Halloumi Salad

This vibrant Halloumi Salad is a delightful blend of halloumi cheese, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish for a true taste of summer.

Updated August 2023

Halloumi Salad: A Refreshing Mediterranean Delight

Are you looking for a light and refreshing salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors? Look no further than this delectable Halloumi Salad! Packed with vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds.

What is Halloumi?

Halloumi is a traditional semi-hard, brined cheese that originates from the Mediterranean region, particularly popular in Cyprus, Greece, and the Middle East. It is typically made from a combination of sheep’s, goat’s, and sometimes cow’s milk.

Grilling cheese has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other cheeses. It has a high melting point, making it suitable for grilling or frying without losing its shape. And it develops a delightful golden crust while retaining a chewy texture. This cheese is often enjoyed as part of salads, served with grilled vegetables, or even as a delicious meat alternative due to its versatility and irresistible taste.

Recipe Ingredients 

To achieve the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in our Halloumi Salad, we’ve carefully selected a range of fresh and nutritious ingredients:

• Halloumi Cheese: This firm and salty cheese adds a delightful chewiness to the salad. For a dairy-free option, you can use Violife Mediterranean Styled Grilled Me Vegan Halloumi, which offers a similar taste and texture.
• English Cucumber: With its crisp and cool taste, the English cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad, making every bite enjoyable.
• Red Onion (optional): While red onions lend a subtle kick, you can mellow their flavor by soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and tanginess, cherry tomatoes infuse the salad with vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado brings a smooth texture and healthy fats, making the salad even more satisfying.
• Italian Parsley and Fresh Mint: These fragrant herbs add a burst of freshness and elevate the salad’s taste to a whole new level.
• Pita or Naan: To complete this Mediterranean feast, serve the salad with pita or naan slices, providing a delightful accompaniment to the flavorful ensemble.

Instructions: How to make Halloumi Salad

• Slice the Halloumi: Slice the halloumi into ½ inch thick rectangles / slices. Pat the halloumi slices very dry with clean paper towels and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate for about 5 minutes while you cut and prep the rest of the ingredients.
• Grill the Halloumi: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat (if you don’t have a grill, just use a nonstick skillet). Coat with enough oil to lightly coat the surface. Add the sliced halloumi (working in batches as needed), leaving space between each slice. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear or until golden brown.
• Assemble the salad: Add all the sliced / chopped vegetables / herbs side by side to a bowl: cucumber, onion, tomatoes, avocado and parsley.
• Make the dressing: Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or a bowl and shake well or whisk until well combined.
• Add dressing: Pour dressing over the salad. Toss well until combined. Adjust seasonings as needed. Add the halloumi.
• Garnish and serve: Garnish the salad with a little bit of parsley and more cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve with pita or naan.

Tips for Success

Creating the perfect Halloumi Salad is a breeze with these handy tips:

• Pat Dry the Halloumi: Before grilling the halloumi, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and enhances its texture.
• Use a Grill Pan or Skillet: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or nonstick skillet works just as well for cooking the halloumi.
• Prepare the Dressing Separately: To ensure an even distribution of flavors, mix the dressing ingredients in a separate jar or bowl before pouring it over the salad.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this salad is so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, we recommend enjoying the salad fresh for the best taste and texture.

As for freezing, we advise against it, as the texture of the fresh ingredients might be compromised after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This Halloumi Salad is a fantastic standalone dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with various mains. Grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or falafels. For a larger gathering, consider serving it as part of a vibrant mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves.

Variations and Substitutions

Customize the Halloumi Salad to your liking with these variations and substitutions:

• Add Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the smoky flavors by grilling additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Include Nuts: Add a delightful crunch by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the salad.
• Citrus Twist: For a tangy twist, swap the lemon juice in the dressing with lime or orange juice.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro, dill, or basil to add unique flavor profiles.

With this Halloumi Salad recipe and our tips, you’ll be able to whip up a refreshing and vibrant dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

More healthy salad recipes you will love:

Mediterranean Salad

Falafel Salad

Chicken Shawarma Salad

5 from 1 vote

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Halloumi Salad

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

This vibrant Halloumi Salad is a delightful blend of halloumi cheese, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish for a true taste of summer.

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: asian cucumber salad, cucumber tomato salad, halloumi salad, tomato salad

Servings: 4

Calories: 274 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 4-6 ounces halloumi cheese , sliced into 1/4 - 1/2-inch thick slabs / strips. For a dairy-free option, you can use Violife Mediterranean Styled Grilled Me Vegan Halloumi.
• 1 medium English cucumber sliced into coins or semi-circles (about 2 cups)
• 1 small red onion thinly sliced (optional: to remove some of the bite, soak the onions in a small bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then drain)
• 14 oz cherry tomatoes cut into halves
• 1 medium avocado cut into chunks
• 1-2 tbsp finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• Pita or naan sliced into triangles, for serving

Dressing:

• ½ lemon juiced
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup or preferred liquid sweetener
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or vinegar of choice
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice the halloumi into ½ inch thick rectangles / slices.
2. Pat the halloumi slices very dry with clean paper towels and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate for about 5 minutes while you cut and prep the rest of the ingredients (totally no need to film this prep part).
3. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat (if you don’t have a grill, just use a nonstick skillet). Coat with enough oil to lightly coat the surface.
4. Add the sliced halloumi (working in batches as needed), leaving space between each slice, and cook for 2 or 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear or until golden brown.
5. Add all the sliced / chopped vegetables / herbs side by side to a bowl: cucumber, onion, tomatoes, avocado and parsley..

6. Add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or a bowl and shake well or whisk until well combined.

7. Pour dressing over the salad. Toss well until combined. Adjust seasonings as needed. Add the halloumi and garnish the salad with a little bit of parsley and more cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve with cooked protein, pita or naan of choice.

Recipe Notes

Serve dressing on the side if you think you might have leftovers. It's best to store salad and vinaigrette in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The salad will last for up to 2 days and the dressing will last for up to 4.

If salad and dressing have already been combined, enjoy leftovers within 1-2 days. After a while, the vinaigrette will start to draw liquid from the veggies and water down the dish. 

Nutrition Facts

Halloumi Salad

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 274 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Fiber 6g24%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 8g16%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer: This updated post was generated on August 5, 2023 by ChatGPT, an AI language model. All info should be reviewed and validated by a human for accuracy and relevancy before implementation.