Greek Salad with Seared Halloumi
This upgraded Greek salad combines crisp vegetables, briny olives, and protein-rich chickpeas with golden, pan-seared halloumi cheese. The result is a fresh yet satisfying dish with salty, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors—perfect as a light meal or a standout side.
🧾 Ingredients
For the salad
2 cups romaine or mixed greens
1 cup cucumber (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup chickpeas (rinsed & drained)
½ cup kalamata olives
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
2–3 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) 🌿
For the halloumi
200g Halloumi cheese (sliced into cubes or slabs)
1 tbsp olive oil
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
1 tsp dried oregano
1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional extras
Pepperoncini peppers 🌶️
Warm pita bread
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the salad
In a large bowl, combine:
Greens
Cucumber, tomatoes
Chickpeas
Olives, onion, parsley
2. Make dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper
3. Sear the halloumi
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat
Add halloumi slices
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown
4. Assemble
Toss salad with dressing
Top with warm seared halloumi
5. Serve
Add pepperoncini and serve with pita if desired
💡 Tips for Best Results
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing halloumi
Serve cheese warm for best texture
Use high-quality olive oil for authentic flavor
Add dressing just before serving to keep veggies crisp
🍽️ Serving Ideas
As a full meal (thanks to protein from chickpeas + cheese)
With grilled chicken or fish 🐟
As part of a Mediterranean mezze platter
❓ Q & A
Q1: What is halloumi?
A firm, salty cheese that doesn’t melt—perfect for grilling or frying.
Q2: Can I make it vegan?
Yes:
Skip halloumi
Add tofu or avocado instead 🥑
Q3: Is this healthy?
Yes:
High in fiber
Balanced fats
Rich in nutrients
Q4: Can I prep ahead?
Yes:
Prep salad ingredients ahead
Cook halloumi fresh before serving
Q5: What can replace chickpeas?
White beans
Lentils
Q6: How long does it last?
Without dressing: 2–3 days
With dressing: best eaten fresh
Q7: Can I grill the halloumi instead?
Absolutely—adds even more smoky flavor 🔥