advertisement

Prosciutto, Cantaloupe and Orecchiette Salad

16 ounces orecchiette pasta

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

1 fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced

4 ounces prosciutto, cut into thin strips

1 cup diced cantaloupe

½ cup torn fresh basil leaves

Salt and ground black pepper

Shaved parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.

Two minutes before the pasta is finished cooking, add the asparagus. When the pasta is finished, drain immediately and mix in several ice cubes. Stand the strainer of pasta and asparagus in the sink and run cool water over them until completely cooled.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and mustard. Add the cooked and cooled pasta and asparagus, the fennel, prosciutto, cantaloupe and basil. Gently stir to combine and distribute the dressing. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with the parmesan.

Serves eight.

Nutrition values per serving: 320 calories, 8 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 49 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 14 g protein, 10 mg cholesterol, 470 mg sodium.

Alison Ladman for The Associated Press

Pasta salad should be easy. It should be a just-throw-the-ingredients-in-a-bowl kind of summer food like this prosciutto, cantaloupe and orecchiette combo. Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.