Zippy Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad Recipe: Garden-Fresh Delight

Mediterranean quinoa salad offers a tantalizing journey through vibrant, sun-kissed flavors that awaken every taste bud.

This protein-packed grain serves as a luxurious foundation for a medley of fresh, zesty ingredients.

Crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs transform the humble quinoa into a culinary masterpiece that sings with Mediterranean charm.

Nutritional powerhouses like olives, feta, and cucumber create a symphony of textures and tastes in every forkful.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of wholesome goodness and explosive flavor that dances across your palate.

Packed with essential nutrients and stunning colors, this salad transcends ordinary meal experiences.

Health-conscious food lovers will fall in love with this effortless, nourishing dish that promises to revolutionize your lunch routine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Quinoa Salad Ingredients in Jamie Oliver’s Version

• Quinoa: Select organic, pre-rinsed varieties to reduce preparation time and ensure pure, nutty flavor.
• Water: Use filtered water for cleaner, crisper taste that enhances quinoa's natural profile.

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for robust, fruity undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Lime: Select bright, firm citrus fruits with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice and zest.
• Cumin: Opt for freshly ground spice to release more intense, earthy aromatics.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Look for vibrant, deep red flakes indicating superior heat and flavor.
• Salt: Prefer sea salt for mineral-rich, complex seasoning.

• Tomatoes, Green Onions: Pick ripe, firm produce with deep, saturated colors signaling peak freshness.
• Black Beans: Select low-sodium canned beans or cook dried beans for better texture and control.
• Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for maximum visual appeal and herbal punch.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked peppercorns for more pronounced, sharp flavor profile.

Utensils for Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for cooking quinoa perfectly.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking and blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Large serving bowl: Spacious container for combining salad components and mixing.
• Whisk: Essential tool for creating a well-blended, zesty dressing.
• Cutting board: Necessary surface for chopping tomatoes and green onions.
• Sharp knife: Precise tool for chopping vegetables cleanly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasoning.
• Measuring cup: Ensures correct water-to-quinoa ratio.

How to Make Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad

• Cook Quinoa Base

Boil quinoa in a saucepan until tender and water is fully absorbed. Let it cool naturally, creating a fluffy foundation for your zesty salad.

• Whip Up Tangy Dressing

Combine lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk energetically until the dressing becomes a vibrant, well-blended mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Toss Salad Medley

Fold cooled quinoa with juicy tomatoes, hearty black beans, and crisp green onions. Drizzle the spicy dressing over the ingredients, mixing gently to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley, adding a final sprinkle of black pepper and salt to elevate the taste profile.

• Serve and Savor

Enjoy this protein-packed salad right away at room temperature or chill for a refreshing twist. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or summer gathering that’ll impress your friends and family.

Jamie Oliver’s Tips for Quinoa Salad Variety

• Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shredded beef, or tofu cubes to transform this quinoa salad into a more substantial meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different chili peppers like jalapeños or serrano for a personalized heat level that matches your taste preferences and adds a bold kick to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance to let flavors meld together, creating a more intense and delicious taste profile that develops overnight in the refrigerator.
• Gluten-Free and Vegan Friendly: Easily adapt the recipe by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and replace any animal-based products with plant-based alternatives for a completely inclusive meal option.

Serving Ideas for Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad

• Boost Protein Power: Top the quinoa salad with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu for an extra protein punch that transforms the dish into a complete meal.
• Wrap It Up Fresh: Use large lettuce leaves or warm tortillas to create delicious handheld wraps, turning this quinoa salad into a portable lunch or quick dinner option.
• Customize with Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy tortilla strips on top to add exciting texture and nutty flavor dimensions to the salad.
• Elevate with Extras: Garnish with creamy sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance the salad's richness and create a more indulgent eating experience.

Storing Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store this quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its vibrant flavors and crisp texture.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Make the entire salad in advance for quick grab-and-go lunches, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep dressing separate from salad ingredients until serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain ideal crunchiness of beans and greens.
• Freezing Wisdom: While quinoa salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the base without fresh herbs and vegetables for up to 1 month, thawing and refreshing with new herbs and dressing when ready to serve.

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Quinoa salad celebrates Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients from Greece and Italy. Crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and herb-infused dressing create a light, nutritious meal you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 5 green onions (finely chopped)
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 limes (juiced)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Quinoa Preparation: Simmer quinoa in water over medium-low heat until grains become tender and liquid absorbs completely, approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk cumin, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, and lime juice in a small bowl until ingredients blend smoothly and create a harmonious vinaigrette.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine cooled quinoa with diced tomatoes, black beans, and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle prepared dressing over the mixture and gently fold to ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
4. Final Touches: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley across the salad, then season with additional ground black pepper and salt to elevate the overall taste profile. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to intensify and meld together.

Notes

• Boost Quinoa Texture: Rest quinoa after cooking to prevent mushiness and achieve perfect, fluffy grains.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let salad chill for 30 minutes to allow dressing and ingredients to blend harmoniously.
• Freshness is Key: Consume within 24 hours to maintain crisp vegetables and vibrant taste.
• Customize with Confidence: Swap ingredients like beans or herbs to match personal preferences without compromising the salad’s core structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg