Grilled Halloumi Peach Summer Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Sun's Out, Salads Out!
Fancy a bite of summer? Honestly, who doesn't love healthy summer salads ? I'm practically drooling just thinking about this Grilled Halloumi and Peach situation.
It’s got that sweet and salty thing going on that just works , you know?
This grilled peach salad is basically sunshine on a plate. It’s inspired by Mediterranean flavors, but totally screams British summer.
Think lazy picnics and easy light summer dinner recipes . This easy summer salad takes about 30 minutes to throw together, yields four generous servings, and it's super simple.
So easy peasy.
Why You Need This Halloumi Salad Recipe
The real magic of this halloumi salad recipe ? It’s quick, tasty, and good for you. Halloumi is packed with protein, and the fresh summer salad recipes here are brimming with vitamins from the fruit and greens.
It’s the perfect BBQ salad ideas side dish or even a light meal! Plus, that mint lime vinaigrette ? Oh my gosh, it's seriously addictive.
This dish is naturally gluten-free, so most people can eat it, and it's a really versatile salad.
Ingredients That Sing Summer
Time to gather our sunshine ingredients. You’ll need 4 oz of peppery arugula (rocket), 2 ripe peaches, and 8 oz of halloumi.
Then, ¼ cup of slivered almonds for crunch, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. For the star vinaigrette, grab some extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, mint, and a tiny bit of honey.
Just a pinch of Dijon mustard for a kick, and some salt and pepper.
Let’s get this Mediterranean summer salad party started!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Healthy Summer Salads
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need! Honestly, getting the ingredients right makes ALL the difference. We're talking next level healthy summer salads here, so pay attention! I learned this after many "meh" salads.
Main Ingredients
- Arugula (Rocket): 4 oz (115g) . Look for vibrant green leaves, no wilting.
- Ripe Peaches: 2 . They should be fragrant, but still firm. Think about grilled peach salad !
- Halloumi Cheese: 8 oz (225g) . Get the squeaky kind, trust me. This is for the halloumi salad recipe .
- Slivered Almonds: ¼ cup (30g) .
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp , divided.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tbsp .
- Fresh Lime Juice: 2 tbsp . That citrus punch is what a fresh summer salad recipe needs .
- Fresh Mint: 1 tbsp , chopped. Mint lime, best combo ever ! This is the base of mint lime vinaigrette .
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tsp (optional).
- Dijon Mustard: ½ tsp .
- Salt and Pepper: A pinch of each.
Seasoning Notes
Spices are key for BBQ salad ideas . Fresh mint and lime are essential. They brighten everything up! You can swap the Dijon with wholegrain mustard.
It adds a nice texture. Don't skip the salt. It really brings out the flavors.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy summer salad .
- Grill pan or outdoor grill.
- Small mixing bowl.
- Whisk.
- Tongs.
If you don't have a grill pan, a regular frying pan works. Seriously! You can use a fork instead of a whisk too.
Making summer salad recipes should be simple, right? This recipe could easily be transformed into a Mediterranean summer salad
This light summer dinner recipe is perfect. It's quick and easy.
Unleash Your Inner Chef: Grilling for the Perfect Summer Salad
Honestly, who wants to slave away in a hot kitchen during the summer? Not me! I'm all about easy summer salad recipes that are bursting with flavor.
That's where grilling comes in! Grilling isn’t just for burgers, you know? It can totally elevate your healthy summer salads .
This method adds a smoky depth that you just can't get any other way. I am going to guide you through.
Trust me. Get ready to fire up the grill and create something amazing!
Prep Steps: Your "Mise en Place" is Key!
Before you even think about turning on that grill, let's get organized. It's all about that fancy French term, mise en place (everything in its place).
- Chop your fresh mint. Zest that lime. Slice the halloumi. The more organized you are upfront, the smoother the cooking will be.
- Toasting almonds? Spread them on a baking sheet. Toast at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 7 minutes . Keep an eye on them, they burn easily.
- Remember, always be careful around a hot grill!
Grilled Halloumi & Peach Summer Salad: step-by-step
This grilled peach salad with halloumi and a mint lime vinaigrette is a game changer. Here's how to nail it:
- Brush the peach halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Grill the peaches cut-side down for 3- 4 minutes . They should have nice grill marks. Set aside and slice into wedges.
- Brush halloumi with remaining olive oil.
- Grill halloumi 2- 3 minutes per side . It should be golden and slightly soft.
- Toast your slivered almonds until lightly golden, about 2- 3 minutes . Don’t walk away from them!
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, mint, honey, Dijon, salt and pepper.
