The Ultimate Summer Refreshment: Plum, Mozzarella & Prosciutto Salad

As summer temperatures soar, our palates often crave something light, cool, and incredibly refreshing. While everyone might be eagerly anticipating the crisp air and cozy flavors of autumn, here in the Northwest, summer seems to be in no hurry to leave. This season has been unusually warm, prompting a constant search for meals that don’t require turning on the oven or slaving over a hot stove. If you find yourself yearning for an escape from the heat, look no further than this delightful Plum, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Salad – a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh that embodies the very essence of summer.

A Culinary Inspiration Born from Summer Heat

The inspiration for this exquisite salad dates back to a particularly intense heatwave in Portland a few summers ago. My partner, Mr. Briar, and I sought refuge at a charming local eatery called Produce Row Cafe, which, I recently discovered, has happily reopened its doors! It was there that I first encountered a revelation: a salad featuring peaches, fresh mozzarella, and salty prosciutto. Perhaps it was the sheer relief of consuming something so wonderfully cold after a day of overheating, but that salad instantly ranked among the best I had ever tasted. Its memory lingered, resurfacing vividly this past May when the heat descended upon us with an unexpected fervor. I initially experimented with a nectarine version, inspired by a recipe from Honestly Yum, but my unwavering affection for plums soon led me to an even more exciting adaptation.

Plums: The Unsung Heroes of Summer Fruits

Can we take a moment to truly appreciate plums? They are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite of all the stone fruits. Their unique balance of sweetness and tartness, coupled with their juicy texture, makes them incredibly versatile. However, selecting the perfect plum can sometimes be a delightful challenge. I have a particular fondness for black plums, which often hide a glorious crimson flesh beneath their dark skins. Yet, it’s not always obvious from the exterior what treasures lie within. Many red plums skillfully masquerade as black plums, making the discovery of those truly vibrant, deeply colored ones a small victory. When you bite into a perfectly ripe plum, you’re greeted with a burst of flavor that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully refreshing. Beyond their fantastic taste, plums also offer nutritional benefits, being a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

This Plum, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Salad truly shines on a sweltering summer day. Its greatest appeal lies in its simplicity and the fact that it requires absolutely no cooking. From start to finish, this vibrant dish comes together in mere minutes, making it the ideal choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an elegant appetizer when you simply can’t bear the thought of heating up your kitchen. The harmonious combination of sweet plums, creamy fresh mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and fragrant basil, all lightly tossed in a simple balsamic dressing, creates a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and utterly comforting.

Plum, Mozzarella and Prosciutto Salad

By Meghan McMorrow | Fox and Briar

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Servings: 2 Servings

This salad is super easy and refreshing, making it perfect for a hot summer day when you don’t want to turn on the oven! It combines sweet plums, creamy mozzarella, and salty prosciutto for an unforgettable flavor.

Ingredients

For The Salad:

5 cups baby spring greens
3 plums, pits removed and sliced (preferably black plums for their vibrant color and balanced sweetness)
2 ounces fresh whole milk mozzarella*, cut or torn into bite-sized pieces (ciliegine or bocconcini work wonderfully)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, left whole or roughly torn
2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced for the best texture and flavor

For The Dressing:

1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (a good quality aged balsamic will elevate the flavor)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste (flaky sea salt is excellent for finishing)
Pepper to taste (freshly ground black pepper for best aroma)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Add the baby spring greens and fresh basil leaves to the bowl. Gently toss with the dressing until all the greens are lightly coated.
Carefully add the sliced plums and mozzarella pieces to the salad. Toss just a little more to ensure some dressing adheres to the fruit and cheese without bruising the plums.
Tear the prosciutto into a few large, rustic pieces and artfully arrange them over the salad. The salty prosciutto provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet plums.
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, drizzle a little more balsamic vinegar over the finished salad, and season with additional salt (a coarse salt works beautifully here) and freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors!

Notes

*For the fresh mozzarella, I often use small “ciliegine” balls and simply cut them in half. If your mozzarella comes packed in water, be sure to blot it thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which could water down your dressing. Any size of fresh mozzarella can be used; just cut or tear it into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat.
This recipe is designed to serve two as a generous main course or a side dish. The ingredients are incredibly easy to scale up or down for any number of guests. As a general guideline, aim for approximately 1 plum, 1 ounce of fresh mozzarella, and 1 ounce of prosciutto per person. Feel free to adjust quantities to your personal preference – perhaps a little more cheese, or extra basil if you love its aroma!
Given the simplicity and limited number of ingredients in this salad, the quality of each component truly shines through. For the best possible flavor experience, I highly recommend sourcing the freshest, ripest plums, high-quality fresh mozzarella (preferably from a local creamery), artisanal prosciutto, and a good extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. The difference in taste will be remarkable.
Variations & Substitutions: Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe!
- Other Stone Fruits: While plums are fantastic, feel free to substitute with ripe peaches, nectarines, or even cherries (pitted and halved) for a different sweet note.
- Cheese Options: If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, burrata (creamy and indulgent!), goat cheese (tangy), or even a mild feta (salty and crumbly) could make interesting alternatives.
- Cured Meats: Instead of prosciutto, try thinly sliced serrano ham, capicola, or even a crisp-fried pancetta for added texture.
- Additions: Elevate the salad with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch, a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, or a few torn mint leaves alongside the basil for an herbal twist.
Make Ahead Tips: To prepare this salad in advance, whisk the dressing separately. Prepare and slice all the salad components, but keep them separate. Just before serving, combine the greens with the dressing, then add the plums, mozzarella, and prosciutto, tossing gently. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the greens from wilting.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Additional Info

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Italian

There’s nothing quite like a simple, elegant meal that comes together effortlessly, especially when the weather calls for minimal fuss in the kitchen. This Plum, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Salad perfectly fits the bill, offering a refreshing escape with every bite. It’s a testament to how incredible flavor can emerge from just a few high-quality, seasonal ingredients.

Embrace the Flavors of Late Summer

As summer draws to a close, it leaves us with an abundance of spectacular produce, and plums are certainly among the brightest stars. This salad celebrates their unique charm, pairing them with classic Italian flavors for a dish that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. It’s an ode to easy entertaining, quick weeknight dinners, and the simple pleasure of fresh, vibrant ingredients.

We encourage you to try this incredibly delicious and easy Plum, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Salad before summer slips away entirely. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, a moment of cool calm amidst the summer heat. What are your favorite ways to celebrate the last bounty of summer produce? Share your thoughts and culinary adventures with us!

If you loved this recipe, please consider rating it and sharing your creations! We’d love to see what you make. Tag us on Instagram @foxandbriar and use #foxandbriar!