grind remaining black pepper over the whole plate to taste.
To serve
Toast the ciabatta or crusty bread slices until golden and warm. Arrange the slices on the side of the platter or in a small basket.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for guests who want an extra bright squeeze over the melon or greens. Recommend guests pair small bread slices with ham, mozzarella, and melon for balanced bites.
Optional: If storing briefly, keep Parma ham covered in the refrigerator and assemble within 30 minutes of service to preserve texture and flavor.