For those seeking a salad brimming with nutrition and vibrant, tasty ingredients (there’s a popular notion that the more colorful your plate, the healthier it becomes), this recipe is the perfect fit. With crispy haloumi that’s crunchy outside yet gooey inside, it can shine as a standalone vegetarian meal or beautifully complement grilled lamb or chicken. The dressing is tangy and sharp, balancing the haloumi’s saltiness while adding a lively kick and a touch of heat to the entire dish.
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
- 120 g assorted salad greens
- 1 each of medium-sized red, yellow, and green bell peppers
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium-sized fresh beetroot
- 250 g assorted cherry tomatoes
- 2 ears of fresh corn
- handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small bunch of chives
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 180 -200 g block of haloumi
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- sea salt and black pepper
Preheat your oven to 180 C. Spread the pumpkin seeds and pecans on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes until they are fragrant and crunchy. Remove from the oven and let cool. Chop the bell peppers into 1 cm cubes. Peel the carrots and julienne them. Peel and julienne the beetroot separately, ensuring its deep purple juice doesn’t affect the other ingredients. Halve the tomatoes. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the corn cobs. Roughly chop the parsley and snip the chives. To prepare the dressing, combine 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and chili flakes in a small jar with a lid. Shake vigorously, then adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper. When ready to serve, mix all salad components in a serving bowl. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil. Slice the haloumi into 8 pieces and fry until golden brown. Lay the haloumi on the salad, drizzle with dressing, and serve right away.
**Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese: A Delight for the Eyes and Taste Buds**
Creating a dish that is both eye-catching and delectable is a rewarding challenge, and a vibrant vegetable salad with grilled halloumi cheese truly excels in this regard. This colorful and healthy dish merges the crisp freshness of seasonal vegetables with the delicious, golden-brown crispiness of grilled halloumi cheese. Whether you seek a light meal, a side dish, or a striking centerpiece for your next event, this salad is guaranteed to captivate.
### Why Opt for Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi, a semi-hard cheese hailing from Cyprus, is cherished for its distinctive texture and flavor. Unlike many cheeses that melt away, halloumi maintains its form when grilled or pan-fried. Its exterior becomes a crispy, golden crust, while the inside remains tender and chewy. The gentle saltiness and tang of halloumi make it a perfect match for fresh vegetables, rendering it a standout ingredient in this salad.
### The Health Advantages of a Colorful Vegetable Salad
Incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables isn’t just a treat for the eyes—it’s exceptionally beneficial for your health. Every color of vegetables indicates different nutrients and antioxidants that enhance overall well-being. For instance:
– **Red vegetables** such as cherry tomatoes and red bell peppers are high in lycopene, which aids heart health.
– **Orange and yellow vegetables** like carrots and sweet corn are filled with beta-carotene, promoting healthy skin and vision.
– **Green vegetables** like cucumbers, spinach, and arugula are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
– **Purple vegetables** such as red cabbage or beets have anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
By mixing a spectrum of colorful vegetables, you not only prepare a beautiful dish but also maximize the health benefits.
### Ingredients for the Ideal Salad
For a colorful vegetable salad featuring grilled halloumi cheese, gather these ingredients:
#### For the Salad:
– 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage or grated carrots
– 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or basil)
#### For the Grilled Halloumi:
– 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
#### For the Dressing:
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar for a sweetness)
– 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
### Step-by-Step Directions
#### 1. Prepare the Vegetables
Clean and chop all vegetables and herbs. Arrange them in a large bowl or platter, starting with mixed greens as the foundation, then layering colorful vegetables on top for an attractive presentation.
#### 2. Grill the Halloumi
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush halloumi slices with olive oil on both sides. Place them in the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
#### 3. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and modify the seasoning if necessary.
#### 4. Assemble the Salad
Top the salad with warm grilled slices of halloumi. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the top. For added texture, consider sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds (like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or pine nuts) for extra crunch.
#### 5. Serve and Savor
Serve the salad immediately while the halloumi is still warm. Pair it with crusty bread or a light soup to create a complete meal.
### Customization Options
One of the wonderful aspects of this salad is its adaptability. You can easily modify it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:
– **Add Protein:** Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the meal more substantial.
– **Incorporate Fruits:** Add slices of avocado, segments of orange, or pomegranate seeds for a sweet twist.
– **Try Other Cheeses:** If you can’t find halloumi, consider feta or paneer, although they won’t grill the same way.
– **Experiment with Grains:** Mix in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for added flavor and nutrition.
### Why This Salad is Ideal