If you’re in search of a salad brimming with goodness, featuring an array of tasty and vibrant ingredients (and there’s a saying that the more colorful your dish, the healthier it is), then this salad is just for you. Adorned with crispy-on-the-outside, oozy-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 is quite sharp and tangy, providing a contrast to the saltiness of the haloumi while adding a touch of zest and a hint of heat to the complete salad.
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
- 120 g mixed salad leaves
- 1 each of medium-sized red, yellow and green bell peppers
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium-sized fresh beetroot
- 250 g mixed cherry tomatoes
- 2 ears fresh corn
- handful fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small bunch chives
- 1/3 cup pepitas
- 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 the oven to 180 C. Arrange the pepitas and pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes until they are fragrant and satisfyingly crunchy. Remove from the oven and let cool. Dice the bell peppers into 1 cm square pieces. Peel the carrots and julienne them. Peel the beetroot and julienne as well, keeping it separate to avoid staining the other ingredients with its rich purple juice. Halve the tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, slice the kernels off the corn cobs. Roughly chop the parsley and cut 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 thoroughly and season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. When ready to serve, combine all the salad ingredients 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. Place the haloumi on the salad, drizzle with the dressing, and serve right away.
**Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Haloumi Cheese: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight**
A lively and wholesome dish, the Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Haloumi Cheese brings together fresh produce and savory cheese, making it ideal for any meal. This salad tantalizes the taste buds with its variety of flavors and is rich in health benefits, rendering it a perfect choice for those pursuing a balanced diet.
**Ingredients and Method**
To make this vibrant salad, you will require an assortment of fresh vegetables and premium halloumi cheese. Typical ingredients include:
– **Halloumi Cheese**: Celebrated for its high melting point, halloumi is excellent for grilling. Its salty and tangy taste pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables.
– **Mixed Greens**: A base of arugula, spinach, or mixed salad greens provides a fresh and crunchy foundation.
– **Cherry Tomatoes**: These lend a sweet burst and a pop of color.
– **Cucumbers**: For a refreshing crunch.
– **Bell Peppers**: Opt for a mix of red, yellow, and orange for a lively presentation.
– **Red Onion**: Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp flavor.
– **Avocado**: Introduces creaminess and healthy fats.
– **Olives**: For a Mediterranean flair, use Kalamata or green olives.
– **Lemon Vinaigrette**: A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors of the salad.
**Grilling the Halloumi**
Begin by slicing the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the cheese slices with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill each side for approximately 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp. Grilling enhances the texture and flavor of the halloumi, making it the highlight of the salad.
**Assembling the Salad**
In a large bowl, mix the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and olives. Gently toss the ingredients to blend them well. Layer the grilled halloumi slices on top of the salad. Add avocado slices for added richness.
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad right before serving. This dressing contributes a zesty freshness that unifies all the elements.
**Nutritional Advantages**
This salad is not only visually striking but also loaded with nutrients. The vegetables provide vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, benefitting overall health. Halloumi cheese serves as a good source of protein and calcium, while avocados deliver healthy monounsaturated fats. The combination of these ingredients results in a well-rounded meal option.
**Final Thoughts**
A Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Haloumi Cheese is a flexible dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side. Its striking colors and varied textures create a feast for the senses, while its nutritional composition promotes a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want a quick and nutritious meal, this salad is sure to delight and fulfill.
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