Prosciutto and Pine Nut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
A fresh mixed greens salad tossed with toasted pine nuts, shaved Parmesan, and delicate prosciutto slices, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian option) ready in about 14 minutes pairs mixed 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup pine nuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant; remove and let cool.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Place 6 cups of mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add the toasted pine nuts, 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, and 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto torn into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Prosciutto and Pine Nut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 14 minutes (10 min prep + 4 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 Prosciutto and Pine Nut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette?
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 greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Prosciutto and Pine Nut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette?
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 Prosciutto and Pine Nut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette 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.
Is Prosciutto and Pine Nut Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette vegetarian option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
