Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fig Salad

There’s something effortlessly elegant about this Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fig Salad—sweet, savoury, creamy, and crunchy all in one plate. The honey caramel dukkah praline adds a gourmet twist that completely elevates the dish, while the ripe figs and cottage cheese keep it light and fresh. I made this as a starter for friends and honestly, it stole the show. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

Main Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons runny honey
• 2 tablespoons dukkah
• 250g (1 tub) cottage cheese
• 4 ripe figs
• 50g Pata Negra or quality Spanish ham

Optional for Finishing:

• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fig Salad

1. Start with the Honey Caramel: Drizzle 4 tablespoons of runny honey into a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for about 3 minutes—don’t stir, just swirl the pan now and then. You’re looking for a deep golden colour that tells you it’s turned into a rich caramel. Be careful, it’s hot and sticky at this stage.
2. Make the Dukkah Praline: Lightly oil a piece of greaseproof paper and place it on a tray. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of dukkah in a 15cm x 15cm patch on the paper. Pour the hot caramel directly over the dukkah and let it cool completely—it will harden into a glossy praline. Once it’s fully set, break it up and crush it using a pestle and mortar until fine and sprinkleable.
3. Assemble the Salad: Divide the cottage cheese between two plates, spreading it slightly with the back of a spoon. Quarter your ripe figs and scatter them over the cheese. Tear and tuck the slices of Pata Negra or quality Spanish ham around the plate for a luxurious, salty touch.
4. Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle a few generous pinches of your crushed dukkah praline over everything, then drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil if you like. Serve straight away while the textures are just right.

Why I Love This Recipe

I didn’t expect five ingredients to deliver something this fancy—but wow. The sweetness of the figs with the crunch of that nutty caramel is just divine. I served it as a weekend lunch with some crisp white wine, and it felt like a total treat. Even better, it only took about 10 minutes from start to finish!

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe figs: You want them soft and juicy—they add natural sweetness and look beautiful sliced open.
• Don’t stir the caramel: Letting it bubble untouched helps it develop the right texture and flavour.
• Cool the praline completely: If you try to crush it too soon, it’ll just bend or stick.
• Go fine with the praline: You want it evenly scattered for crunch in every bite.
• Short on time? Use sesame snaps crushed with dukkah instead of making your own caramel.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fig Salad

• Refrigeration Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the praline may soften, but it’ll still taste great.
• Serving Again Bring the salad to room temperature before serving, and if needed, add a fresh drizzle of olive oil or a new sprinkle of dukkah to refresh the texture.
• Not for Freezing Due to the figs, dairy, and praline, this salad isn’t freezer-friendly—it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is dukkah?
  It’s a Middle Eastern spice mix made of toasted nuts, sesame seeds, and spices—earthy, nutty, and perfect here.
• Can I substitute the ham?
  Yes! Prosciutto or even a vegetarian option like grilled halloumi would work beautifully.
• What if I don’t have figs?
  Try ripe peaches, nectarines, or even roasted grapes as a substitute.
• Is this dish sweet or savoury?
  It’s a balanced mix—the figs and honey bring sweetness, while the ham and cheese ground it with savoury richness.
• Can I make this ahead?
  You can prep the caramel praline and store it in a sealed container, but assemble the salad fresh.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 327 kcal
• Fat: 10.9g
• Saturated Fat: 5.9g
• Protein: 25.8g
• Carbohydrates: 30.6g
• Sugars: 26.3g
• Salt: 1.7g
• Fibre: 6.2g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Charred Brussels
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Watermelon Salad
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Halloumi Salad
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients White Bean Salad