Fresh & Zesty Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad Recipe

This zesty cucumber salad unleashes a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Mediterranean influences shimmer through each vibrant, crisp bite of this effortless dish.

Fresh herbs and cool cucumber create a symphony of refreshing tastes that dance across your plate.

Minimal preparation yields maximum satisfaction, making this salad a perfect summer companion.

Tangy undertones and bright ingredients merge seamlessly, elevating a simple side dish to something truly spectacular.

Each forkful promises a crisp, invigorating experience that awakens your palate with natural, clean flavors.

You’ll fall in love with this incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious recipe that celebrates fresh produce in its most pure form.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad Ingredient List

• Cucumber: Select firm, vibrant green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing edges.
• Spring Onions: Choose bright green stalks with crisp, unblemished white bottoms.
• Mint Leaves: Pick glossy, deep green leaves without wilting or brown edges.
• Lemon: Look for smooth, heavy fruits with bright yellow color and slight softness when gently squeezed.

• Olives: Opt for plump, glossy olives with rich color and no signs of dryness.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed oils with rich, grassy aroma and deep green color.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose dark, thick vinegar with balanced sweet and tangy profile.

• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns for freshly grinding, ensuring robust flavor and aroma.

Tools to Make Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad

• Fork: Use to create uniform stripes on cucumber surface.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise cutting of cucumber ends and olives.
• Cutting board: Provides clean, stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Teaspoon: Perfect for carefully removing cucumber seeds.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients.
• Citrus juicer or hand: Used to extract fresh lemon juice.
• Pepper mill: Helps grind fresh black pepper directly into the salad.

How to Toss Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad

Craft Cucumber Olive Salad

• Decorate Cucumber Surface

Roll a fork along the cucumber to create textured stripes. Slice off both cucumber tips using a sharp knife on a clean cutting board.

• Prepare Vegetable Base

Slice cucumber lengthwise, remove seeds with a spoon, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Crush olives with your palm, discard stones, and roughly chop. Thinly slice spring onions and combine everything in a mixing bowl.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Pour a splash of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar into the vegetable mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice, adding a twist of black pepper for extra kick.

• Finish With Fresh Flourish

Gently toss all ingredients until perfectly blended. Tear fragrant mint leaves and sprinkle across the top, creating a vibrant and refreshing salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow ingredients to mingle and develop rich, complex tastes.

Refreshing Tips for Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad

Explore creative twists and smart techniques to elevate this refreshing dish.

Add toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Quickly toast them in a dry pan for maximum flavor impact.

Crumble feta or goat cheese on top to introduce a creamy, tangy element that complements the cucumber’s freshness. Choose soft, mild cheeses for best results.

Swap mint with fresh dill, basil, or parsley to change the salad’s flavor profile. Experiment with different herb combinations for unique taste experiences.

Mix in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal. Keep protein portions light to maintain the salad’s delicate balance.

Serving Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb to complement the fresh cucumber and olive flavors.
• Create Mediterranean Platter: Arrange the salad with hummus, pita bread, and feta cheese for a vibrant Mediterranean-style spread.
• Refreshing Summer Side: Chill the salad before serving as a cool, light accompaniment to barbecue meals or picnic dishes.
• Quick Lunch Boost: Pack in a portable container for a healthy work or school lunch that adds zesty freshness to your midday meal.

Planning Ahead with Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad

• Maximize Freshness: Store this cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crisp vegetables maintain their texture best when chilled immediately after preparation.
• Quick Prep Tip: Assemble ingredients just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Chopped cucumbers release moisture over time, so mix dressing right before enjoying.
• Smart Portioning: Divide the salad into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnic meals. Separate the mint leaves until serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cucumber and olive components up to 8 hours in advance. Keep dressing ingredients separate and combine just before eating to preserve the salad's bright, zesty flavors and crunchy texture.

Crisp Jamie Oliver Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie oliver’s cucumber salad delivers crisp, refreshing Mediterranean flavors with tangy herbs and zesty lemon. Quick ingredients blend perfectly, creating a simple side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cucumbers
• 10 black olives (stone in)
• 3 spring onions
• 5–6 sprigs fresh mint
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 lemon
• freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 fresh red chili (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cucumber Preparation: Create lengthwise stripes on cucumber using a fork, then trim ends and slice lengthwise. Remove seeds and chop into uniform cubes.
2. Olive Processing: Crush olives to release stones, discard pits, and coarsely chop the remaining flesh.
3. Onion Handling: Trim spring onions and slice into delicate thin rings.
4. Dressing Composition: Combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in the mixing bowl with cucumber, olives, and spring onions.
5. Seasoning and Finishing: Grind black pepper over the salad, gently toss to blend flavors, and garnish with torn mint leaves for an aromatic and vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Cucumber Stripe Technique: Create uniform lengthwise stripes using a fork to enhance visual appeal and texture of the salad.
• Seed Removal Strategy: Scoop out cucumber seeds to prevent watery texture and ensure a crisp, clean salad base.
• Oil and Vinegar Balance: Drizzle equal parts extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a perfectly balanced dressing that complements the fresh ingredients.
• Mint Garnish Trick: Tear mint leaves instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils and create a more delicate, fragrant finish to the salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg