You will love this Leafy Herb Salad with Pan-Fried Halloumi and Grapes—a combination of flavours and textures that celebrates spring. With a vibrant medley of crisp greens, fragrant herbs, juicy grapes, and golden cubes of pan-fried halloumi cheese, this salad is great for springtime dining. Each bite will give you a blend of savoury and sweet, with the halloumi perfectly complementing the burst of freshness from the grapes and the herbaceous notes of the greens.
Whether served as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a satisfying main course, this Leafy Salad with Pan-Fried Halloumi and Grapes is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your freshest ingredients and get ready to celebrate spring.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe:
Vibrant Ingredients: With a mix of peppery arugula, fragrant herbs, juicy grapes, and creamy halloumi cheese, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like quinoa, walnuts, and fresh herbs, this salad not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Simplicity and Versatility: Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights, leisurely lunches, or elegant dinner parties. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ingredients in your fridge!
Interesting Nutritional Facts:
- Halloumi Cheese: Although high in calories and fat, halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium. Its unique texture and ability to hold its shape when cooked make it a versatile ingredient in salads and other dishes.
- Quinoa: A complete protein, quinoa is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Walnuts: Loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts also provide a good dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re known for their potential benefits for brain health, heart health, and weight management.
- Grapes: Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like resveratrol, grapes offer numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, immune support, and reduced inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavour.
Can I substitute the halloumi cheese with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! While halloumi adds a unique texture and flavour to this salad, you can substitute it with feta, goat cheese, or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
Can I customize the dressing to suit my taste preferences?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the quantities of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey in the dressing to achieve your desired balance of flavours.
Leafy Herb Salad with Halloumi and Grapes
Course: Lunc, dinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes10
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- Herbs and Veggies
2 cups Rocket / Arugula
Leaves and tender stems from 1 bunch Parsley
Leaves and tender stems from 1 bunch Basil
1 cup Red seedless Grapes, halved
1 cup Cucumber
1 cup cooked Quinoa
⅓ cup chopped Walnuts
1 tsp Salt
- For the pan-fried halloumi:
1 package 225g Halloumi cheese
1 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Oil
- Dressing:
3 tbsp Olive oil
3 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Mustard
2 tbsp Honey
Fresh ground Black pepper
Pinch of Salt
Directions
- Prepare your Herbs and Veggies:
- Finely chop the rocket leaves, parsley, and basil.
- Cut the cucumber, grapes, and halloumi cheese into cubes.
- Pan-fry the halloumi:
- In a pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil, then add the halloumi cheese cubes. Cook for about 5 minutes until golden, then add the honey and cook for another 5 minutes until evenly caramelized.
- Prepare the dressing:
- In a jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey, black pepper, and salt.
- Shake well to combine.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped veggies, cooked quinoa, walnuts, grapes, and pan-fried halloumi. Sprinkle with salt.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavours of this Herby Salad with Pan-Fried Halloumi and Grapes!