INSTANT BALSAMIC STRAWBERRIES & HAM SALAD: other protein options, almost instant, low-fat,

Strawberries are not just for Wimbledon - teamed with silky Italian or Spanish ham & Balsamic dressing they make a sassy satisfying salad ...

So quick & easy: Strawberry Ham Balsamic Salad (other protein options avail)
'A winner; I loved the flavours and textures.' Taster

Strawberry may seem an odd thing in a savoury salad but the juicy sweet fruit goes well with cold cuts like meat, smoked fish or salty soft cheeses.  

Inspired by tv cook Valerie Bertinelli, 67 wanted something very, very easy and super-quick to put together.

It's an 'impulse' salad designed for UK weather.  You know, taking advantage of the sunshine & heat which somehow miraculously continues at the end of a working day.  Giving in to an impulse, picking up ingredients on the way home, relaxing and basking in warm weather.  

It's an indulgence, to be sure, but mouthwatering and delectable.  

A frugal version of this recipe which takes more time is also given.

Cost: £3-5, less with frugal option 
Feeds: 2-3 but doubles nicely

Ingredients:
   1 x 100gm pre-packed mixed leaf salad (67 used baby leaf rocket)
   70 -100gms prosciutto OR Spanish serrano & chorizo selection* (2x taster packs) OR Pastrami
   2 generous handsful sweet strawberries, sliced thickly
   few tablespoons flaked almonds

Vegan option: replace ham with vegan bacon bits, made with bacon-sized strips of bread instead of breadcrumbs

Vegetarian option: replace ham with crumbled feta or goats cheese; replace flaked almonds with lightly toasted walnuts or pecans

Fish option: replace ham with cooked prawns or calamari; replace flaked almonds with shaved dried unsweetened coconut (not the kind for mixing into cake batter but the kind for decorating)

Frugal option: spinach or other salad leaves; 100 gms bacon in strips, fried till crisp; replace almonds with one third recipe crispy croutons 

   Balsamic Vinaigrette 
      3-4 tbsp good olive oil
      1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
      good pinch salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, pref. coarsely ground
      1 rounded tsp wholegrain mustard
      1/4 tsp sugar, honey or maple syrup (opt)
Pour all ingredients into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until thick and blended. Check seasoning

Serve with: crusty French bread

Method:

1. If leaves are not organic, rinse briefly in a 8-2 solution of water and white vinegar; drain; pat dry; spread out on a platter 
2. If platter isn't big enough for one layer, do two layers, dividing fruit, meat & nuts accordingly
3. Scatter strawberry slices, then nuts over base layer; dot surface with strips/folds of meat
4. Repeat on second layer
5. Season with pepper and a little salt
6. Serve dressing separately
7. Serve with fresh crusty bread

Comments:
'A real winner; the combination of fruit, ham and nuts with the slightly bitter salad is really, really good.  I loved the flavour and texture.' Retired writer

Notes: Air Dried vs Smoked Hams 

Proscuitto and the Spanish Serrano Ham have similar levels of salt to bacon or ham but are air dried and, when produced in the traditional way, contain no nitrates. 

Proscuitto and Serrano are also lower in fat.  Comparing 3 slices of bacon to 2 of  air-dried unsmoked hams, air-dried have half the calories, half the fat and half the saturated fat. Obviously the paper-thin slices of air-dried ham contribute to its healthier profile.

Given a choice and the budget, 67 prefers Italian prosciutto but the less expensive Spanish serrano is a more than acceptable substitute, and you get more in weight for your pound.           

 *M&S £1 each
More salads on NavBar: Recipes II

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This recipe has  been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission