If you seek a salad brimming with goodness and loaded with tasty, vibrant ingredients (and it’s often said that the more colorful your dish, the healthier it tends to be), then this salad is just right for you. Adorned with crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside haloumi, it serves well as a standalone vegetarian lunch or a fantastic side to grilled lamb or chicken. The dressing has a sharp and tangy flavor that balances the haloumi’s saltiness, bringing zest and a hint of heat to the entire salad.
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
- 120 g assorted salad leaves
- 1 medium red capsicum, 1 medium yellow capsicum, and 1 medium green capsicum
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium fresh beetroot
- 250 g assorted cherry tomatoes
- 2 cobs of fresh corn
- handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small bunch of 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 the oven to 180 C. Spread the pepitas and pecans on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes until they are fragrant and crunchy. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Chop the capsicums into 1 cm cubes. Peel the carrots and julienne them. Peel the beetroot and julienne as well, keeping it separate from the other ingredients to prevent its deep purple juice from staining them. Halve the tomatoes. With a sharp knife, slice the kernels from the corn cobs. Roughly chop the parsley and snip the chives. Prepare the dressing by combining 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and chili flakes in a small glass jar with a lid. Shake well and season to taste with salt and pepper. When ready to serve, combine all the salad ingredients and place them in 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 golden brown. Place the haloumi on the salad, drizzle the dressing on top, and serve right away.
Title: A Colorful Treat: Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Introduction:
Salads play a vital role in numerous diets, providing a refreshing and nutritious meal alternative. Among the various salad options, the vibrant vegetable salad featuring grilled halloumi cheese distinguishes itself with its colorful presentation and delightful tastes. This dish not only excites the eyes but also pleases the taste buds with a mix of fresh vegetables and the unique flavor of halloumi cheese.
Ingredients:
To prepare this vibrant vegetable salad with grilled halloumi cheese, you will require the following items:
– 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup assorted salad greens (like arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
– 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 garnishing
Preparation:
1. Grilling the Halloumi:
– Preheat a grill or a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
– Lightly coat the halloumi slices with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
– Grill the halloumi for around 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and slightly crispy.
– Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Preparing the Vegetables:
– In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and mixed salad greens.
– Mix in the sliced black olives.
3. Dressing the Salad:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple dressing.
– Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure even distribution.
4. Assembling the Salad:
– Layer the grilled halloumi slices on top of the dressed vegetable salad.
– Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or mint for an added flavor and color boost.
5. Serving:
– Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the contrast between the warm, savory halloumi and the cool, crisp vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits:
This vibrant vegetable salad with grilled halloumi cheese is not just aesthetically pleasing but also packed with nutritional advantages. The assortment of vegetables supplies vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Halloumi cheese, recognized for its high protein content, brings a satisfying and savory element to the salad, making it a well-rounded meal choice.
Conclusion:
A vibrant vegetable salad with grilled halloumi cheese is a delightful dish that blends fresh vegetables’ crispness with halloumi’s rich, savory taste. Ideal for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its variety of colors and flavors. Whether you’re a salad lover or eager to explore something new, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious option that showcases the best of fresh ingredients.
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