Refreshing Jamie Oliver Rice Salad Recipe with Crisp Veggies

Mediterranean rice salad from Jamie Oliver unleashes a carnival of flavors that electrify your taste buds.

Crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs weave a culinary tapestry of freshness and excitement.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of color and texture on your plate.

Every bite promises a delightful journey through Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Seasonal produce transforms simple grains into an extraordinary gastronomic experience.

The harmonious blend of ingredients elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

This salad will revolutionize your approach to light, nutritious meals.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver Rice Salad

• Rice: Select long-grain varieties for best texture and fluffy results.

• Basil, Mint: Choose bright green leaves without brown spots or wilting.

• Apricots: Pick ripe, fragrant fruits with vibrant color and slight give when gently pressed.

• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground pepper and high-quality sea salt for robust flavor.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed, fruity oil with rich golden-green color and smooth finish.

Tools Used in Jamie Oliver Rice Salad

• Rice Cooker or Pot: Perfect for cooking rice precisely and easily.
• Colander: Handy for draining rice after boiling.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining rice and ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for finely chopping herbs and slicing apricots.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for chopping herbs and fruits safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps season rice with exact salt and pepper amounts.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gently mixing rice and seasonings.
• Serving Dish: Beautiful vessel to present your delicious rice salad.

Making Jamie Oliver Rice Salad

• Cook Rice Like a Pro

Dive into the world of perfect rice by following the package guidelines. Boil until the grains become tender and fluffy. Drain the water and let the rice chill at room temperature, creating a perfect base for your culinary adventure.

• Unleash Herbal Magic

Carefully pluck fragrant basil and mint leaves, transforming them into delicate green confetti. Slice juicy apricots into tempting little morsels that will dance through your dish with vibrant flavor.

• Create Flavor Symphony

Combine the cooled rice in a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle in freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, gently folding the seasonings to create a harmonious blend that makes every bite sing with excitement. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious finishing touch that brings the entire dish to life with a glossy, irresistible sheen.

Tips for Perfect Jamie Oliver Rice Salad

• Supercharge Your Rice Salad: Expert Tips & Twists
• Boost Rice Texture: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, creating fluffy and separated grains that absorb flavors beautifully.
• Herb Intensity Hack: Crush herbs gently between your palms before chopping to release their essential oils, amplifying the aromatic profile of your salad.
• Fruit Freshness Trick: Select ripe, seasonal apricots for maximum sweetness and vibrant color. Swap apricots with peaches or nectarines during summer months for a delightful flavor variation.
• Quick Protein Power-Up: Transform this light rice salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein and sustenance.

Serving Jamie Oliver Rice Salad

• Elevate with Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs and a few whole mint leaves on top to add a pop of color and extra burst of herbal freshness.
• Create Texture Contrast: Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the soft rice and tender apricots.
• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, seared fish, or crumbled feta cheese to transform this rice salad into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Chill and Refresh: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and create a cool, refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

Saving Jamie Oliver Rice Salad for Later

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Advance Prep Power: Chop herbs and slice apricots up to 24 hours before assembling the rice salad, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the completed rice salad in a sealed container and keep it chilled for up to 3 days, ensuring the herbs remain crisp and flavors continue to develop.
• Quick Refresh Technique: Before serving leftover rice salad, gently stir in a small splash of olive oil to revive the texture and restore the vibrant herb-infused taste.
• Flexible Serving Option: Enjoy this rice salad cold straight from the refrigerator or allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the herbs and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Rice Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s rice salad combines Mediterranean herbs, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing for a refreshing meal. Cooks can prepare this quick dish in under 30 minutes, delivering a delightful blend of textures and flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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• 400 g (14.1 oz) mixed rice, such as Camargue, wild, long-grain
• 150 g (5.3 oz) mixed nuts
• 75 g (2.6 oz) dried apricots
• 15 g (0.5 oz) fresh basil, about ½ bunch
• 15 g (0.5 oz) fresh mint, about ½ bunch
• extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Boil long-grain rice in a medium saucepan following package instructions until grains are perfectly fluffy and tender. Drain completely and let cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Herb and Fruit Processing: Delicately strip fresh basil and mint leaves from stems, then finely slice into thin ribbons to maximize flavor release. Precisely cube dried apricots into consistent, small pieces for uniform texture and taste distribution.
3. Seasoning and Mixing: Combine cooled rice with chopped herbs and apricot cubes, gently folding to create a harmonious blend. Enhance with freshly ground black pepper and hand-harvested sea salt, balancing flavors to personal preference. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, ensuring an even, glossy coating that amplifies the salad’s depth and richness.
4. Serving Suggestion: Transfer the vibrant rice salad to a serving platter, presenting it as an elegant accompaniment to grilled seafood or roasted meats. The dish offers a refreshing and aromatic side that complements main course proteins with its bright, herbaceous character.

Notes

• Rice Cooling Technique: Let rice cool completely to prevent clumping and maintain ideal texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
• Herb Chopping Tip: Slice basil and mint delicately to maximize flavor release and prevent bruising, which can turn herbs bitter or dark.
• Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually, understanding that sea salt provides more nuanced flavor than standard table salt.
• Oil Drizzling Method: Pour extra virgin olive oil evenly to create a smooth, glossy finish that binds ingredients and adds subtle Mediterranean richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg