5 Creative Halloumi Salad Recipes That Will Impress Your Guests

Halloumi, the semi-hard and satisfyingly squeaky cheese originating from Cyprus, has taken the culinary world by storm. Renowned for its distinctive texture and its ability to retain shape when grilled or fried, halloumi has become a favoured ingredient for adding a touch of Mediterranean flair to meals. If you're looking to impress your guests with bold and inventive flavours, here are five unique halloumi salad recipes that are sure to do the trick.

1. Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

• 200g halloumi, sliced
• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup rocket
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh mint leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions:

Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil and grill for approximately two minutes on each side until golden. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, rocket, and red onion. Top with the warm halloumi slices and a handful of mint leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Why it’s a hit: The saltiness of the halloumi perfectly complements the sweetness of the watermelon, while the balsamic glaze provides a tangy finish.

2. Halloumi and Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 200g halloumi, cubed
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 courgette, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the courgette, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, paprika, and oregano. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, grill the halloumi cubes until golden. In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with the roasted vegetables and halloumi. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

Why it’s a hit: The hearty combination of quinoa and roasted vegetables creates a wholesome base, while the grilled halloumi adds a delightful chewiness and burst of flavour.

3. Halloumi and Avocado Salsa Salad

Ingredients:

• 200g halloumi, sliced
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Grill the halloumi slices until golden brown on both sides. In a large serving dish, combine the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and coriander. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the grilled halloumi on top and garnish with extra coriander.

Why it’s a hit: This refreshing salsa-style salad combines creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes and savoury halloumi, making it a vibrant and tasty addition to any meal.

4. Halloumi and Pomegranate Couscous Salad

Ingredients:

• 200g halloumi, cubed
• 1 cup couscous, cooked
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

While grilling the halloumi cubes, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. In a large bowl, combine the couscous with pomegranate seeds, cucumber, and parsley. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Top with the grilled halloumi cubes.

Why it’s a hit: The bursts of pomegranate seeds offer a sweet and tart contrast to the creamy halloumi and fresh vegetables.

5. Halloumi and Grilled Peach Salad

Ingredients:

• 200g halloumi, sliced
• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 5 oz mixed salad leaves
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds
• Honey mustard dressing

Instructions:

Grill the halloumi slices and peach halves until charred and caramelised. Slice the peaches and combine with the mixed salad leaves and toasted almonds in a large bowl. Add the grilled halloumi on top and drizzle with honey mustard dressing.

Why it’s a hit: The caramelised peaches offer a delectable sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy halloumi and the crunch of toasted almonds.

These creative halloumi salad recipes present an exciting range of flavours and textures that are bound to impress your guests. With halloumi as the star ingredient, you can effortlessly craft salads that are both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy discovering these culinary delights!