If you’re in search of a salad brimming with health benefits and loaded with tasty and vibrant components (and there’s a saying that a more colorful dish signifies better health), then this salad is perfect for you. Garnished with crispy haloumi that is crunchy outside yet melty within, it can serve as a standalone vegetarian meal or complement grilled lamb or chicken beautifully. The dressing offers a sharp and zesty flavor to counterbalance the saltiness of the haloumi, infusing the entire salad with a lively kick and a hint of spiciness.
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
- 120 g mixed salad leaves
- 1 each of medium-sized red, yellow and green capsicums
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium-sized fresh beetroot
- 250 g mixed cherry tomatoes
- 2 cobs fresh corn
- handful fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small bunch chives
- 1/3 cup pepitas
- 1/2 cup pecan nuts
- 180 -200 g block of haloumi
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes
- sea salt and black pepper
Preheat the oven to 180 C. Arrange the pepitas and pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes until they become aromatic and satisfyingly crunchy. Remove from the oven and let cool. Cut capsicums into 1 cm squares. Peel and julienne the carrots. Peel and julienne the beetroot, keeping it separate to avoid staining other ingredients with its vivid purple juice. Halve the tomatoes. With a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the corn cobs. Coarsely chop the parsley and snip the chives. Prepare the dressing by combining 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and chilli flakes in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake well and season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. When ready to serve, mix all the salad components together and transfer them to a serving dish. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Cut the haloumi into 8 pieces and fry until golden. Place the haloumi on the salad, drizzle with dressing, and serve immediately.
**Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Haloumi Cheese: A Tasty and Wholesome Dish**
A vibrant vegetable salad featuring grilled haloumi cheese is a lively and nutritious dish that merges the freshness of various vegetables with the savory depth of haloumi cheese. This salad not only delights the taste buds but delivers numerous nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a nourishing meal.
**Ingredients:**
1. **Haloumi Cheese:** Renowned for its firm consistency and salty flavor, haloumi is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus. It is ideal for grilling due to its elevated melting point, which enables a crispy, golden-brown exterior while remaining soft inside.
2. **Assorted Vegetables:** A diverse selection of vegetables enhances the visual appeal of the salad and increases its nutritional benefits. Common selections include:
– **Bell Peppers:** Red, yellow, and green bell peppers introduce sweetness and a crisp texture.
– **Cherry Tomatoes:** These juicy, small tomatoes deliver a flavor burst and a supply of antioxidants.
– **Cucumbers:** Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, are hydrating, and low in calories.
– **Red Onions:** Thinly sliced red onions add a sharp, tangy bite that complements the other ingredients.
– **Carrots:** Shredded or thinly sliced carrots offer a hint of sweetness and a bright orange color.
3. **Leafy Greens:** A foundation of leafy greens such as arugula, spinach, or mixed salad greens offers a wholesome base rich in vitamins and minerals.
4. **Herbs and Seasonings:** Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley provide aromatic flavors, while a dash of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil elevate the overall taste.
5. **Dressing:** A simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or balsamic vinegar can unify the flavors, adding a zesty and slightly sweet touch.
**Preparation:**
1. **Grilling the Haloumi:** Cut the haloumi cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices. Preheat a grill or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Grill the haloumi slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown and slightly crispy texture. Remove from the heat and set aside.
2. **Preparing the Vegetables:** Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them over a bed of leafy greens in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
3. **Assembling the Salad:** Layer the grilled haloumi slices atop the vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. **Adding the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey or balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just prior to serving.
**Nutritional Benefits:**
This colorful vegetable salad with grilled haloumi cheese not only looks appealing but is also rich in nutrients. The vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber essential for maintaining good health. Haloumi cheese contributes protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle performance. The olive oil in the dressing supplies healthy fats, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
**Conclusion:**
A vibrant vegetable salad with grilled haloumi cheese is a flexible dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, side dish, or main course. Its mix of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying and nutritious choice for anyone eager to savor a healthy, delightful meal. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or simply want to increase your vegetable intake, this salad is guaranteed to impress and please.