If you’re searching for a salad that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients, look no further than our Grilled Halloumi Salad. This salad features chewy farro, crispy grilled halloumi, and a medley of fresh veggies and herbs, all tossed in a tangy everyday dressing. It’s a perfect dish for lunch or dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied and delighted.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad is a fantastic blend of textures and flavors. The halloumi cheese, when grilled, develops a golden crust and a deliciously chewy interior. The farro adds a nutty, chewy base, while the fresh veggies and herbs provide a crisp, vibrant contrast. Plus, the everyday dressing ties everything together with a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes.
Ingredients Overview
Grilled Halloumi Salad Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked farro
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces of halloumi cheese, cut into long strips 1/4 inch thick
3 ounces fresh arugula or baby spinach
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, cut into thin slices after being peeled
1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
1 cup Kalamata olives
2/3 cup toasted pine nuts
Everyday Dressing Ingredients:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 small garlic cloves, pressed or minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons of lemon juice (or red wine vinegar) that has just been squeezed
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Preparing the Ingredients
Cooking the Farro
Start by cooking the farro. Use 3 cups of water or vegetable stock to add extra flavor. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the farro is chewy and tender. This can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of farro. Once cooked, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Slicing the Halloumi Cheese
Slice the halloumi cheese into 1/4-inch-thick strips. This thickness is perfect for grilling, allowing it to develop a nice crust without melting away.
Preparing the Vegetables and Herbs
Thinly slice the English cucumber and red onion. For the herbs, loosely pack about a cup of fresh mint leaves. Having all your vegetables and herbs ready makes assembling the salad much quicker.
Making the Dressing
Ingredients for the Dressing
Gather all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, garlic, lemon juice (or red wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper.
Whisking the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined. You can also shake the ingredients together in a mason jar with a lid. Set the dressing aside until you’re ready to use it.
Grilling the Halloumi
Heating the Pan
Heat a large grill pan or sauté pan over high heat. Add the tablespoon of olive oil and let it get hot.
Cooking the Halloumi Strips
Place as many halloumi strips as you can fit in an even layer in the pan. Cook each side for about 30 seconds or until lightly browned. Transfer the grilled halloumi to the large mixing bowl with the cooked farro, and repeat until all the halloumi is cooked.
Assembling the Salad
Mixing the Farro and Grilled Halloumi
Add the cooked farro and grilled halloumi to a large mixing bowl. Toss them together gently to combine.
Adding the Vegetables, Herbs, and Pine Nuts
Add the arugula (or baby spinach), cucumber slices, red onion slices, mint leaves, Kalamata olives, and toasted pine nuts to the bowl. These ingredients add freshness and crunch to the salad.
Drizzling with Dressing
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
How to Serve the Salad
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor. It goes well with either a main dish or a side dish.
Optional Garnishes and Add-ons
Feel free to add extra toppings like crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Tips and Tricks
Perfectly Cooking Farro
For perfectly cooked farro, keep an eye on the texture. It should be chewy but not hard. If it’s too firm, let it cook a bit longer.
Keeping Halloumi from Sticking
To prevent halloumi from sticking to the pan, ensure the pan is hot and well-oiled before adding the cheese. Don’t move the cheese around too much while it’s cooking.
Customizing the Dressing
Feel free to tweak the dressing to your taste. If you prefer a bit more tang, add extra lemon juice or vinegar. For a touch of sweetness, a bit of honey can be added.
Variations of the Recipe
Quinoa Halloumi Salad Variation
Swap the farro for quinoa to create a lighter, gluten-free version of this salad. Quinoa cooks faster and has a similar chewy texture.
Vegan Halloumi Salad Option
For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative that grills well. You can also add grilled tofu for extra protein.
Spicy Halloumi Salad Twist
Add some heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing. Spicy halloumi can also be achieved by sprinkling it with chili powder before grilling.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Benefits of Halloumi
This cheese has a lot of protein and calcium. It also provides a unique texture and flavor that make it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
Health Benefits of Farro
Farro is an ancient grain that’s high in fiber, protein, and nutrients like magnesium and iron. It helps keep you full and supports digestive health.
Why Fresh Vegetables are Great for You
Fresh vegetables like arugula, cucumber, and red onion are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They add not only nutrition but also vibrant colors and flavors to the salad.
Conclusion
Our Grilled Halloumi Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its combination of grilled halloumi, chewy farro, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the medley of flavors and textures!
FAQs
Can I Substitute Farro with a Different Grain?
Certainly, you have the option to replace farro with grains such as quinoa, barley, or bulgur.
What is the Shelf Life of the Salad when Refrigerated?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad can last for up to 2 days. However, it is recommended to consume it fresh for optimal taste.
Is it Possible to Grill Halloumi on a BBQ?
Indeed! Grilling halloumi on a BBQ imparts a delightful smoky flavor. Just ensure that the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
What is the Recommended Method for Storing Leftover Salad?
To maintain freshness, store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is advisable to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.