Modern Grilled Halloumi Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
This elegant salad features thick slabs of golden grilled halloumi paired with fresh greens, roasted or raw vegetables, toasted nuts or seeds, and a zesty herb vinaigrette. It’s a beautiful dish with bold textures and flavors — warm, savory, and refreshing all at once.
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Salad Base:
200g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick slabs
1 tsp olive oil (for grilling)
3 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or romaine)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ avocado, sliced or cubed
¼ cucumber, sliced or ribboned
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries (optional)
2 tbsp toasted pistachios, almonds, or sunflower seeds
Herby Lemon Vinaigrette:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley or mint
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Grill the Halloumi
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Lightly oil halloumi slices and grill for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
2. Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey/maple, herbs, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad
On a large plate or bowl, layer salad greens, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and avocado.
Top with grilled halloumi slices and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and nuts/seeds.
4. Finish and Serve
Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately while halloumi is warm.
Tips & Modern Variations
Add grains: Toss with cooked quinoa or farro for a more filling bowl.
Roasted twist: Add roasted sweet potato, beet, or zucchini.
Flavor upgrade: Add a swirl of green tahini or pesto instead of vinaigrette.
Make it vegan: Swap halloumi for grilled marinated tofu.
❓ frequently asked Questions FAQ
Q: Can I grill the halloumi ahead of time?
A: Best served warm and fresh, but you can reheat in a dry pan for a few seconds.
Q: Can I use air fryer or oven instead of pan?
A: Yes, air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Is this meal prep-friendly?
A: Yes — keep grilled halloumi, greens, and dressing separate until ready to eat.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~380
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g