Ever had one of those days where you're just craving something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor? A friend told me a story once, they said she was hiking in the Swiss Alps, and after a long trek, stumbled upon a little cafe. The owner served her a salad remarkably similar to this. It's salty, tangy, and satisfying – and best of all, pretty easy to whip up! It's the perfect meal for a sunny afternoon or a light dinner when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The key ingredient? Halloumi cheese! Halloumi's got this amazing ability to grill without melting, developing a beautifully golden-brown crust while staying soft and chewy inside. Trust me, its a game changer.
This Grilled Halloumi Salad is so much more than just lettuce and tomatoes. We're talking about a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, perfectly grilled halloumi, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette that ties it all together. Picture juicy cherry tomatoes bursting in your mouth, crisp cucumber slices adding a refreshing crunch, and the slightly sweet and tangy red onion providing a delightful contrast to the salty halloumi. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. I think it’s just about the best salad in the world, I just love it.
Required Equipments
- Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Serving Platter
- Knife
Grilled Halloumi Salad: A Mediterranean Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Halloumi Salad: A Mediterranean Delight
This Grilled Halloumi Salad combines salty grilled halloumi cheese with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a delicious and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal. Its super easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect lunch or light dinner.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, prepare the halloumi. Gently pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear on the grill. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
- Next, fire up the grill (or heat up your grill pan). Aim for medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create those beautiful grill marks, but not so hot that the cheese burns before it softens.
- Now, grill the halloumi. Place the halloumi slices on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly softened. Keep a close eye on them – halloumi can go from perfectly grilled to burnt quickly!
- While the halloumi is grilling, prep the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes (halved), and red onion (thinly sliced).
- Once the halloumi is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Now, make the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the salad. Add the grilled halloumi to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Finally, serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and vibrant Grilled Halloumi Salad! Maybe some toasted pine nuts for a fancy touch? Who knows!
📝 Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure your halloumi is made with vegetarian rennet.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: 300mg
