If you are craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, look no further than this Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of smoky, salty grilled halloumi cheese paired with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty herbs, all brought together by a tangy, honeyed dressing. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful and satisfying meal that feels like a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a stunning side dish, this recipe delivers every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing the dish’s textures and flavors, ensuring every bite is refreshing, savory, and delightfully satisfying.
- Halloumi cheese: The star ingredient offering a firm, grill-friendly texture and salty bite that melts into smoky goodness.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect golden crust on the halloumi slices.
- Lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and lifts the whole salad.
- Honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness for a harmonious dressing.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note reminiscent of Mediterranean flavors.
- Cucumber: Provides refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the warm grilled cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness and vibrant color, making the salad pop.
- Red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and lovely crisp texture.
- Fresh parsley: Imparts a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the herbs and cheese.
- Fresh mint: Adds a cooling and aromatic element perfect for balancing the savory cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar: Contributes a rich, tangy depth to the dressing.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and accentuates the natural tastes.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice to finish the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Halloumi
Start by heating your grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, slice the halloumi into half-inch thick pieces. This thickness allows the cheese to get beautifully grilled without melting away. Drizzle the slices with olive oil on both sides to ensure they caramelize and form that irresistible crispy crust when grilled.
Step 2: Grill the Halloumi
Place the oiled halloumi slices on the hot grill and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want to see those lovely golden-brown grill marks develop while the cheese softens but holds its shape. Once grilled, remove the halloumi and set it aside to cool a bit before adding it to the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
While the halloumi is cooking, chop up your fresh veggies. Cut the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons depending on your preference for bite size and texture. Halve the cherry tomatoes, peel the red onion, then slice it into delicate rings. Finally, chop the parsley and mint separately to maintain their distinct aromas and flavors later on.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and herbal notes that ties the whole salad together. It’s light yet flavorful, enhancing each ingredient without overpowering them.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the prepared cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add the chopped parsley and mint and give the salad another light toss, ensuring the fresh herbs are well distributed. Finally, either slice your grilled halloumi into bite-sized pieces or leave in slices, then top the salad with the warm, smoky cheese for the perfect contrast.
How to Serve Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, try garnishing your salad with some additional freshly chopped mint or parsley leaves. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a thrilling little kick if you fancy a touch of heat. A few lemon wedges on the side also make it easy for everyone to add an extra splash of brightness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty bread or some grilled pita for scooping. It also complements dishes like roasted chicken or light seafood, turning a simple meal into a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad layered in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful veggies and golden halloumi slices. For entertaining, build individual servings on small plates for a polished presentation. Drizzle a little extra dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe, store the salad and grilled cheese separately in airtight containers. The cheese will stay best at room temperature or lightly chilled, while the veggies keep nicely in the fridge for up to 2 days without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes lose their texture upon thawing. The grilled halloumi can be frozen on its own in a sealed container or bag, but best consumed within one month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover halloumi, gently reheat it in a warm skillet for a minute or two to restore some of its original crispiness. Avoid microwave heating as it tends to make the cheese rubbery. When ready to eat, toss the salad fresh and add the reheated cheese just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a regular grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove works perfectly for this Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe, giving you those delicious grill marks and smoky flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
What can I substitute for halloumi if I can’t find it?
While halloumi is unique, a firm cheese like paneer or a grilling cheese that holds shape well can work in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a wonderful vegetarian dish packed with protein-rich halloumi and fresh veggies, making it hearty and satisfying without meat.
How long does the salad stay fresh after mixing?
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad within a few hours of tossing. The veggies start to soften if left too long with the dressing, but stored separately you can refresh it nicely later.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before using to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe is truly one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a delightful harmony of smoky cheese, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing that feels light but satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable meal. Trust me, once you’ve had this salad, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing grilled halloumi salad featuring golden, crispy halloumi cheese atop a bed of fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a tangy honey-lemon dressing. Perfect as a light meal or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 200 grams halloumi cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
Instructions
- Preheat Grill Pan: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the halloumi cheese.
- Slice Halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices for even grilling.
- Oil the Cheese: Drizzle the halloumi slices with olive oil, making sure both sides are well coated to prevent sticking and help browning.
- Grill Halloumi: Place the slices on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown, crispy exterior.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the halloumi grills, slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons according to your preference.
- Halve Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
- Slice Onion: Peel the red onion and thinly slice it into rings for a mild sharpness and crunch.
- Chop Herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint separately to retain their fresh flavors.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced tangy dressing.
- Cool Halloumi: Remove the grilled halloumi from the grill and let it cool slightly before assembling the salad.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion rings.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the fresh parsley and mint, tossing again to distribute the herbs throughout the salad.
- Prepare Halloumi for Salad: Cut the grilled halloumi into smaller pieces or leave as slices based on your preference for presentation.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange the grilled halloumi pieces on top of the dressed salad.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or chill it refrigerated for a few minutes for a refreshing cooler option.
Notes
- Halloumi is best grilled fresh and served warm for optimal texture and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.
- Can be served as a light lunch or a side salad for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
- To keep the herbs vibrant, add them just before serving to prevent wilting.
- Leftover salad can be refrigerated for up to 1 day, but halloumi is best enjoyed fresh.
