Deconstructed Grilled Halloumi Greek Salad

Right, let’s dive straight into salad ideas , shall we? ever get stuck in a salad rut? honestly, me too.

That's why i'm buzzing about this deconstructed grilled halloumi greek salad with lemon herb vinaigrette . it’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors and has a little something special with the grilled halloumi.

From Greek Isles to Your Table

This salad has its roots in the classic greek salad, which, if you don't know, is pretty much a staple in greece.

It’s simple, uses the freshest ingredients, and just screams summer. this version, though, is a bit fancy pants. it's easy to make, taking around 30 minutes.

It serves four, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Salad Benefits Galore!

Packed with fresh veggies, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse. you get a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Plus, halloumi is a decent source of protein. it's totally perfect for a summer get-together. what makes this recipe special is the grilled halloumi which gives a salty, savory bite that elevates the whole thing.

Let's talk ingredients.

Now, i have to tell you about my favorite apple salad . i was on holiday once, in the autumn. there are tons of salads recipes summer time, it's a given.

But i wanted something a little bit more autumnal, so i put together a very simple recipe.

Easy Light Salad Recipes ?

I was thinking of something along the line of a spring mix salad with apples . then i was thinking apple walnut fruit salad .

The only thing that i ended up using were red and green apple, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, a little bit of feta cheese, and a light maple vinaigrette.

I call it cornucopia salad ! honestly, it's one of my yummy side salads ! one of the best apple salad if you want my humble opinion! i'm not a big fan of overly filling stuff that i consider to be hearty dinner salads meals .

Next up we’ll get into how to make this beauty.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Greek Salad

Alright, let's chat ingredients for this amazing Greek salad. This isn’t just any salad, it's an experience. Think sunshine and feta, honestly! And the best salad ideas always start with great ingredients.

Main Ingredients: Mediterranean Magic

For this Deconstructed Grilled Halloumi Greek Salad, you'll need:

• Halloumi: 8 ounces (225g) , sliced about ½-inch thick. The squeakier the better, you know? It should feel firm to the touch, not slimy. Trust me on this.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (475 ml) , halved. Sweet and juicy is the goal.
• Cucumber: 1 English cucumber, diced. Make sure it's firm.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, cored, seeded, and diced. Bright color signals great flavor.
• Red Onion: ½, thinly sliced. Adds a little zing.
• Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (50g) , pitted and halved. The real deal!
• Fresh Oregano & Mint: 2 tablespoons each, chopped. Fresh herbs are essential !
• Mixed Greens: 4 ounces (115g) . I personally love a good Spring Mix Salad with Apples for extra crunch.

Seasoning Notes: Greek Goodness

Let's talk flavor boosters. The vinaigrette is where it's at:

• Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60 ml) , extra virgin. Don't skimp! It should taste fruity and peppery.
• Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons , fresh. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, mate.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon .
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Don't be shy.
• Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon . Adds a little oomph .
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, obviously.

Looking for flavour enhancers and aromatics? A pinch of smoked paprika in the vinaigrette is chef's kiss . It really will add flavour!.

Essential Equipment: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this:

• Grill or Grill Pan: For that halloumi goodness.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, innit?
• Mixing Bowls: For the vinaigrette and salad assembly. A simple whisk is fine.

Honestly, that's it. See? Easy light salad recipes don't need to be complicated.

I remember trying to make this the first time. i totally forgot the dijon mustard! the vinaigrette was a bit flat.

Lesson learned: don't skip the dijon. now? it's one of my go-to salads recipes summer . this can also be your favourite apple walnut fruit salad .

So, there you have it. all the gear you need to whip up this gorgeous salad. go on, give it a go! i know this could become one of your new yummy side salads or a regular in your roster of hearty dinner salads meals .

It has become my go-to summer apple salad .

Alright, salad ideas are my jam! let's talk greek salad , but with a twist! we're doing a deconstructed grilled halloumi greek salad with a lemon herb vinaigrette.

Sounds fancy, yeah? but trust me, it's dead easy. think yummy side salads that are both impressive and weeknight friendly.

Prep Like a Pro, Salad Like a Boss

First, mise en place , my friends! get everything chopped and measured. this is key. no one wants to be scrambling for red onion when the halloumi is burning.

Honestly, i’ve been there. time saving organization tips: chop your veggies while the grill is heating. boom! done.

The Halloumi Hustle

• Pat the halloumi dry with paper towels. Essential! This gets a good sear.
• Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Grillin' & Chillin'

1. Preheat your grill.
2. Grill halloumi for 2- 3 minutes per side. Look for that golden brown color.
3. Chop your tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
4. Arrange spinach on a platter.
5. Top with those yummy veggies.
6. Add the grilled halloumi.
7. Drizzle with that killer vinaigrette.
8. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Salad Glory

Expert Tip: Don't overcook the halloumi! It should be golden brown. Common mistake: Not drying the halloumi enough results in a soggy mess. Nobody wants a soggy salad.

make-ahead option: Chop the veggies earlier in the day. Just store them separately.

Talking about salads recipes summer , this one is a winner. you can even adapt it into a apple walnut fruit salad or spring mix salad with apples .

If you are looking for easy light salad recipes you can try to replace halloumi with feta cheese. this summer apple salad will make you look like a professional with hearty dinner salads meals .

Make sure to check your local store or farmers for best apple salad to create a tasty cornucopia salad .

Honestly, this Deconstructed Grilled Halloumi Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette has earned a special place in my home, and I’m sure it will become one of your favorites too.

Alright, let's talk salad! You've made your Deconstructed Grilled Halloumi Greek Salad. What's next? Let's cover a few notes to make your salad experience even better, ya know ?

Recipe Notes

This salad, like any good recipe, is all about making it your own! So feel free to experiment. Honestly, that’s where the best food comes from, right?

Serving Like a Pro

Presentation is key, yeah? for plating, think bright colours. arrange those halloumi slices artfully. scatter the herbs for a fresh look.

Want to be fancy? drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edge. for sides, some warm pita bread is always a winner.

The warm bread with the cool salad. yummy side salads are where it's at, aren't they?. as for drinks, a chilled glass of crisp white wine, like a sauvignon blanc, would be banging.

This halloumi greek salad would make for great hearty dinner salads meals . this modern mediterranean twist is so delicious! it's great as is or with other meals.

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? no worries. keep the salad and dressing separate in the fridge. this will prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Store it in an airtight container and it'll keep for up to 2 days. freezing? nah, wouldn't recommend it. the halloumi would get weird.

When reheating, just toss the salad with the dressing right before serving.

Salad Ideas: Remix Time!

Want to mix things up? go for it! for a dairy-free version, skip the halloumi. add some grilled tofu instead.

For a seasonal twist, swap out the bell peppers for roasted butternut squash in the autumn. a summer apple salad would be perfect too.

Or what about a spring mix salad with apples? now that's a proper cornucopia salad ! if you can source good apples, an apple walnut fruit salad will be amazing.

The best apple salad is easy to make.

Nutrition Nugget

Okay, let's keep it simple. this salad is packed with protein from the halloumi. you also get vitamins from the veggies.

And healthy fats from the olive oil. easy light salad recipes that taste great are always a winner. just remember, halloumi is salty, so go easy on the extra salt when you're making the dressing.

So there you have it! a few extra notes to make your halloumi greek salad amazing . get out there and try these salads recipes summer .

And remember, cooking is all about having fun. don't be afraid to make mistakes! you got this!