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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Crisp Bacon: In a skillet over medium-high heat, transform pancetta or smoked streaky bacon into golden, crunchy strips. Remove and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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