Easy Jamie Oliver Rice Salad Recipe: Vibrant & Fresh Twist

Jamie Oliver’s rice salad bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients transform ordinary grains into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Nutty textures and aromatic herbs create a delightful symphony of taste sensations.

Colorful elements blend seamlessly, offering a refreshing twist on traditional side dishes.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of crunchy and soft components.

The combination of carefully selected ingredients elevates this simple dish to something truly spectacular.

Seasonal produce and thoughtful preparation make this salad a standout option for health-conscious food lovers: prepare to be amazed.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Rice Salad Is So Satisfying

• Burst with Fresh Herbal Flavors: This salad pops with bright, aromatic basil and mint leaves that transform ordinary rice into a vibrant, refreshing dish that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, this rice salad offers a speedy solution for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Companion to Proteins: The light, seasoned rice perfectly complements grilled fish or meat, making it an incredibly flexible side that elevates your main course with minimal extra effort.
• Healthier Comfort Food Option: Packed with only 411 calories and featuring fresh herbs and simple ingredients, this salad provides a nutritious alternative to heavy, complicated side dishes while still delivering maximum flavor satisfaction.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Rice Salad

• Rice: Long-grain white rice perfect for creating a light and fluffy salad base.
• Basil Leaves, Mint Leaves: Fresh herbs that add bright, aromatic flavors to the rice salad.
• Apricots: Sweet dried fruit that provides a delightful texture and natural sweetness.

• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy kick to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Sea Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural tastes of the ingredients.

• Oil: Helps to bind the ingredients and add a smooth, rich finish to the salad.

How to Make a Balanced Rice Salad

Step 1: Cook Rice to Perfection

Grab your rice and follow package instructions carefully. Boil the rice until it’s tender and soft. Once cooked, drain the water and let the rice cool down completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Herbs and Fruit

Gently pluck the vibrant basil and mint leaves from their stems. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the herbs into delicate pieces. Next, take your apricots and slice them into small, bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Season and Mix Rice

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sea salt

Gently mix the seasonings into the rice, ensuring even distribution.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the rice salad, giving it a light, glossy finish.

Rice Salad Tips for Great Texture

• Roast Nuts Carefully: Monitor the toasting process closely, removing them from heat the moment they turn golden to prevent burning and bitter flavors.
• Control Oil Quantity: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil slowly, ensuring the salad remains moist but not overly greasy.
• Customize Herb Intensity: Experiment with basil and mint quantities, finding the perfect balance that enhances the rice salad's overall taste.
• Select Premium Rice: Choose high-quality mixed rice that promises authentic texture and rich flavor profile.
• Manage Sweetness Levels: Add dried apricots incrementally, tasting between additions to maintain a balanced and enjoyable sweetness.

Best Ways to Store Rice Salad

• Refrigerator Method: Seal the rice salad in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Place the container in the coolest section of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from strong-smelling foods that could transfer flavors.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Create portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Separate wet ingredients like dressing from the rice and vegetables to prevent sogginess, keeping components crisp and appetizing until consumption.
• Quick Consumption Tip: Enjoy the rice salad within 48 hours for optimal taste and texture. Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual odors or discoloration before serving, ensuring food safety and maximum deliciousness.

Add-Ins to Boost Your Rice Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Enhance the rice salad by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and extra oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Mix in harissa paste, toasted cumin seeds, and chopped preserved lemon to give the rice salad a warm, North African-inspired kick.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace apricots with fresh mango chunks, add toasted coconut flakes, and incorporate lime zest for a bright, sweet Caribbean-inspired version.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Stir in grilled chicken pieces, roasted chickpeas, and a dollop of Greek yogurt to transform the light rice salad into a substantial meal.

Finishing Jamie’s Rice Salad Recipe

Mediterranean zest dances through Jamie Oliver’s rice salad, promising culinary adventure with each forkful.

Fresh herbs whisper Mediterranean secrets, while chopped apricots add unexpected sweetness.

Balanced seasonings elevate simple ingredients into a memorable dish.

Sea salt and black pepper create subtle depth without overwhelming delicate rice textures.

Summer memories bloom on plates filled with this vibrant creation.

Share your kitchen magic, spark conversation below, and inspire fellow epicurean explorers with unique twists on this remarkable recipe.

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

Mediterranean-inspired rice salad blends zesty Italian herbs with fresh vegetables and creamy feta. Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a light, refreshing dish that transports you to sunny coastal landscapes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14.1 ounces) mixed rice, such as Camargue, wild, long-grain
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) mixed nuts
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) dried apricots

Herbs:

• 15 grams (0.5 ounces) fresh basil, about ½ bunch
• 15 grams (0.5 ounces) fresh mint, about ½ bunch

Seasoning:

• extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare long-grain rice according to package instructions in a medium saucepan, ensuring each grain becomes tender and fluffy. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool to room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Carefully pluck fresh basil and mint leaves from their stems, then finely chiffonade the herbs to release their aromatic oils. Dice dried apricots into uniform, small cubes for consistent texture and flavor distribution.
3. Gently fold the cooled rice with the chopped herbs and apricot pieces, creating a harmonious blend of grains and fresh ingredients. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and hand-harvested sea salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
4. Elegantly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the rice mixture, ensuring an even coating that enhances the dish’s richness and complexity. Plate alongside grilled seafood or roasted meats for a complementary side dish that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Notes

• Select long-grain rice varieties for the best texture and absorption of flavors.
• Toast nuts slowly over low heat to release their natural oils and prevent burning.
• Chop herbs just before mixing to maintain their vibrant color and fresh aroma.
• Slice dried apricots into thin pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
• Drizzle olive oil carefully, tasting as you go to achieve perfect moisture without greasiness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg