Mediterranean Fava Bean and Ham Salad

Ingredients

• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
• Olive oil (1/4 cup)
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
• Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced)
• Ham (1 cup, diced)
• Fava beans (2 cups, shelled)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shelled fava beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch. Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the blanched fava beans, diced ham, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
3. Prepare the vinaigrette: in a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
4. Pour the freshly made vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy a bite of Mediterranean sunshine!