Jamie Oliver Zucchini Salad Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side to your main meal. It’s simple yet packed with flavor. Zucchini (or courgettes as they’re called in the UK) is the star, shaved thin to create a light, almost noodle-like texture. Tossed with tangy lemon, fragrant herbs and a little olive oil, the salad strikes a balance between freshness and richness. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but takes little time to prepare. And best of all, it’s super versatile. you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste.

Jamie Oliver Zucchini Salad Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make this salad, you don’t need much. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

• Zucchini (2-3 medium-sized): The base of the salad. Thinly sliced or shaved into ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandolin.
• Lemon (1): Fresh juice to bring acidity and brightness. You’ll also use lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
• Olive Oil (3-4 tbsp): A good quality olive oil is key to adding richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Mint and basil are the go-tos. Fresh parsley works too, if that’s what you have on hand.
• Parmesan (or similar cheese, like Pecorino): Shaved on top for that savory, nutty touch.
• Garlic (optional): A clove, finely minced, adds a little depth to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.

You can tweak the recipe by adding cherry tomatoes, nuts or even some crumbled feta for extra flavor.

Equipment Needed

For a salad this simple, you don’t need too much in terms of equipment. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:

• Mandolin or Vegetable Peeler: To slice the zucchini paper-thin. If you don’t have a mandolin, just use a sharp knife and cut them as thin as you can.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping herbs and mincing garlic.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss everything together.
• Grater or Zester: For the lemon zest which brings an aromatic zing to the salad.
• Cheese Grater: For shaving the Parmesan or other cheese.
• Serving Plate or Bowl: For presenting the salad when you’re done.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad

Making this salad is a breeze. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Start by washing the zucchini and slicing off both ends. Use a mandolin or vegetable peeler to slice them into thin ribbons. Aim for a nice, even thickness so they all cook (or, in this case, marinate) uniformly.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, zest, olive oil and minced garlic (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon will give it that zesty edge while the olive oil adds smoothness.
3. Combine Everything: Add the zucchini ribbons to a large mixing bowl. Pour over the lemon dressing and toss gently to coat the zucchini. Be careful not to mush the delicate ribbons.
4. Add the Herbs and Cheese: Tear up fresh mint and basil (or parsley if you’re using that) and toss it through. Grate the Parmesan on top and finish with a sprinkle of extra black pepper.
5. Let it Sit: While you can serve it right away, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the zucchini to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.

That’s it! Simple, right?

What I Learnt

This salad is all about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. I learned that with the right balance of lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs, zucchini can be elevated into something incredible. The key is to slice the zucchini thin enough so it feels light and tender but not so thin that it becomes mushy.

The use of fresh herbs really makes a difference too. I initially thought it would be a bit too much but mint and basil give the salad a refreshing kick that’s hard to beat. The Parmesan adds that salty richness that pulls everything together.

The best part? It’s versatile. You can add roasted nuts for crunch, switch up the herbs or throw in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. It’s also a great side dish or a main for those who want something light yet satisfying.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad

Jamie Oliver’s zucchini salad is light, refreshing and full of vibrant flavors. But like any good recipe, it’s got room for personal touches. If you want to elevate it or maybe just add your own twist, here are a few ideas:

1. Add Some Crunch: The salad’s main elements are zucchini, herbs and lemon but you could throw in some nuts or seeds for texture. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds work really well. They add that little crunch that complements the soft, tender zucchini.
2. Go Heavy on the Cheese: While Jamie’s recipe may call for parmesan or pecorino, you could switch things up with something like crumbled goat cheese, feta or even a sharp blue cheese. It’ll bring a richer, creamier contrast to the fresh veggies.
3. Extra Herbs: Jamie often uses fresh herbs like mint or basil. But feel free to experiment! Try parsley, dill or even tarragon if you want a slightly more aniseed flavor. A handful of chopped chives would also add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
4. Roast the Zucchini: If you’re craving something warmer, roast the zucchini instead of using it raw. Toss it with a bit of olive oil, garlic and maybe a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat. Roasting it caramelizes the sugars in the zucchini and deepens the flavor.
5. Dressings That Pop: You can go for the traditional lemon and olive oil dressing but consider swapping the lemon for lime or even orange zest for something a bit sweeter and tangier. You could also experiment with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for an extra punch of acidity.
6. Sweet and Savory Twist: Add some fruit like pomegranate seeds, figs or even apple slices to the salad. It’ll give the dish a sweet, juicy contrast to the tangy dressing and creamy cheese. A touch of honey or balsamic glaze could also take it to another level.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Not sure what to do with leftover zucchini salad? It’s best to store it properly so you can enjoy it the next day without losing all its freshness. Here are some simple tips to keep it tasting great:

1. Keep the Dressing Separate: If you’ve got leftovers with dressing already mixed in, the zucchini will get soggy over time. To preserve its crispness, store the salad and dressing in separate containers. That way, you can mix them just before eating.
2. Use an Airtight Container: To prevent the salad from wilting too quickly, use a good airtight container. This keeps moisture in but doesn’t make the salad too soggy. If you’ve added cheese, it’s best to eat it the next day to avoid it getting too soft.
3. Chill, Don’t Freeze: Zucchini doesn’t freeze well, so it’s better to refrigerate leftovers. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. After that, the zucchini may start to lose its crunch and turn mushy.
4. Freshen It Up: If your leftovers are a bit sad the next day, try giving them a quick refresh. You could add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, some new herbs or even a bit more cheese to bring it back to life. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds can also help.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad?

This zucchini salad is pretty versatile, so it pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:

1. Grilled Meats: Since the salad is light, it balances perfectly with grilled meats. Think grilled chicken, lamb chops or even a juicy steak. The crispness of the salad cuts through the richness of the meat.
2. Fish and Seafood: Zucchini’s mild flavor pairs beautifully with fish like salmon, cod or even a flaky white fish like halibut. It’s also a great side for shrimp or lobster tails.
3. Sandwiches and Wraps: If you’re looking for a lighter lunch, serve the salad with a simple sandwich. A turkey and avocado wrap or a classic BLT would work wonders with the fresh zucchini salad on the side.
4. Grilled Veggies: If you’re aiming for a vegetarian spread, you can keep it veggie-focused with grilled eggplant, mushrooms or bell peppers. A bit of grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas would add protein and flavor.
5. Pasta: For a more filling option, pair the salad with a light pasta dish, like a lemony spaghetti aglio e olio or a simple pasta with olive oil, garlic and fresh herbs.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad Different From Other Zucchini Salads?

His recipe combines fresh zucchini with a tangy dressing, often with a touch of lemon and herbs, giving it a refreshing, vibrant flavor.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead, but it’s best to toss it with the dressing just before serving to keep the zucchini crisp.

What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Zucchini Salad?

This salad works great as a side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even as a light main with some cheese or crusty bread.