If you’re in search of a salad brimming with nourishment and vibrant, tasty ingredients (there’s a popular notion that the more colorful your meal, the healthier it becomes), then this salad is perfect 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 side to grilled lamb or chicken. The dressing offers a sharp and zesty finish to balance the haloumi’s saltiness, adding a refreshing kick 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 chilli 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 satisfyingly 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 separately to prevent its rich purple juice from staining the other ingredients. Halve the tomatoes. Carefully cut the kernels off the corn cobs using a sharp knife. Roughly chop the parsley and snip the chives. To make 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 and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. When ready to serve, mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl and place 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 fry until golden brown. Arrange the haloumi on the salad, drizzle the dressing over the top, and serve right away.
**Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Halloumi: A Tasty and Wholesome Treat**
In the realm of healthy eating, few dishes can match the lively allure and nutritional advantages of a vibrant vegetable salad. Combined with the distinct, flavorful essence of grilled halloumi, this dish transforms into a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal that is as visually captivating as it is delicious. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a side for a summer gathering, or a vegetarian-friendly choice, a vibrant vegetable salad with grilled halloumi is bound to impress.
### What is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese that is brined and hails from Cyprus. Traditionally, it is crafted from a blend of goat’s and sheep’s milk, though cow’s milk can be utilized as well. A notable characteristic of halloumi is its elevated melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. When cooked, halloumi forms a crispy, golden-brown crust while retaining a soft, chewy interior. Its salty and tangy taste complements fresh vegetables beautifully, making it an excellent addition to salads.
### The Nutritional Benefits of Halloumi Cheese
While halloumi is a delightful indulgence, it is also rich in nutrients. It serves as a great source of protein, crucial for muscle recovery and growth. Halloumi also offers calcium, essential for bone health, and phosphorus, which is important in energy production. However, it’s essential to note that halloumi may contain significant amounts of sodium and fat, so it is best enjoyed sparingly as part of a balanced diet.
### The Advantages of a Colorful Vegetable Salad
Vegetables form the bedrock of a healthy diet, and a colorful salad is an effortless way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into a single meal. The assorted colors of vegetables often signify different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For instance:
– **Red vegetables** like tomatoes and peppers are high in lycopene, which may help lower the risk of particular cancers.
– **Orange and yellow vegetables** such as carrots and squash are abundant in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, promoting eye health.
– **Green vegetables** including spinach and cucumbers are rich in vitamins K, C, and folate, vital for immune function, skin health, and cellular repair.
– **Purple vegetables** like red cabbage and beets include anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that may aid in protecting against heart disease.
By adding a variety of colorful vegetables to your salad, you not only create an appealing dish but also ensure a wide range of nutrients.
### Recipe: Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese
#### Ingredients:
– 200g haloumi cheese, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or romaine)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling the haloumi)
– Fresh herbs (optional): parsley, mint, or basil for garnish
#### For the Dressing:
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Rinse and chop all the vegetables as mentioned above. Arrange the mixed salad greens on a sizable serving platter or in a salad bowl. Layer the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, shredded carrots, and red cabbage on top of the greens.
2. **Grill the Halloumi:**
– Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Brush the halloumi slices with olive oil on both sides.
– Place the halloumi slices onto the hot pan and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
3. **Make the Dressing:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed.
4. **Assemble the Salad:**
– Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Top with the grilled halloumi slices.
5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Optionally, add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil for an extra kick of flavor and color. Serve promptly and enjoy!