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This peach prosciutto hot honey orzo salad is a summer essential at my house for its quick throw together ease and its wildly fresh flavors The sweet juicy peaches and bold hot honey blend so well with salty crisp prosciutto and creamy mozzarella pearls while the orzo makes it hearty enough to be dinner or a satisfying side
I whipped this up for a cookout with friends and everyone came back for seconds Now it is my go to picnic dish when peaches are at their peak
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta: gives the dish body and soaks up all the dressing Choose a high quality brand for the best bite
- Peaches: add freshness and sweetness Try to use ripe but slightly firm fruit for the juiciest flavor without getting mushy
- Prosciutto or pancetta: for savory salty crunch Look for thinly sliced prosciutto from the deli I crisp it up in a skillet to take it over the top
- Mozzarella pearls: provide creamy richness Look for ones packed in water for the softest bite
- Fresh basil: delivers herbaceous brightness Always use vibrant green leaves with no dark spots
- Arugula: is optional for extra greens and a slight pepper kick Choose fresh leaves that are not wilted
- Olive oil: forms the base of the vinaigrette Go for a fruity extra virgin type for the best taste
- Hot honey: brings spicy sweet punch Some brands are much hotter Start small and add to taste
- Apple cider vinegar: for a gentle tangier finish Use raw unfiltered if you can for depth
- Dijon mustard: helps emulsify the dressing Smooth Dijon gives great balance
- Garlic: adds a little sharpness Use a fresh minced clove for best flavor
- Salt: to season according to your preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Hot Honey Vinaigrette:
- Mix olive oil hot honey apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard garlic and salt together in a jar Close the lid and shake hard or whisk until blended Taste and adjust the hot honey and salt to your liking Cover and chill while you make the salad
- Crisp the Prosciutto:
- Chop your prosciutto or pancetta and place it in a cold skillet Set the heat to medium and cook stirring often until the pieces are golden and crisp Watch closely as it can go from perfect to overcooked fast Transfer to a paper towel to drain
- Assemble the Orzo Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooked and cooled orzo chopped peaches crisp prosciutto mozzarella pearls and the basil If using toss in the arugula for more color and flavor Gently stir everything together so each bit gets some of every ingredient
- Dress and Toss:
- Drizzle the chilled hot honey vinaigrette over the salad Pour about half to start then toss and taste Add more vinaigrette until it is just perfectly saucy Gently stir again until everything is evenly coated
- Serve It Up:
- Spoon the salad into a pretty bowl and finish with a bit more basil if you like Serve cold or at room temperature This is the kind of dish that draws a crowd
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My favorite piece of this salad is always the crispy prosciutto bits That savory crunch just does something magical with sweet juicy peach I have so many memories of laughing around the table with friends while we scoop out second helpings with big smiles
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge The flavors hold up for about two days If you know you will want leftovers keep the vinaigrette and salad separate so it does not get soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap prosciutto with pancetta or thick cut bacon if needed No mozzarella pearls Try cutting up fresh mozzarella into small cubes For a vegetarian option skip the meat and add roasted walnuts or extra arugula
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Serving Suggestions
Lovely on its own or as a highlight at a summer cookout I like to pack it for lunch or serve alongside grilled chicken shrimp or even a juicy steak It also plays nicely as part of a brunch spread
A Touch of History
Orzo is a short oval pasta popular in Mediterranean salads Its name means barley in Italian even though it is made from wheat Combining fresh peaches with salty meats is an old European pairing that feels totally fresh in a chilled salad
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of hot honey works best?
Start with a mild hot honey and increase to your preferred spice level. Each brand differs, so taste as you go and add more gradually to suit your palate.
- → Is there a substitute for prosciutto?
Pancetta or crisped bacon make excellent substitutes if prosciutto isn’t available, bringing a similar salty, savory bite to the salad.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the salad ahead but add the dressing and arugula just before serving to maintain ideal texture and freshness.
- → Which pasta varieties can replace orzo?
Small pasta shapes like pearl couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa can stand in for orzo if desired, though orzo offers a pleasantly tender base.
- → How do I keep peaches from browning?
Toss chopped peaches with a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before adding to the salad to help preserve their color and freshness.
- → What cheese can be used besides mozzarella pearls?
Burrata or cubed fresh mozzarella are great alternatives, lending creaminess and mildness to balance the heat and sweetness.