Jamie Oliver Taste of Italy Recipe: Grilled apricot salad with Flowering thyme, mozzarella, pink peppercorns & prosciutto

Dive into the essence of Italian summer with Jamie Oliver's Taste of Italy Recipe: Grilled Apricot Salad with Flowering Thyme, Mozzarella, Pink Peppercorns & Prosciutto. This dish is a beautiful amalgamation of flavors and textures, perfect for those who appreciate the innovative Italian way of incorporating fruit into salads. Turning a simple side dish into a spectacular gastronomic experience, this salad is a testament to the versatility and brightness of summer produce.

Ingredients for the Grilled Apricot Salad with Flowering Thyme, Mozzarella, Pink Peppercorns & Prosciutto:

• 8 ripe apricots
• 8 sprigs of fresh thyme, ideally the flowering kind
• Olive oil and extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 big pinch of pink peppercorns
• ½ a red onion
• 2 large handfuls of salad leaves (e.g., escarole, Castelfranco, wild rocket)
• 4 slices of higher-welfare prosciutto
• 125g ball of mozzarella cheese
• 1 lemon

Preparation Instructions:

1. Start by heating a griddle pan. Halve and destone the apricots, tossing them with half the thyme and some olive oil before grilling.
2. Create a dressing with vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, crushed pink peppercorns, and finely sliced onion.
3. Mix salad leaves into the dressing, then season. Add waves of torn prosciutto.
4. Tear mozzarella and season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil, adding it to the salad along with the grilled apricots. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines:

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a day. It’s not ideal for reheating due to the delicate nature of the ingredients, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information:

While specific nutritional values depend on ingredient quantities and brands, this salad is a good source of vitamins from the apricots and salad leaves, protein from the mozzarella and prosciutto, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

FAQ about the Grilled Apricot Salad with Flowering Thyme, Mozzarella, Pink Peppercorns & Prosciutto:

• Can I substitute the apricots? Yes, other seasonal stone fruits like peaches or nectarines can be used.
• What if I can’t find flowering thyme? Regular thyme will work just as well, though flowering thyme adds a lovely visual touch.
• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Without the prosciutto, it's a wonderful vegetarian dish.

Jamie Oliver's approach to this salad is a fantastic way to celebrate the freshness and vibrancy of Italian cuisine, right at your dining table. Serve it as a standalone dish or alongside other Italian favorites for a complete meal.

Original recipe by Jamie Oliver, as featured in his book "Jamie Cooks Italy" and various online resources including Foodies Magazine and Let's Cook That Book​​​​​​.