Grilled Peach Cucumber & Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Honey Dressing
This vibrant Mediterranean salad features sweet grilled peaches, cool cucumbers, crispy golden halloumi cheese, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty lemon-honey dressing. It’s light yet satisfying — the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy.
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or ribboned
6 oz (170g) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
2 tablespoons toasted pistachios or pine nuts (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Lemon-Honey Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Grill the peaches:
Brush peach halves with a little olive oil. Grill cut-side down on a grill pan or outdoor grill for 3–4 minutes until grill marks appear. Let cool slightly, then slice.
2. Grill the halloumi:
In the same pan, grill halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set aside.
3. Make the dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Assemble the salad:
On a serving plate or bowl, arrange cucumber slices, grilled peach wedges, red onion, grilled halloumi, and mint leaves.
5. Dressing:
Drizzle the dressing over the top. Sprinkle with pistachios (if using).
6. Serve:
immediately, slightly warm or at room temperature.
Chef’s Tips:
Use firm but ripe peaches — too soft and they’ll fall apart on the grill.
For extra brightness, add a few spoonfuls of pomegranate seeds or a handful of arugula.
This pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can prep components ahead, but grill and dress just before serving for best texture.
Q: What can I use instead of halloumi?
A: Try pan-seared feta slices or grilled paneer for a similar salty bite.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes — naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: ~400mg