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Salumi with Peaches and Watercress

This vibrant salumi salad with peaches and watercress is a sophisticated choice for a light summer lunch or an effortless dinner party starter. The recipe celebrates the classic Italian pairing of salty cured meats with sweet seasonal fruit. By using a variety of salumi, such as fennel-scented finocchiona and spicy pepperoni, you create a complex flavour profile that is beautifully balanced by the acidity of orange and lemon juice.

As a dairy-free friendly dish that can be easily adapted, this platter relies on the quality of its fresh ingredients. The peppery bite of the fresh watercress and the cooling notes of mint and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the rich charcuterie. Serve this colourful assembly with some crusty sourdough or focaccia to mop up the citrus-infused olive oil dressing.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Salumi with Peaches and Watercress

  • 8 thin slices Finochionna salumi

  • 12 thin slices Tuscan salumi

  • 12 thin slices Sulmitti pepperoni

  • 2 ripe peaches or nectarines

  • 120ml olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • Juice of 1 orange

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 bunches watercress

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

  • 30g pecorino cheese, shaved

How to make Salumi with Peaches and Watercress

  1. On a serving platter, arrange the salumi and pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern.

  2. Without peeling the peaches, remove the pits, slice the fruit into thin wedges, and put in a bowl. Add the olive oil, orange and lemon juice, watercress, mint, and basil and toss gently.Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss again.

  3. Spoon the salad next to the salumi. Drizzle both the salumi and salad with olive oil, garnish with the cheese, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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