Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad

This warm and hearty Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad is layered with caramelized butternut squash, crispy grains, and torn mozzarella. With a zesty lemon and mint finish, it’s a beautifully balanced dish perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner. Ready in under 40 minutes, it serves 2 and is best enjoyed in fall or winter. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple tomato soup.

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad Ingredients

  • ½ a butternut squash (600g)
  • 1 good pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of dried red chilli flakes
  • 1 x 250g packet of cooked mixed grains
  • 1 chicory
  • 1 little gem lettuce
  • ½ a bunch of mint (15g)
  • ½ a lemon
  • 1 x 125g ball of mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp thick balsamic vinegar

How To Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad

  1. Prep the squash: Cut squash into 3cm chunks, deseed if needed, and toss with cinnamon, chilli, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the squash: Place in the air fryer at 180ºC for 30 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  3. Add grains: Tip squash into drawer, sprinkle in grains, and air fry for another 8 minutes.
  4. Prepare the greens: Slice the chicory base and separate leaves. Tear apart little gem and place both on a platter.
  5. Assemble the salad: Add mint leaves and squeeze lemon juice over greens.
  6. Top and serve: Spoon over squash and grains, tear over mozzarella, drizzle with balsamic and olive oil, season, and serve.
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad

Recipe Tips

  • No need to peel: Butternut squash skin softens nicely when roasted.
  • Check the grains: Make sure they’re pre-cooked or they won’t crisp up properly.
  • Mix textures: Tear mozzarella instead of slicing for a rustic feel.
  • Balance flavors: The lemon juice brightens the sweet squash and creamy cheese.

What To Serve With Squash Salad

This warm salad is delicious on its own, but pairs beautifully with a bowl of tomato soup, roasted beetroot, or a slice of herby focaccia for a complete meal.

How To Store Squash Salad

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave.

Freeze:
Not recommended due to the mozzarella and fresh greens.

Squash Salad Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 693 kcal
  • Total Fat: 36.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 12.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 66g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Sodium: 1.2g
  • Fiber: 10.4g

FAQs

Can I use another type of squash?

Yes, kabocha or acorn squash would work well—just adjust cooking time as needed.

What grains work best?

Cooked farro, quinoa, or bulgur are great options if you don’t have a mixed grain packet.

Is it vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is fully vegetarian.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can prep all the elements and assemble just before serving to maintain texture.

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Squash, Grain & Mozzarella Salad

Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

8

minutes
Cooking time

38

minutes
Calories

693

kcal

A warm, satisfying salad with sweet roasted squash, crispy grains, and creamy mozzarella, topped with mint and balsamic drizzle.

Ingredients

  • ½ a butternut squash (600g)

  • Ground cinnamon

  • Dried red chilli flakes

  • 250g cooked mixed grains

  • 1 chicory

  • 1 little gem lettuce

  • Fresh mint (15g)

  • ½ lemon

  • 125g mozzarella

  • Thick balsamic vinegar

  • Olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  • Cut squash into chunks, season, and air fry at 180ºC for 30 mins.
  • Add cooked grains and air fry 8 mins more.
  • Slice and prepare greens, arrange on platter.
  • Add mint and lemon juice to greens.
  • Top with squash and grains.
  • Tear mozzarella over top.
  • Drizzle with balsamic and olive oil, season, and serve.

Notes

  • No need to peel squash—roasts beautifully with skin on.
  • Use cooked grains to ensure crisp texture in air fryer.
  • Substitute mozzarella with feta or goat cheese if desired.
  • To make ahead, keep components separate and combine before serving.

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