- Combine arugula, peaches, and halloumi.
- Drizzle vinaigrette and top with almonds. Season. And Serve that Mediterranean summer salad .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Want to take this salad from good to amazing ? Here's the inside scoop:
- Don't overcook the halloumi! Aim for golden brown, not rubbery.
- To avoid a soggy salad, dress it right before serving.
- Make the mint lime vinaigrette a day ahead. The flavors will meld together beautifully. This can be a light summer dinner recipes and an easy summer salad .
This recipe is a great way to use those fresh summer salad recipes and create some BBQ salad ideas . It's super satisfying and a healthy way to enjoy summer. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Let's talk about making this grilled halloumi salad shine! It's not just about following a recipe. It’s about making it your easy summer salad .
I've tweaked a few things over time to get it just right, and I'm sharing them with you now. Ready?
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, you know? I love arranging the grilled peach salad with the arugula as a base. Pile the halloumi and peaches on top.
A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a fancy touch. For drinks, a chilled glass of something crisp. Like a Pinot Grigio, really elevates the meal.
Or, think about some BBQ salad ideas , so you can add this to your BBQ.
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
Honestly, healthy summer salads are best served right away. However, if you have leftovers, store the arugula separately from the dressing.
This stops the salad from becoming soggy. The halloumi and peaches can be stored together in the fridge for up to 2 days .
I wouldn't recommend freezing, as the texture will change.
Remix Time: Variations for Everyone
Want to shake things up? For a vegan twist, try using grilled tofu instead of halloumi. For a light summer dinner recipe , add grilled chicken or shrimp.
To create something special add some fresh mozzarella and basil leaves for a Caprese inspired twist. Play around with seasonal ingredients.
Try nectarines instead of peaches. These summer salad recipes are super versatile.
Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Basics
This Mediterranean summer salad isn't just delicious. It is also packed with good stuff. We're talking about protein from the halloumi, vitamins from the peaches, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
It's a balanced and refreshing fresh summer salad recipe . This is also a great pick if you are looking for healthy summer salads .
Okay, you've got all the insider tips! Time to get creative and enjoy this amazing mint lime vinaigrette summer salad recipe .
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now go forth and create some deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Grilled Halloumi & Peach Salad considered one of those healthy summer salads everyone's raving about?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with fresh, whole ingredients like peaches, halloumi, and arugula, making it a nutritious and light meal. The mint lime vinaigrette uses minimal processed ingredients and healthy fats from olive oil, so you can enjoy a flavorful and guilt free salad.
It’s a great way to get your vitamins in while enjoying the summer sunshine, a bit like Pimm's and lemonade, but healthier!
Can I make this salad ahead of time? I'm a bit of a "batch cooker"!
You can definitely prep some components in advance. The mint lime vinaigrette can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, it's best to grill the halloumi and peaches just before serving to maintain their texture.
Assembling the entire salad in advance might cause the arugula to wilt, so hold off on that step until you're ready to serve think of it like afternoon tea; everything is best served fresh!
Halloumi can be a bit salty. Any tips for balancing the flavors in these healthy summer salads?
Great question! Halloumi does have a naturally salty flavor, which is why it pairs so well with sweet peaches. To balance the saltiness, make sure to use ripe, sweet peaches and don’t overcook the halloumi. You can also adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding a touch more honey or maple syrup.
You could also consider a squeeze of lemon to help cut through some of the salty flavour.
I'm trying to cut down on dairy. Can I substitute the halloumi in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Grilled tofu is an excellent vegan alternative to halloumi. Look for firm or extra firm tofu and press out any excess water before grilling to get a nice, crispy texture. You can also try other cheese alternatives like feta, but be mindful of the salt content.
If you are avoiding animal products altogether, you could try adding some cooked chickpeas for extra protein and fibre. It's all about making it your own MasterChef moment!
What are some other yummy things I can add to these healthy summer salads to make them even more exciting?
The possibilities are endless! Grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein and a smoky flavor. You can also toss in other fruits like berries or nectarines. For extra crunch, add some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or dill will also elevate the flavor profile.
You could even add a little chilli to give it a real kick, or play with different textures using nuts, and seeds. It really is up to your imagination!
How long will the Grilled Halloumi & Peach Summer Salad last, and how should I store any leftovers?
Ideally, this salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. However, if you have leftovers, store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the arugula might wilt slightly.
For best results, store the grilled halloumi, peaches, and vinaigrette separately and assemble just before serving. Nobody likes a soggy salad, do they?
Grilled Halloumi Peach Summer Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |