Balsamic Pine Nut and Prosciutto Punch Salad

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

A vibrant mixed greens salad tossed with toasted pine nuts, salty prosciutto, and sharp parmesan, all brought together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 20 minutes brings together mixed greens, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, shaved for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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; transfer to a bowl to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed greens, the cooled toasted pine nuts, 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto torn into bite-sized pieces, and 1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

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

Refrigerate any leftover balsamic pine nut and prosciutto punch salad in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic Pine Nut and Prosciutto Punch 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 Pine Nut and Prosciutto Punch 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 Pine Nut and Prosciutto Punch 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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