Description
A refreshing and vibrant Halloumi Salad featuring grilled halloumi cheese, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, and a zesty lemon-mint dressing, topped with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Halloumi and Dressing
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch slabs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 3 small cucumbers, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces mixed greens (such as baby spinach or mesclun)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat pan: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat until sufficiently hot to create grill marks on the halloumi.
- Grill halloumi: Brush both sides of the halloumi slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the slices on the hot grill pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks form and the cheese becomes slightly softened but holds its shape.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh mint.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mix and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and serve: Arrange the grilled halloumi slices on top of the dressed salad, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a crunchy finish, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm cheese and fresh vegetables together.
Notes
- Halloumi cheese is best served warm and fresh off the grill for optimal texture and flavor.
- To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- You can substitute fresh mint with fresh basil or parsley if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, keeping in mind that halloumi can be salty.
- This salad pairs well with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats for a light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Halloumi Salad, Grilled Halloumi, Mediterranean Salad, Fresh Mint Salad, Light Vegetarian Salad
