Zesty Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Rocket salad by Jamie Oliver ignites a flavor explosion that dances across your taste buds with Mediterranean flair.

Emerald green leaves leap from the plate, carrying a peppery punch that awakens every sense.

Crisp and vibrant ingredients intertwine, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Fresh herbs and zesty elements mingle effortlessly, transforming a simple side dish into a culinary adventure.

Seasonal produce takes center stage, promising a nutritious and delectable experience.

Sharp and delicate flavors weave together, revealing a masterful balance of rustic and refined cooking.

Let this rocket salad transport you to sun-drenched Italian landscapes with every refreshing bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad

• Pancetta or Smoked Bacon: Choose thick-cut strips for maximum crispy texture and rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select a high-quality, aged wedge for robust, nutty undertones.

• Red Onions: Pick firm, deep-colored bulbs with tight, glossy skin for sweet caramelization.
• Fresh Thyme: Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting or browning edges.
• Pine Nuts: Seek plump, creamy-colored nuts with a fresh, buttery aroma.

• Rocket (Arugula) Leaves: Select crisp, bright green leaves without yellowing or bruising.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose aged vinegar with rich, complex flavor and glossy consistency.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin variety with smooth, fruity undertones.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad: Tools Needed

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for chopping onions into neat wedges.
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Spacious cooking surface for sautéing and crisping pancetta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching pan.
• Potato Peeler: Ideal for creating delicate Parmesan cheese shavings.
• Serving Plate: Clean, attractive dish for presenting the warm salad.

Assembling Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad

• Crisp Golden Pancetta

Slice bacon into strips and sizzle in a hot pan until perfectly crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside, leaving behind delicious drippings for next steps.

• Transform Onions

Drop sliced red onion wedges into the same pan. Sprinkle pine nuts and fresh thyme. Cook slowly over gentle heat, allowing onions to caramelize into sweet, rich bronze-colored morsels.

• Create Vibrant Salad

Tumble crispy pancetta back into pan with caramelized onions. Toss rocket leaves gently, coating them with warm pan juices. Splash balsamic vinegar across mixture, creating a glossy, tangy coating that brings everything together.

• Final Flourish

Glide a potato peeler across chunk of Parmesan, creating delicate cheese ribbons. Scatter these elegant shavings over salad. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures contrast beautifully.

Tips and Tweaks for Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad

• Elevate Your Salad Game: Creative Twists and Expert Tips
• Swap Pancetta Magic: Replace pancetta with crispy prosciutto or turkey bacon for a lighter protein option. Vegetarians can use smoked tofu or roasted chickpeas to add crunch and depth.
• Nutty Adventures: Experiment with different nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts. Each nut brings a unique texture and rich, earthy flavor to the salad.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Try alternative cheeses such as pecorino romano or aged gouda for a more intense flavor profile. Crumbled blue cheese can add a tangy, bold dimension to the dish.
• Seasonal Sensations: Incorporate seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash in autumn or fresh strawberries in spring to keep the salad exciting and adaptable throughout the year.

How to Serve Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Slice a fresh baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious balsamic and pancetta drippings, creating a perfect accompaniment to this warm salad.
• Pair with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salty pancetta and sweet caramelized onions, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Create a Complete Meal: Transform this salad into a hearty lunch by adding grilled chicken or serving alongside a light quiche, making it more substantial and satisfying.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Sprinkle additional toasted pine nuts or add a handful of mixed seeds for extra crunch and protein, elevating the salad's nutritional profile.

Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad: Storage & Meal Planning

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Slice onions and chop pancetta up to 24 hours before cooking, storing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Quick Freshness Preservation: Store leftover salad without dressing for maximum crispness, keeping rocket leaves and pancetta separate to prevent wilting and maintain texture.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Wrap remaining salad components in airtight containers, placing them in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consuming within 2 days for optimal flavor and quality.
• Temperature Serving Recommendation: Serve this warm salad immediately after preparation to enjoy the peak crispiness of pancetta and the delicate caramelization of onions, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Vibrant Jamie Oliver Rocket Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s rocket salad blends peppery arugula with zesty lemon dressing and parmesan shavings. Crisp ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors make this quick side dish perfect for summer dining.

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Ingredients

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• 8 rashers pancetta or smoked streaky bacon (higher-welfare)
• 4 handfuls rocket
• 2 medium red onions
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 1 handful pine nuts
• 2 lugs (30-60 ml) olive oil
• 1 pinch salt
• parmesan (to taste)
• balsamic vinegar (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Crisp Bacon: In a skillet over medium-high heat, transform pancetta or smoked streaky bacon into golden, crunchy strips. Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize Base: Using the same pan, infuse extra virgin olive oil with thyme sprigs. Add red onion wedges, pine nuts, and a pinch of kosher salt. Gently sauté over medium-low heat until onions develop a rich, sweet, golden-brown complexion without scorching.
3. Integrate Flavors: Reintroduce crispy bacon to the pan, allowing the ingredients to meld and warm through. Gently fold rocket leaves (arugula) into the mixture, letting them softly wilt while maintaining their vibrant essence.
4. Finish and Garnish: Cascade aged balsamic vinegar across the salad, creating a glossy reduction that intertwines with the olive oil. Crown the dish with delicate Parmesan cheese curls, expertly shaved using a vegetable peeler. Serve immediately while the salad retains its passionate warmth and complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Quick Caramelization Trick: Medium-low heat prevents burning onions, ensuring sweet golden-brown color without bitter edges.
• Pancetta Perfection: Crisp bacon first for maximum flavor infusion and textural contrast in the salad.
• Rocket Wilting Technique: Gently fold greens into warm mixture to slightly wilt leaves while maintaining vibrant freshness and color.
• Balsamic Reduction Magic: Drizzle vinegar directly into pan to create natural glossy sauce that enhances overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 30mg