Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
- Tips for Best Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
- Storage Instructions
- How to Serve Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
- Tools for Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
- Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
If you’re looking for a quick and refreshing low-carb salad that’s perfect for summer, you’ve found it! This Mediterranean Melon, Feta & Bresaola Salad combines the sweet, juicy flavor of galia melon with the salty bresaola and creamy feta cheese. It’s a delicious mix of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a light, healthy lunch, this Mediterranean keto salad is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, ready in just 10 minutes, and can be customized to your liking. Don’t have bresaola? No problem! Swap it out for prosciutto, chorizo, or pepperoni. Prefer goat cheese over feta? Go for it! This salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
- Naturally Low-Carb: Perfect for maintaining a low-carb or even a keto diet.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in less than 10 minutes.
- Versatile: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Combines sweet, tangy and salty flavors that are perfect for summer.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for barbecues or a light lunch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Making this recipe is simple, you only need a few ingredients:
- Galia Melon: Adds a sweet, juicy element.
- Cucumber: For a refreshing crunch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Red Onion: Offers a sharp, tangy bite.
- Fresh Mint: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Bresaola: Adds a rich, salty flavor and protein.
- Feta Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty tang to the dressing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for the dressing.
- Coconut Aminos or Tamari Sauce: Adds a savory depth to the dressing.
- Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Substitutions & Variations
- Galia Melon: You can use other melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew. Each brings a unique sweetness to the salad.
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese is a great alternative, providing a similar creamy and tangy flavor.
- Bresaola: Parma ham (made from pork) can be used instead of bresaola (made from beef), adding a slightly different savory note.
- Fresh Mint: Basil is an excellent alternative, offering a different but equally fresh aroma.
- Lime Juice: Swap it with lemon juice for a similar zesty tang in the dressing.
How To Make Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, coconut aminos or tamari sauce, salt, and cracked black pepper.
Prepare the Melon. Peel and deseed the galia melon. Chop into chunks or use a melon baller to create melon balls.
Prepare the Cucumber. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon. Discard the seeds or save them for another recipe. Slice the cucumber into thin pieces.
Combine the Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the melon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the fresh mint to the bowl and toss the salad with the prepared dressing until everything is evenly coated. Arrange the bresaola slices on top of the salad and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
Serve Immediately. This salad is best served fresh.
Tips for Best Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh melon, cucumber, and herbs make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Crisp Up the Bresaola: For an extra flavor boost, roast the bresaola in the oven at 180°C/355°F (conventional) or 160°C/320°F (fan-assisted) for about 5-8 minutes until crisp. This adds a delightful crunch.
- Serve Immediately: This salad tastes best when served fresh. The ingredients retain their crispness and vibrant flavors.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the salt, pepper, and lime juice to your liking.
- Keep It Cool: If you’re preparing this salad for a barbecue or picnic, keep it chilled until serving to maintain its refreshing quality.
Storage Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The ingredients may lose some of their crispness over time and may release some water, so you might need to drain any excess liquid before serving again.
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
How to Serve Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
This versatile salad can be enjoyed in various ways to suit any occasion:
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own for a refreshing and light lunch that’s perfect for warm days. Optionally, serve with some toasted keto bread.
- Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish and seafood.
- Appetizer: Portion it into smaller servings to serve as an appetizer at dinner parties.
- Topped with Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts on top for an added crunch and extra nutrients. Try topping with some Dukkah!
Tools for Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
Apart from some basic tools like a good knife and chopping board, here’s what you may find useful:
- Melon Baller: Handy for creating perfectly shaped melon balls, adding a professional touch to your salad.
Mediterranean Salad with Melon, Feta & Bresaola
Ingredients
Salad
- 16 scooped balls of galia melon
- 1 large cucumber (sliced and core removed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh mint (torn)
- 16 slices bresaola
- ⅔ cup crumbled feta
Dressing
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tsp coconut aminos or tamari sauce
- pinch of salt (or to taste)
- pinch cracked black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, coconut aminos or tamari sauce, salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Peel and deseed the galia melon. Chop into chunks or use a melon baller to create melon balls.
- Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon. Discard the seeds or save them for another recipe. Slice the cucumber into thin pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the melon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the fresh mint to the bowl and toss the salad with the prepared dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Arrange the bresaola slices on top of the salad and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve Immediately. This salad tastes best when served fresh.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: About 225 g (8 oz).
- Crisp Up the Bresaola: For an extra flavor boost, roast the bresaola in the oven at 180°C/355°F (conventional) or 160°C/320°F (fan-assisted) for about 5-8 minutes until crisp.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Combine dressing and ingredients just before serving for best results.
This sounds delicious! Do you think watermelon would work here?
100%! Watermelon, feta, cucumber and mint are perfect together 🙂
Such a wonderful salad recipe, Martina! The combination of sweet melon and salty bresaola is just perfection and so refreshing for summer.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed!
Just made this for lunch, and wow, it was super refreshing! 😊 Martina, can you make this a day in advance or does it get soggy?
Thank you for the lovely feedback! You could do that but there will be a change in texture. Personally, I never make most fresh salads in advance.
This salad is so refreshing. Honestly you made my day, I was missing melon!
Thank you, that’s so great to know!
This sounds so good! I’m thinking this might work with mozzarella too? Or burrata? 😊
Sounds great! I’d try both.
Just tried this and omg it’s such a cool combo of sweet melon and salty feta, absolutely loved it! Does anyone think watermelon would be good as replacement? 😊
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed! And yes for watermelon!
Just tried this salad and OMG so good, making this again! 😊
Thank you!