Taste the Mediterranean: Delicious Recipes Inspired by Jimmy John’s New Menu
Jimmy John’s has spiced things up with their brand-new Mediterranean menu, offering a fresh and flavorful twist on their classic sandwiches and bowls. If you’re craving those vibrant tastes but want to recreate them at home (or just add your own personal flair), you’re in the right place! This article dives deep into recreating the key components of Jimmy John’s Mediterranean menu and provides several delicious recipes inspired by their offerings. We’ll cover everything from the flavorful Mediterranean chicken and tuna to the zesty garlic aioli and the tangy vinaigrette, complete with detailed step-by-step instructions.
## Understanding Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Menu
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s break down the elements that make Jimmy John’s Mediterranean menu so appealing:
* **Protein Choices:** They feature Mediterranean Chicken and Tuna, both seasoned with distinctive Mediterranean spices and herbs.
* **Base:** The base includes fresh lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion, providing a crisp and refreshing foundation.
* **Cheese:** Feta cheese adds a salty and tangy element.
* **Sauce:** A key component is their Garlic Aioli, offering a creamy and flavorful kick.
* **Dressing:** The Red Wine Vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Additional Toppings (Optional):** Pickled red onions, banana peppers, and kalamata olives can add extra bursts of flavor.
Knowing these core elements is crucial to recreating the experience at home. Now, let’s get cooking!
## Recreating Jimmy John’s Key Ingredients
**1. Mediterranean Chicken:**
This is arguably the star of the show. To achieve that signature Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Chicken flavor, you’ll need a blend of herbs and spices that capture the essence of the Mediterranean region.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tbsp Olive oil
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp Dried oregano
* 1 tsp Dried basil
* 1 tsp Dried thyme
* 1/2 tsp Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tbsp Lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
2. **Make the Marinade:** In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours (or even overnight for maximum flavor).
4. **Cook the Chicken:** There are several ways to cook the chicken:
* **Grilling:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Pan-Searing:** Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
* **Baking:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. **Rest and Slice:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Slice the chicken thinly for sandwiches or bowls.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the marinade for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the marinade for a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Greek Yogurt:** Adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the marinade can help tenderize the chicken.
**2. Mediterranean Tuna Salad:**
Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Tuna is a welcome departure from the traditional mayo-laden tuna salad. It’s lighter, brighter, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 (5 oz) cans Tuna in water, drained well
* 1/4 cup Red onion, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
* 2 tbsp Capers, drained
* 2 tbsp Olive oil
* 1 tbsp Lemon juice
* 1 clove Garlic, minced
* 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Drain the Tuna:** Drain the tuna very well. You don’t want a watery tuna salad.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, red onion, Kalamata olives, capers, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. **Mix Gently:** Mix everything gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the tuna will become mushy.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the tuna salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a brighter flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
* **Red Wine Vinegar:** Add a teaspoon of red wine vinegar for extra tang.
* **Spice it up**: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
**3. Garlic Aioli:**
The garlic aioli is a crucial element, adding richness and a garlicky kick to the sandwiches and bowls. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp Lemon juice
* 1/4 tsp Salt
* 1/4 tsp Black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. **Mix Well:** Mix everything well until smooth and creamy.
3. **Adjust to Taste:** Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more garlic for a stronger garlic flavor, or more lemon juice for a tangier aioli.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the aioli for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Roasted Garlic:** For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until soft, then squeeze out the cloves and mash them before adding them to the aioli.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Chipotle Powder:** Add a pinch of chipotle powder for a spicy kick.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and freshness.
**4. Red Wine Vinaigrette:**
This vinaigrette adds a tangy and slightly sweet counterpoint to the rich flavors of the chicken, tuna, and aioli.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
* 3/4 cup Olive oil
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tbsp Honey (or maple syrup)
* 1 clove Garlic, minced
* 1/4 tsp Dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. **Whisk Vigorously:** Whisk everything vigorously until the vinaigrette is emulsified (meaning the oil and vinegar are combined and don’t separate). Alternatively, you can combine all the ingredients in a jar, seal the jar tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified.
3. **Adjust to Taste:** Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more honey for a sweeter vinaigrette, or more red wine vinegar for a tangier vinaigrette.
4. **Store:** Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, shake well to re-emulsify.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Shallots:** Use finely minced shallots instead of garlic for a milder flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and freshness.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** Substitute a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for some of the red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor.
## Recipes Inspired by Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Menu
Now that you know how to recreate the key ingredients, let’s put them together in some delicious recipes inspired by Jimmy John’s new menu.
**1. Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich (Copycat Recipe):**
This is a classic and straightforward way to enjoy the Mediterranean chicken. Recreate Jimmy John’s version or add your own personal touches.
