Grilled Halloumi Summer Vegetable Salad

Grilled Halloumi Salad My Healthy Summer Meal Secret
By Amara Vitalis

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some healthy summer meals that are actually delicious ? I know, right? This recipe is all about that grilled halloumi goodness.

The salty halloumi paired with fresh vegetables? It's a summer dream!

Brief Overview

This grilled halloumi salad recipe takes inspiration from the sunny Mediterranean. It's super easy and only takes about 30 minutes.

This recipe makes two servings. Perfect for a light summer lunch or a quick summer dinner .

Main Benefits

This salad is packed with nutrients! Hello, vitamins. This is your go-to for a refreshing summer vegetable salad when the sun's blazing.

What makes this recipe special? The amazing lemon herb dressing and the slighty chewy and salty halloumi!

Why You'll Love This Halloumi Heaven

Honestly, this healthy summer salad is a game changer. I used to dread making salads. They were boring. This ain't that! The grilled halloumi adds so much flavor and texture.

Plus, that lemon herb dressing ? I could drink it. Think of this as a quick holiday for your taste buds.

What is this Summer Salad About

You know, summer salad recipes can be hit or miss. Some are bland. Some are complicated. This one hits all the right notes.

Imagine: juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, salty halloumi, and a zingy dressing. It’s simple. It’s satisfying. And it’s ready in minutes.

It will be one of your favourite refreshing summer recipes ever. You can swap ingredients, so feel free to experement, and get creative!

Right then, let's dive into the good stuff! We're talking about the bits and bobs you'll need to whip up this healthy summer meal .

This grilled halloumi salad is so easy, even I can't mess it up! (And that's saying something!). Seriously, this is one of those summer salad recipes that's perfect for a light summer lunch .

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Honestly, getting your ingredients sorted is half the battle. Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already. The beauty of this is that its so flexible.

Want to add some courgette? Go right ahead!

Main Ingredients: Keepin' it Fresh

  • Halloumi Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) sliced ½-inch thick. Quality matters! Look for a squeaky, firm cheese. If its too soft, steer clear.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (100g) , halved. Sweet and juicy ones are best.
  • Cucumber: 1 , peeled, seeded, and diced. Adds a lovely crunch.
  • Red Bell Pepper: 1 , seeded and diced. A pop of colour and sweetness.
  • Red Onion: ½ cup (50g) , thinly sliced. For that little bite!
  • Fresh Basil & Mint: ½ cup (25g) each , roughly chopped. Don't skimp on the herbs!
  • Mixed Salad Greens: 2 cups (60g) , whatever you fancy! Rocket, spinach, the works.

Seasoning Notes: Zing it Up!

This lemon herb dressing is the bee's knees. It's the flavor bomb that brings everything together.

  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , extra virgin of course.
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled just doesn't cut it.
  • White Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a bit of tang. Apple cider vinegar works too!
  • Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Because everything's better with garlic.
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . For a bit of a kick.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . A touch of sweetness to balance the lemon.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!

Honestly, this combination is perfect. You can easily swap the herbs. I've used dill and parsley before, and it was banging! This summer vegetable salad will be a firm favourite.

It's one of my go-to easy summer meals . It's also one of the most refreshing summer recipes I know!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

  • Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: For that lovely charred halloumi.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the salad.
  • Small Bowl/Jar & Whisk: For the dressing.
  • Chopping Board & Knife: Self explanatory, innit?

Don't have a grill pan? A frying pan works in a pinch. Just make sure it's hot! This is a quick summer dinner that's ready in no time.

You will be obsessed with these halloumi recipes

Alright, that's all you need to get started. Now, let's get cooking!

Right then, let's get cracking! I've put together a healthy summer meal that’s both tasty and easy. We're aiming for something light and refreshing, so you won't be stuck in a hot kitchen all day.

More Pimms on the lawn , less Sunday roast in July , yeah?

This recipe is a vibrant summer salad with grilled halloumi, inspired by the desire for healthy summer meals . It's all about celebrating fresh ingredients.

Get Your Prep On: The Salad Before the Salad

Before you even think about firing up the grill, let's get organised. This is my 'mise en place,' and trust me, it's a lifesaver.

Chop all your veggies first. This is your summer vegetable salad foundation. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper.

Thinly slice that red onion. Roughly chop your basil and mint. Having everything prepped saves loads of time.

Also, you’ll want to pat the halloumi dry before grilling. Excess moisture inhibits good browning, trust me, I have learnt the hard way!

Grilled Halloumi Heaven: The step-by-step

Right, here's how to make this grilled halloumi salad sing!

