For anyone in search of a salad brimming with wholesome goodness and vibrant ingredients (with the adage suggesting that the more colorful your dish, the healthier it becomes), this salad is the perfect choice. Adorned with crispy haloumi that is crunchy outside and oozy within, it works wonderfully as a standalone vegetarian lunch or as a fantastic side dish alongside grilled lamb or chicken. The dressing provides a sharp and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory haloumi, infusing the salad with zing and a touch of heat.
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
- 120 g assorted salad leaves
- 1 each of medium-sized red, yellow, and green bell peppers
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium-sized fresh beetroot
- 250 g assorted cherry tomatoes
- 2 cobs of fresh sweet corn
- a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small bunch of chives
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup pecan nuts
- 180 -200 g block of haloumi cheese
- 3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
- juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 180 C. Spread the pepitas and pecans on a baking sheet, toasting them for approximately 10 minutes until fragrant and delightfully crispy. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool. Chop the bell peppers into 1 cm cubes. Peel and julienne the carrots. Peel and julienne the beetroot, keeping it separate to avoid staining the other ingredients with its rich purple juice. Halve the cherry tomatoes. With a sharp knife, slice the kernels off 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 jar with a lid. Shake thoroughly, then season with sea salt and black pepper to your preference. When ready to serve, mix all salad ingredients together and transfer them to a serving bowl. 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 top of the salad, drizzle the dressing over, and serve right away.
**Vibrant Vegetable Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese: A Tasty and Nutritious Delight**
A vibrant vegetable salad featuring grilled halloumi cheese is not just visually appealing but also a nutritious and delightful meal choice. This dish merges the freshness of colorful vegetables with the savory, rich taste of grilled halloumi, achieving an ideal harmony of flavors and textures.
**Ingredients:**
1. **Halloumi Cheese**: Renowned for its high melting point, halloumi is ideal for grilling. Its salty, tangy taste pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the vegetables.
2. **Mixed Greens**: A blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine lettuce brings various textures and nutrients to the dish.
3. **Cherry Tomatoes**: They offer a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
4. **Cucumbers**: Deliver a refreshing crunch.
5. **Bell Peppers**: Incorporate red, yellow, and orange peppers for rich color and sweetness.
6. **Red Onion**: Contributes a sharp, tangy element.
7. **Avocado**: Adds creaminess along with healthy fats.
8. **Olives**: Include Kalamata or green olives for a savory contrast.
9. **Lemon Vinaigrette**: A simple dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
**Preparation:**
1. **Grill the Halloumi**: Cut the halloumi into thick slices and grill on a preheated grill or skillet until golden brown on both sides. This method enhances its flavor while ensuring a crispy exterior and soft center.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables**: Clean and chop the mixed greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers, julienne the bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and cube the avocado.
3. **Assemble the Salad**: In a large bowl, mix the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and olives. Gently toss to combine.
4. **Add the Halloumi**: Arrange the grilled halloumi slices atop the salad.
5. **Dress the Salad**: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and give it a gentle toss for even coverage.
6. **Serve**: Present the salad on plates, ensuring each portion includes some grilled halloumi. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon wedges or fresh herbs such as mint or basil.
**Nutritional Benefits:**
This salad is not only attractive but also packed with nutrients. The vegetables furnish essential vitamins and minerals, while the halloumi cheese contributes protein and calcium. The healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil dressing support heart health, making this dish a great source of fiber.
**Conclusion:**
A vibrant vegetable salad with grilled halloumi cheese represents an excellent choice for those desiring a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it is sure to impress with its vivid colors and delightful flavors. Enjoy this salad as a refreshing lunch or light dinner, relishing the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and grilled cheese.