If you haven’t tried this deliciously salty, semi-firm Mediterranean cheese, read on. Originally from Cyprus, halloumi is used in traditional dishes in the Middle East and Greece, and now has made its way into North American supermarkets as a quick and tasty protein addition to your meatless dishes, such as this 15-minute halloumi lentil salad.
A brined cheese, halloumi is a mix of sheep and goat’s milk, however, you’ll now see varieties made with just one type of milk, or even with cow’s milk. One of the unique features of halloumi cheese is its high melting point. Why? Because it translates into being able to deliciously sear or grill halloumi cheese slices without them turning into a melty mess. In our recipe, a quick sear in a hot cast iron pan is all it needs to transform into a warm, satiating protein topper for your salad.
We’ve used arugula to provide a herbaceous base to the salad, while cooked green lentils (canned works just fine) adds more protein and fiber to round out the meal. Oregano-seasoned and seared zucchini add a savory, warming element. A quick Dijon dressing adds big flavor to this 15-minute lunch or dinner. This dressing perfectly balances the salad’s ingredients, but if you wanted to customize it, you can change up the dressing by using different vinegars or herbs (check out 6 Chef’s Secrets to Making the Perfect Salad Dressing).
If you’re prepping the salad in advance, you can prep the greens, grilled zucchini and dressing in advance, then sear the halloumi and assemble before serving.
Halloumi, Zucchini & Lentil Salad
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 5 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1 13.5-oz can lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup baby arugula
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- In a mixing bowl, toss together zucchini, one-third of oil and all of oregano. Heat a large, cast iron skillet on medium-high. Add zucchini and cook for 4 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden. Transfer to a large serving bowl.
- In mixing bowl, gently toss halloumi with another one-third of oil. In same skillet on medium-high, add halloumi and cook for 2 minutes, turning halfway, until golden. Transfer to the serving bowl along with lentils, arugula and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, remaining one-third of oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle over the salad. Top with pine nuts.
- Serving Size ½ of recipe
- Calories 648
- Carbohydrate Content 30 g
- Cholesterol Content 63 mg
- Fat Content 45 g
- Fiber Content 15 g
- Protein Content 30 g
- Saturated Fat Content 16 g
- Sodium Content 960 mg
- Sugar Content 6 g
- Monounsaturated Fat Content 22 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content 6 g
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Salads,Dinner,Gluten-Free,lunch,Mediterranean,quick & easy,Vegetarian