Introduction
Discover the refreshing delight of a classic Wilted Greens Salad with Squash, Apples, and Country Ham. This recipe is perfect for those seeking to embrace the simplicity and nutritious bounty of seasonal produce paired with succulent country ham.
Tips for this Recipe
To achieve a harmonious balance in flavor, ensure that your squash is evenly sliced and apples thinly cut. The key to wilted greens’ texture lies in the rapid cooling after dressing; don’t skip using cold water post-dressing for optimal crispness.
Why you will love this recipe
This salad is a celebration of autumn produce and traditional cooking. With every bite, experience the rich tapestry of textures—from the tender greens to the sweet-tart apple slices—and savor the depth of flavors introduced by rustic country ham.
Ingredients
- 10 cups fresh turnip or beet greens, or savoy spinach (about 2 bunches), bottom stems trimmed
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 2 cups 1″ cubes peeled butternut squash
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 ounces thinly sliced country ham or prosciutto, torn into pieces
- 1 apple, such as Braeburn or Fuji, quartered, cored, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
Advised equipment
- Salad Spinner/Washer: For washing and drying salad greens quickly and efficiently.
- Mandoline Slicer: To uniformly slice vegetables like squash, apples, and any vegetable for consistent textures.
- Spatula: A non-stick spatula perfect for flipping components such as the country ham without sticking to pans.
- Chef’s Knife: Ideal for various chopping tasks, including dicing apples and preparing diverse ingredients.
- Salad Bowls: High-quality bowls suited for elegantly serving the salad with its vibrant components.
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl: A robust mixing vessel that’s great for tossing ingredients or making dressings.
- Country Ham Slicer: Neatly slices country ham, excising excess fat.
- Apple Corer/Peeler: Efficient core removal and even apple slicing.
- Salad Dressings Set: For dressing options that enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
History of the recipe
The Wilted Greens Salad with Squash, Apples, and Country Ham is a nod to hearty winter stews turned into a light, refreshing salad. Traditionally prepared dishes like this one reflect the ingenuity of using seasonal produce in new, lighter ways. This particular recipe combines the earthiness of greens with the sweetness of apples and the rich flavors of ham to create a celebration on a plate.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know that country ham, despite its name, is actually an unsmoked bacon-like meat? Originating from the southern United States, it adds a unique depth to dishes. This salad also incorporates techniques like using a mandoline slicer for evenness and cold water dressing method to maintain crisp textures—truly modern takes on traditional cookery.