Zesty Halloumi Avocado Toast
This vibrant Mediterranean toast layers crispy golden halloumi slices over creamy avocado mash and a zesty lemon-herb drizzle. It’s perfectly balanced — salty, tangy, and fresh — and ready in just minutes! Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
For the Toast
4 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread
1 ripe avocado
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Halloumi
120 g (about 4 oz) halloumi cheese, sliced ½ inch thick
1 tsp olive oil
For the Zesty Dressing
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp honey or maple syrup
¼ tsp dried oregano or thyme
Optional: a pinch of chili flakes
Toppings
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil.
Toast in a skillet or toaster until golden and crisp. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado
In a bowl, mash avocado with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Cook the Halloumi
Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
Add halloumi slices and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Zesty Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, oregano, and chili flakes until emulsified.
Step 5: Assemble the Toast
Spread mashed avocado evenly over each slice of toast.
Top with warm halloumi slices.
Drizzle the zesty dressing on top.
Garnish with cherry tomatoes, parsley, or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes & Tips
Add poached or fried eggs for a breakfast upgrade.
Replace halloumi with grilled feta or paneer if unavailable.
For a creamy twist, mix Greek yogurt into the avocado mash.
To make it vegan, use plant-based halloumi and skip honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep this?
You can prep the dressing and slice the halloumi in advance, but assemble fresh to keep the toast crisp.
Q: Is halloumi salty?
Yes, slightly — that’s why it pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and lemony dressing.
Q: Can I grill the halloumi instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grill on medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden marks appear.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g