If you seek a salad brimming with goodness, loaded with tasty and vibrant ingredients (and there’s a saying that the more colorful your dish, the healthier it is), then this salad is for you. Adorned with crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside haloumi, it can stand alone as a vegetarian lunch or serve as a delightful companion to some grilled lamb or chicken. The dressing is sharp and tangy, providing a contrast to the haloumi’s saltiness, adding zest and a hint of heat to the entire salad.
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 chili flakes
- sea salt and black pepper
Preheat oven to 180 C. Arrange the pepitas and pecans on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes until they emit a toasty aroma and are enjoyably crunchy. Remove from the oven and let cool. Chop capsicums into 1 cm square pieces. Peel and julienne the carrots. Peel and julienne the beetroot, keeping it separate from the other ingredients to prevent its deep purple juice from staining them. Slice the tomatoes in half. With a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the corn cobs. Roughly chop the parsley and snip the chives. Prepare the dressing by placing 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, the lemon juice, capers, and chili flakes in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake vigorously and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. When ready to serve, combine all the salad ingredients and transfer to a serving dish. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Slice the haloumi into 8 pieces and pan-fry until they are golden. Place the haloumi on the salad, drizzle the dressing, and serve immediately.
Title: A Colorful Feast: Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Introduction:
A vibrant vegetable salad featuring grilled halloumi cheese is a celebration for the senses, blending bright colors, varied textures, and rich flavors. This dish not only entices the eyes but also provides a nutritious and fulfilling meal choice. Halloumi cheese, recognized for its firm texture and high melting point, is ideal for grilling, contributing a savory and slightly tangy note to the salad.
Ingredients:
To prepare this delightful salad, gather an assortment of fresh vegetables and a block of halloumi cheese. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup arugula or mixed salad greens
– 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (like basil or mint) for garnish
Preparation:
1. Grilling the Halloumi:
– Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat.
– Cut the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices.
– Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to prevent sticking.
– Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. Set aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Vegetables:
– In a large bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
– Add the arugula or mixed salad greens to the bowl.
3. Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable medley and toss gently to combine.
4. Assembling the Salad:
– Place the grilled halloumi slices atop the mixed salad.
– Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or mint for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
This vibrant vegetable salad is not only pleasing to the eye but also loaded with nutrients. The assortment of vegetables delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Halloumi cheese offers a good source of protein and calcium, making this salad a comprehensive meal option.
Conclusion:
A colorful vegetable salad featuring grilled halloumi cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main or side course. Its vivid presentation and delightful flavors make it ideal for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Savor the combination of fresh vegetables alongside the unique taste of grilled halloumi for a remarkably satisfying culinary experience.