Tomato, Little Gem & Halloumi Bowl
Description:
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired bowl featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp Little Gem lettuce, golden fried Halloumi slices, and a zingy lemon-herb dressing. It’s light yet satisfying — perfect for lunch or a quick summer dinner.
Time Required:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Ingredients:
For the bowl:
200g Halloumi cheese, sliced (1 cm thick)
2 Little Gem lettuces, roughly chopped
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
A handful of fresh basil or mint leaves
For the dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Halloumi:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (no oil needed).
Fry the Halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel.
Assemble the bowl:
In a large salad bowl or individual serving bowls, layer chopped Little Gem, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Place the warm Halloumi slices on top.
Drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Garnish with fresh basil or mint.
Serve immediately, while the Halloumi is still warm.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving — 1 bowl):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~420 kcal
Protein 19 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Sugars 8 g
Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 13 g
Fiber 4 g
Sodium 850 mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make it vegan?
A1: Yes! Substitute Halloumi with grilled tofu or vegan Halloumi-style cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Q2: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A2: You can chop the veggies and prepare the dressing ahead, but fry the Halloumi just before serving for the best texture.
Q3: What can I serve with this bowl?
A3: It pairs beautifully with pita bread, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
Q4: How long does it last in the fridge?
A4: Without the Halloumi, the salad and dressing can stay fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Add freshly cooked Halloumi before serving.
Q5: What’s a good substitute for Little Gem?
A5: Romaine lettuce or baby spinach work great as alternatives.