Grilled Halloumi & Roasted Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Here’s a fresh new Mediterranean recipe that’s flavorful, vibrant, and perfect for spring or summer:
Total Time
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the salad:
1 block (8 oz) halloumi cheese, sliced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cups arugula or mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamatas olives, pitted and halved
Fresh mint or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the lemon-tahini dressing:
3 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, minced
2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chickpeas dry and toss with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
2. Grill the halloumi:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill halloumi slices for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Make the dressing:
Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and maple syrup. Slowly add water to thin to your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the salad:
On a large platter or bowl, layer greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and roasted chickpeas. Top with warm grilled halloumi.
5. Drizzle dressing and garnish:
Spoon the dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh herbs.
Tips & Pairing
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Vermentino or a dry Rose.
- Make it vegan; Replace halloumi with grilled tofu or roasted eggplant slices.
- Here’s the approximate nutrition information per serving for the Grilled Halloumi & Roasted Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing, assuming the recipe serves 4 people:
Nutrition information
Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 6g
Calcium: ~35% DV
Vitamin A: ~20% DV