Melon and Salami Pressed Sandwich on Rye. Perfect summer sandwich for your next picnic. A make-ahead sandwich that’s born to travel.

It’s officially the Dog Days of Summer. And if you thought that was a term your grandma made up, it’s really an official July-August astrological event…but why implicate our innocent pups?
Research tells us that the constellation Orion is often referred to as “The Hunter” and is a prominent constellation visible throughout the world. Nearby is the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for “greater dog.” According to constellation lore, Canis Major is one of Orion’s hunting dogs. Sirius is part of Canis Major, and with exception to our sun, is the brightest star visible from Earth. Sirius is also called the “dog star” and means “searing.”
At this time of year Sirius rises at the same time as the sun and can be visible with the naked eye during daylight hours. Thank you Google.
To me, “Dog Days” represents the sultry part of Summer, a period promoting lethargy and inactivity.
A period where we may or may not want to turn on the oven, the stove top or even walk out onto the the searing hot deck to heat up anything.
So what a fun Summer Chillin’ project to get revenge on the heat and think about foods that are prepared and served cold.
I chose a sandwich concoction that I’ve had in my database for years. This melon and salami sandwich on rye bread is served right out of the refrigerator.
Why This Salami Sandwich Works
The distinctive flavor of rye bread is enhanced by salty salami, sweet melon, robust Gouda, and sweet and nutty Jarlsberg. With a bite of Dijon mustard and a slather of cool sour cream, you’ve got a great sandwich. Something about wrapping the whole thing in plastic wrap and chilling for up to six hours, seems to smoosh the flavors and ingredients into a delightful treat.
Recipe for Melon and Salami Sandwich on Rye
I hope you give this Melon and Salami Sandwich a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating.
Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite salami sandwich recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.
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Melon and Salami Sandwich on Rye
Ingredients
- 4 slices rye bread and/or pumpernickel bread
- 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 2 ounces thinly sliced Jarlsberg cheese
- 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 4 slices thin honeydew melon peeled
- 2 teaspoons light dairy sour cream
- 2 ounces thinly sliced salami
- 2 ounces thinly sliced Gouda cheese
- 2 leaves romaine lettuce ribs removed (optional)
Instructions
- Spread one side of each bread slice lightly with mustard.
- On two of the bread slices layer the Jarlsberg cheese, prosciutto, and melon on top of mustard.
- Spread a thin layer of sour cream over melon slices. Add salami, Gouda, and romaine, if desired.
- Top with remaining two bread slices, mustard side down. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 1 to 6 hours. Makes 2 sandwiches.
Nutrition
Melon and Salami Sandwich on Rye…It’s what’s for a Cool Summer Meal.
Let me tell you…dog days of summer are August and September in S. Florida! One wants to just sit (or sit in the ocean)…so hot, so humid! People don’t begin to wake up until October or November around here. Your sweet/ salty sandwich would definitely hit the spot at my house. I love melon with prosciutto so this would be a great improvement on that…love the cheese, Lea Ann! Divine looking bread, too.
Thanks Barbara. Around here, we don’t have to deal with humidity, but the altitude makes the heat seem all that more searing. I agree about the melon and prosciutto combo and it works so well in this sandwich.
Great looking sandwich! Interesting to learn about the dog days – we really get our share of them up here since we don’t have air conditioning. No cooking in the house except late at night when things chill down. Praise God we live near the lake. 😉
I remember being at that lake and it was so hot that we just floated all day on air mattresses. Not complaining. It was beautiful and relaxing.
What a great summer sandwich! I’m definitely not in the mood to spend hours at the stove right now, and sandwich from the fridge sounds perfect.
Thanks Lisa. Always good to hear from you. And yes, I agree about this being a great little Summer Sandwich. And good for picnic food.
Now THAT’s a sandwich. I have never ever in a thousand years and I am almost that old too thought of putting melon in a sandwich. I am enchanted with the idea. I am not much of salami eater, but this pushes me to give it a try.
I love a good ol’ sweet and salty combo. Let me know what you think if you try it Carol.