**Ingredients:**
* Your homemade Mediterranean Chicken (recipe above)
* Bread of your choice (French bread, ciabatta, or a sturdy hoagie roll work well)
* Lettuce
* Tomato, sliced
* Cucumber, sliced
* Red onion, thinly sliced
* Feta cheese, crumbled
* Garlic Aioli (recipe above)
* Red Wine Vinaigrette (recipe above)
* Optional toppings: Pickled red onions, banana peppers, Kalamata olives
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Slice the bread in half horizontally.
2. **Spread the Aioli:** Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on both halves of the bread.
3. **Layer the Ingredients:** On the bottom half of the bread, layer the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and sliced Mediterranean chicken.
4. **Add the Feta:** Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
5. **Drizzle with Vinaigrette:** Drizzle generously with red wine vinaigrette.
6. **Add Optional Toppings:** Add any optional toppings you like, such as pickled red onions, banana peppers, or Kalamata olives.
7. **Top and Serve:** Top with the other half of the bread and serve immediately. You can press the sandwich lightly to help it hold together.
**2. Mediterranean Tuna Bowl (Copycat Recipe):**
This bowl is a lighter and healthier way to enjoy the Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* Your homemade Mediterranean Tuna Salad (recipe above)
* Lettuce (Romaine, mixed greens, or spinach work well)
* Tomato, chopped
* Cucumber, chopped
* Red onion, thinly sliced
* Feta cheese, crumbled
* Red Wine Vinaigrette (recipe above)
* Optional toppings: Pickled red onions, banana peppers, Kalamata olives, chickpeas
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Base:** In a bowl, combine the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion.
2. **Add the Tuna Salad:** Top with a generous scoop of Mediterranean tuna salad.
3. **Sprinkle with Feta:** Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
4. **Drizzle with Vinaigrette:** Drizzle generously with red wine vinaigrette.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** Add any optional toppings you like, such as pickled red onions, banana peppers, Kalamata olives, or chickpeas.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**3. Mediterranean Chicken Wrap:**
This is a portable and convenient option, perfect for a lunch on the go. Use a large tortilla wrap for this recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* Your homemade Mediterranean Chicken (recipe above)
* Large tortilla wraps
* Lettuce
* Tomato, chopped
* Cucumber, chopped
* Red onion, thinly sliced
* Feta cheese, crumbled
* Garlic Aioli (recipe above)
* Red Wine Vinaigrette (recipe above)
* Optional toppings: Hummus, Kalamata olives, Spinach
**Instructions:**
1. **Warm the Tortilla:** Warm the tortilla slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make it more pliable and less likely to tear.
2. **Spread the Aioli:** Spread a thin layer of garlic aioli on the tortilla.
3. **Layer the Ingredients:** Layer the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and sliced Mediterranean chicken on the tortilla. You can start with a smear of hummus if desired.
4. **Add the Feta:** Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
5. **Drizzle with Vinaigrette:** Drizzle generously with red wine vinaigrette.
6. **Add Optional Toppings:** Add any optional toppings you like, such as hummus or Kalamata olives.
7. **Wrap it Up:** Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. You may want to cut it in half for easier eating.
**4. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:**
This recipe offers a healthy and protein-packed alternative, perfect for a vegetarian option or a side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Quinoa, cooked according to package directions
* 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup Cucumber, diced
* 1/4 cup Red onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinaigrette (recipe above)
* Optional: Chickpeas, artichoke hearts
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Quinoa:** Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Let it cool slightly.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with red wine vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. **Serve:** Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**5. Mediterranean Chicken and Hummus Plate:**
A simple and satisfying plate that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean. This is great as an appetizer or a light meal.
**Ingredients:**
* Your homemade Mediterranean Chicken (recipe above)
* Hummus
* Pita bread, warmed or toasted
* Cucumber, sliced
* Cherry tomatoes
* Kalamata olives
* Feta Cheese
* Olive oil
* Lemon wedges
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Plate:** Spread a generous layer of hummus on a plate.
2. **Arrange the Ingredients:** Arrange the sliced Mediterranean chicken, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese around the hummus.
3. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the entire plate with a little olive oil.
4. **Serve:** Serve with warm pita bread and lemon wedges for squeezing over the plate.
## Tips for Customizing Your Mediterranean Creations
* **Spice Levels:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the chicken marinade to control the heat.
* **Vinegar Variations:** Experiment with different types of vinegar in the vinaigrette, such as white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar.
* **Cheese Options:** If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or halloumi.
* **Grain Alternatives:** Replace quinoa with couscous or farro for a different texture and flavor.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Use grilled halloumi cheese or falafel in place of the chicken or tuna for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
## Conclusion: Embrace the Flavors of the Mediterranean
Jimmy John’s new Mediterranean menu offers a delightful taste of the Mediterranean, and with these recipes, you can easily recreate and customize those flavors in your own kitchen. From the flavorful chicken and tuna to the zesty sauces and fresh ingredients, these dishes are perfect for a light and satisfying meal. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on a culinary journey to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean!