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.
More Popular Sandwich Recipes
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- Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Party Sub Club Sandwich

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.
I love the ying and yang opposite of sweet and savory going on this sandwich! We LIVE on cold sammies in the summer and this combo sounds delicious Lea Ann! Hope your summer is going great!
Roz
You and me both Roz. Love a sweet/salty combo.
Yeah, we’re doing minimal cooking at the moment. But you can still eat well without turning on the stove, as your sandwich proves. Love the idea of adding melon to this! I don’t think I’ve seen that before, but it’s brilliant. Thanks.
Thanks John. Actually I’ve been to busy to do much cooking. And for me, that’s b-u-s-y.
So simple but looks so good.
Thanks Peter.
What an amazing sandwich! I’ve never thought to add melon before.
It’s a nice little cool surprise for flavor. And with a dollop of sour cream, we like this sandwich.
Thank you for the astrological lesson! I never knew where the term came from. Sandwiches, salads, cool melon and chilled meat – all worthy of a dog day.
Thanks Susan.
Melon on a sandwich? That is twisted! But perfect for these dog days. I think it is quite appropriate that “searing” is astronomically tied to the time of year we grill the most. Coincidence? I think not! 🙂
Melon on a sandwich is twisted, and yummy.
I think it is the salty, sweet and robust that got me! Definitely this spells great!
Thanks Abbe.
We are definitely in the sammie and salad mood around here! I love the flavors,
Thanks Debra.
That looks mouthwatering! I’m really into rye bread at the moment. 🙂
I go in rye bread spurts. Such a strong flavor and you have to know what to put on it. (in my humble opinion) 🙂
I love all the flavors in that sandwich. And thanks for googling all the stars/dog stuff, I find that fascinating!
Thanks Pam.
We really like sweet and salty combinations and this looks like a sandwich that needs to be tried. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping in Johnnie and the comment. Let me know what you think if you give it a try.
Gorgeous sandwich Lea Ann and full of interesting flavors. I also like the watermelon slices on the side. We love sandwiches at our house.
Sam
We don’t make sandwiches enough around here. I’m not sure why. Great Summer food.
This is really cool combination. I’m going in a long trip to Egypt next Friday and the plane leaves DIA at exactly the ” iftar” time for us – Iftar is breaking the fasting day of Ramadan at sunset- and I was wondering what to take with me as I do really want to eat clean. Your sandwich is a great idea, but I might omit the melon as I do not want the bread to get soggy… what do you think? did you keep it for 6 hours with melon in? did the bread get soggy?
Amira, the melon is not next to the bread, so it all works out well. The times I’ve made this there’s been no soggy bread. Have a great trip.
I’ve always wondered where that expression came from. Very interesting. This sandwich looks wonderful. So funny because I was just working on a canape with rye bread today. I don’t know who loves rye bread more, me or my Jack.
I love it that Jack loves Rye Bread. 🙂
Holy honey dew batman, the melon is actually on the sandwich – I was sure the title meant salami on rye with melon. The sandwich sounds delicious and I’m sure the melon provides a nice crunch as well as flavor.
That’s right, melon on a sandwich. And on the side. It’s Summer!
A great combination of flavors. Sandwiches are great summer time meals. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re so welcome and thanks for stopping in and the comment.
Oh what a gorgeous sandwich! The addition of melon lends an exotic ingredient and juicy bite among the other ingredients. This is sandwich genius!
Alaiyo
Thanks so much Alalyo! And for stopping in and the comment. Love new visitors.
Great post Lea Ann, always wondered about that phrase. Love this sandwich, the combination sounds wonderful.
Thanks Cheri.
Talk about different but I’m sure delicious. It does sound like a good combination of flavors.
Thanks so much Karen. We love this sandwich.
I always wondered where that term came from 😉 This sandwich looks fantastic! I just love the unique flavor combos!
Thanks Gwen. If you’re a sweet/salty fan you must give this one a try.