Balsamic-Glazed Prosciutto and Pine Nut Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, salty prosciutto, crunchy pine nuts, and sharp parmesan cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, pine nuts, shaved parmesan cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant; set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 4 torn prosciutto slices, the toasted pine nuts, and 1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly, and serve immediately for a fresh, tangy bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Balsamic-Glazed Prosciutto and Pine Nut Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Balsamic-Glazed Prosciutto and Pine Nut Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Glazed Prosciutto and Pine Nut Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Balsamic-Glazed Prosciutto and Pine Nut Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Balsamic-Glazed Prosciutto and Pine Nut Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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