  1. Toss those prepped veggies with the salad greens. It's all coming together.
  2. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Boom: lemon herb dressing !
  3. Heat your grill pan (or outdoor grill) to medium high heat .
  4. Grill the halloumi for 2- 3 minutes per side . Aim for golden brown, you know?. Watch it closely, as it goes from good to burnt very quickly.
  5. Arrange the salad on plates. Top with the grilled halloumi.
  6. Drizzle that lemon herb dressing all over the salad. It's ready!

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Salad Game

Want to take this salad to the next level?

  • Don't overcook the halloumi . The perfect texture is golden brown and slightly soft, not rubbery. Honestly, this makes all the difference!
  • A well seasoned dressing makes this a refreshing summer recipe . Season generously. Taste and adjust as needed.
  • Serve with some crusty bread for soaking up that lush dressing. A chilled glass of white wine wouldn't go amiss either!

This easy summer meal is perfect as a light summer lunch or even a quick summer dinner . You can even prep the veggies and dressing beforehand to make it even faster.

It's all about those summer salad recipes , isn't it? These halloumi recipes can become very versitile. I can't wait to see what you create!

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs about this grilled halloumi salad . This section is all about making it your own , innit?

Serving Suggestions: Plating, Sides, and Drinks

Honestly, presentation is key, even if it's just for you! I like to arrange my summer vegetable salad all pretty on a platter.

You could even use one of those fancy wooden boards. Scatter the grilled halloumi on top. Drizzle that lemon herb dressing like you're Picasso.

For sides, some crusty bread is ideal for mopping up the dressing. As for drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc? Chef's kiss! Or, a nice elderflower presse if you're not on the booze.

It pairs lovely with healthy summer meals.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

If you have leftovers (unlikely, I know!), pop the salad in an airtight container and whack it in the fridge.

It'll keep for a day or two. Important bit: store the dressing separately. Nobody likes a soggy salad! Reheating isn't really a thing, but you can totally revive the flavours with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Freezing isn't recommended for this one. The veggies will get all sad and mushy.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? Sorted. For a vegan version, swap the halloumi for grilled tofu. It works a treat! For gluten-free variations make sure to check the halloumi's label.

Seasonal swaps are easy too. Think peaches or nectarines in summer. Roasted butternut squash in autumn. Get creative with it!. These simple swaps will make great summer salad recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This healthy summer salad is packed with vitamins and goodness! It's a light summer lunch option. The halloumi gives you protein.

The veggies give you all the good stuff. The olive oil is your dose of healthy fats. Win-win! Enjoy these refreshing summer recipes as part of a healthy summer meals program.

Basically, this summer salad recipes will become your go-to because it's so quick, easy, and dead delicious! I believe that you can make some easy summer meals by following this and other delicious halloumi recipes .

Now, get in that kitchen and give it a go! You won't regret it. It makes some fantastic quick summer dinners too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this grilled halloumi salad really one of those "healthy summer meals" I keep hearing about?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein from the halloumi, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Plus, it's light and refreshing, so you won't feel weighed down on a hot summer day. Think of it as the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine without feeling like you need a nap afterwards!

Can I make this ahead of time? I'm a bit of a Mary Berry when it comes to time management!

You can definitely prep components in advance! Chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. However, it's best to grill the halloumi and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the halloumi from getting rubbery and the salad from becoming soggy.

No one likes a soggy salad!

What if I can't find halloumi? Are there any decent substitutes?

Halloumi can be a bit tricky to find sometimes. Feta is an okay substitute, providing a similar salty flavor. However, feta should not be grilled like halloumi. For a vegan option, grilled tofu or tempeh will also work nicely.

I'm trying to watch my weight, what swaps can I make to keep this one of my healthy summer meals, but with less calories?

Good on you for being health conscious! You can reduce the calories by using less halloumi (it's quite high in fat), reducing the amount of olive oil in the dressing, or swapping the halloumi for grilled chicken breast or chickpeas for a lower fat protein source.

Loading up on extra vegetables will also help keep you feeling full and satisfied without adding extra calories.

How long will the leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers are best enjoyed the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the salad may become a bit soggy as the dressing sits. It's generally better to store the undressed salad and dressing separately if you know you'll have leftovers.

My dressing tastes a bit bland, what can I do to liven it up?

A bland dressing is a common kitchen woe! Try adding a pinch more salt and pepper, or a squeeze more lemon juice for extra zing. A touch more Dijon mustard can also add a nice depth of flavor. If it's still lacking something, experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley.

You'll be whipping up a cracking dressing in no time!

Grilled Halloumi Summer Vegetable Salad

Grilled Halloumi Salad My Healthy Summer Meal Secret Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:10 Mins
Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450
Fat35g
Fiber4g

Recipe Info:

CategorySalad
CuisineMediterranean

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