Grilled apricot salad by Jamie Oliver combines sweet, caramelized apricots with creamy mozzarella and savory prosciutto, delivering a burst of flavor perfect for summer gatherings. You'll grill ripe apricots to enhance their sweetness, then toss them with a zesty dressing featuring crushed pink peppercorns and red onions. It's easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for picnics. Stick around to discover more tips on how to elevate your salad experience!
History
The grilled apricot salad has roots in the Italian tradition of enhancing fruits through grilling, making it a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Featured in Jamie Oliver's "Jamie Cooks Italy," this dish showcases how grilling fruits, like ripe apricots, elevates their natural sweetness.
Created by chef Gennaro Contaldo, it highlights seasonal ingredients, emphasizing the importance of quality in cooking. The use of fresh herbs, particularly flowering thyme, adds a unique flavor and visual appeal.
This salad reflects a broader trend in Italian cuisine that values simplicity and encourages home cooks to experiment with local produce.
Recipe
This Grilled Apricot Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant ingredients and simple preparation. The combination of sweet, caramelized apricots, creamy mozzarella, and savory prosciutto creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, starter, or a picnic treat.
The use of fresh flowering thyme adds an aromatic touch, while the pink peppercorns provide a subtle kick that elevates the overall taste of the salad. Preparing this dish is a breeze, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the apricots, while the homemade dressing brings all the components together beautifully.
Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to impress with its elegance and deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 8 ripe apricots
- Fresh flowering thyme
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pink peppercorns
- Prosciutto
- White wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red onion
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon zest
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by halving and destoning the apricots, then grill them cut side down for about 6 minutes, or until they become nicely charred.
While the apricots are grilling, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, crushed pink peppercorns, and finely sliced red onion in a bowl.
Once the apricots are grilled, season the torn mozzarella with sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil, and arrange it along with the grilled apricots and prosciutto on a serving platter.
Finally, drizzle the dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh flowering thyme before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, choose ripe apricots that yield slightly when pressed. If you can't find fresh flowering thyme, regular thyme works just as well.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts for an added crunch. This dish can be prepared in advance; just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Enjoy your Grilled Apricot Salad chilled or at room temperature for an even more refreshing experience!
Cooking Steps
To kick off your grilled apricot salad, start by preheating your grill to medium heat.
While it warms up, slice the apricots in half and get ready to add prosciutto to the grill.
Once the grill's hot, drizzle the apricots with olive oil and sprinkle them with pink peppercorns for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 1. Preheat Grill to Medium Heat
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 350-400°F. This temperature is crucial for ensuring the apricots char nicely without turning mushy during cooking.
Preheating typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on whether you're using a gas or charcoal grill. Use a thermometer to check the exact temperature before placing your apricots on the griddle. A well-preheated grill guarantees even cooking and those attractive grill marks on the cut side of the fruit.
Once the grill reaches the right temperature, work quickly to grill the apricots for about 6 minutes. This timing will help achieve that delicious caramelized exterior while keeping the apricots firm and flavorful.
Step 2. Slice Apricots in Half
With the grill ready, it's time to prep the apricots. Start by selecting 8 ripe apricots, ensuring they're bursting with sweetness and flavor.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each apricot in half along the natural seam. This makes halving easier and keeps the fruit intact. Next, gently twist and remove the pit from each half. If needed, use the knife to help free it from the fruit.
Once you've destoned all the apricots, toss the halves with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flowering thyme. This step enhances their flavor, making them perfect for grilling.
Now you're set to create a delicious grilled apricot salad that's sure to impress!
Step 3. Add Prosciutto to Grill
Tear the prosciutto into smaller pieces for easier handling and even grilling.
Preheat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it's hot enough to prevent sticking and achieve that desired crispy texture.
Place the torn prosciutto on the grill and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. You want it to become crispy and slightly charred, but be careful, as it can burn quickly if left unattended.
Once grilled, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. This brief cooling period helps the prosciutto retain its crispiness.
Now, you're ready to add the grilled prosciutto to your salad, enhancing the flavor of those grilled apricots beautifully!
Step 4. Drizzle With Olive Oil
Now that you've added the crispy prosciutto to your grilled apricot salad, it's time to elevate the dish even further.
Grab your high-quality extra virgin olive oil and prepare to drizzle it generously over the salad leaves and grilled apricots. This step enhances the flavors, adding richness and depth to the dish while unifying the fresh ingredients.
The olive oil creates a balanced taste and ensures every bite is flavorful. For the best results, drizzle the olive oil just before serving to maintain the freshness of the salad.
Remember, using a high-quality olive oil can significantly impact the overall taste, making your grilled apricot salad even more delightful and memorable. Additionally, incorporating aromatic cleaning practices in your kitchen can create a fresher cooking environment.
Enjoy every bite!
Step 5. Sprinkle With Pink Peppercorns
To elevate your grilled apricot salad, sprinkle a generous pinch of crushed pink peppercorns over the top just before serving.
These pink peppercorns add a unique, slightly fruity and spicy flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the grilled apricots and the saltiness of prosciutto.
To maximize their flavor, lightly crush them before mixing into your dressing, ensuring that every bite bursts with taste.
Jamie Oliver suggests using these vibrant peppercorns not only for their flavor but also for their visual appeal, creating an inviting dish.
Finally, don't forget to season with sea salt and top with crispy thyme leaves for an extra layer of flavor on this delightful salad featuring seasonal stone fruit and extra virgin olive oil.
Final Thoughts
While you might think of salads as mere accompaniments, the grilled apricot salad by Jamie Oliver proves they can be a standout dish. The combination of ripe, grilled apricots with creamy mozzarella creates an incredible texture that elevates this seasonal salad. Additionally, incorporating fermented vegetables can add a unique twist and enhance the nutritional profile of your dish. A fresh salad like this can also be complemented by a protein-rich breakfast option, such as the Egg Rollup and Dumpling Sauce.
You'll appreciate how the flavors harmonize with savory prosciutto and spicy pink peppercorns, making each bite a delightful experience. This recipe encourages you to play with fresh ingredients, incorporating different stone fruits and herbs for added variety. Plus, in just 25 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or picnics. So, don't hesitate to embrace this unique salad—it's more than just a side, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Additionally, the creativity of pairing flavors can inspire you to try desserts like Dirt Cups that are equally fun and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Cook Apricots in the Oven Jamie Oliver?
To cook apricots in the oven, start by preheating it to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the apricots in half and remove the pits. Drizzle the halved apricots with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them to highlight their sweetness.
Place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until they're tender and caramelized.
For extra flavor, add brown sugar or balsamic vinegar before roasting!
How to Make Fruit Salad Jamie Oliver?
To make a fruit salad like Jamie Oliver, start by choosing a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits.
Dice them into bite-sized pieces and gently toss them together in a large bowl.
Drizzle some fresh lemon or lime juice to enhance the sweetness.
You can add fresh herbs like mint for an aromatic touch.
Chill the salad before serving, and consider garnishing with yogurt or nuts for added creaminess and crunch.
Enjoy your vibrant creation!
How Do You Make Savory Apricot Sauce Jamie Oliver?
Did you know that apricots are packed with vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious choice?
To make a savory apricot sauce, start by simmering chopped apricots with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity, and sauté onions until fragrant.
Blend it smooth or leave it chunky, then season with salt and pepper.
This sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats or roasted veggies!
