Grilled Halloumi & Peach Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Table of Contents
Right then, let's dive into this gorgeous grilled halloumi & peach salad. honestly, have you ever wondered how to jazz up your lunch game? this might just be one of the best salad recipes i've stumbled upon.
It's like sunshine on a plate, and it's dead easy to whip up!
A Salad with Sunshine? You Bet!
This isn't just any old bowl of leaves. it's mediterranean sunshine meets british summer. i would like to use bacon pasta salad (lol, just kidding!), this salad is proper healthy.
Think sweet grilled peaches, salty halloumi, and a zesty dressing that’ll make your taste buds sing. it’s also not related to salad pasta , but if you think about the carbs it is close.
This beauty is inspired by mediterranean flavours, so you know it's going to be packed with goodness. it's an easy peasy recipe.
Takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, and makes enough for two hungry souls. or one very hungry soul no judgement here!
Why You'll Be Obsessed with This Salad
Okay, so apart from tasting like a dream, this salad is secretly good for you. halloumi is packed with protein.
Peaches give you a dose of vitamins. the whole thing is pretty darn healthy, so you can feel smug while you're enjoying it.
It's perfect for a light lunch, a summery dinner, or even a fancy picnic in the park. this recipe is extra special because of how the contrasting flavours come together.
So sweet, so salty, so good. this is much better than creamy pasta salads (i like them too, but this recipe is better for health).
Ready to get started? Let's gather our ingredients, shall we?
Right then, let's dive into the nitty gritty of what you'll need to whip up my smashing grilled halloumi & peach salad.
Honestly, it’s one of my favourite best salad recipes for a quick lunch. it's proper simple, i promise! think sunshine on a plate.
Perfect for a summer's day.
Ingredients & Equipment: Get Your Kit On!
We're keeping it dead easy. No fancy pants stuff here. Just good, honest ingredients. And a few must have bits of kit. You know, the usual suspects.
Main Ingredients: Quality is Key, Mate!
Here’s what you need, measurements and all. I've used both US and metric 'cos I'm nice like that.
5 oz (140g) halloumi cheese : this is your salty, squeaky star. get the good stuff! it should be firm and springy.
Not slimy, you know? seriously the better the cheese the better the creamy pasta salads .
2 Medium Peaches : Ripe but not too squishy. You want them to hold their shape on the grill. Think that perfect summer peach.
5 oz (140g) Arugula (Rocket) : Peppery and fresh. This adds a kick! If you can't find it, spinach will do in a pinch.
¼ cup (30g) Sliced Almonds : Toasted. Adds crunch and a nutty flavour. Toasted almonds are way better so don't skip this step.
¼ cup (approx. 5g) Fresh Mint Leaves (optional) : A little sprinkle of freshness.
Dressing Time
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Fresh Lime Juice : Freshly squeezed is always best.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Good quality stuff, you can taste the difference.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Honey : Local honey is always a winner.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) Dijon Mustard : Adds a bit of tang.
- Pinch of Salt & Pepper : To taste, obviously.
I always feel this salad does not always need the pasta but it does go very nice with cold pasta , especially on a warm day.
This is the basis of all best salad recipes .
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
This ain't your nan's boring salad, right? We're gonna add a bit of zing.
- Lime, Honey & Dijon : This is your base. Adjust to your liking. More honey for sweeter, more lime for tang.
- Chili Flakes : Add a pinch for a bit of heat. Seriously good.
- Fresh Herbs : Basil, coriander, or parsley would also work beautifully.
For a Creamy Pasta twist, consider a dollop of crème fraîche in the dressing. Don't tell anyone I told you that .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need the whole kitchen to make best salad recipes , just the essentials. Honestly, you probably already have all this.
- Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill : For those lovely char marks.
- Mixing Bowl : For tossing everything together.
- Whisk : For the dressing. A fork will do if you’re slumming it.
- Tongs : To handle the halloumi and peaches gently.
No need for anything fancy. just the bare necessities, you know? now, off you pop and get those ingredients! i think you will agree this is one of the best salad recipes available.
Alright, let's whip up this grilled halloumi & peach salad with honey lime dressing . i reckon this will become one of your best salad recipes , perfect for a sunny afternoon.
I remember the first time i tried halloumi; i thought it was going to melt on the grill. turns out, it holds its shape beautifully.
Honestly, it's become a summer staple!
Prep Like a Pro!
First things first, let's get organised, yeah? this essential mise en place will save you a mountain of stress. slice your halloumi into ½-inch thick pieces.
Cut your peaches into wedges. toast your almonds. measure out your dressing ingredients. organisation is key!
step-by-step to Salad Heaven
- Whip up the dressing: Whisk together 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. This is the magic sauce for creamy pasta salads , or in our case, a cracking good salad.
- Grill the Halloumi: Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the halloumi for 2- 3 minutes per side. Look for that gorgeous golden brown colour, you know?
- Grill the Peaches: Grill the peach wedges for 2- 3 minutes per side. They should have nice grill marks and be slightly softened.
- Assemble the Magic: In a bowl, chuck in your arugula, grilled halloumi, and grilled peaches. It's starting to look the business now!
- Dress it Up: Drizzle that delicious honey lime dressing over the salad. Toss gently.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle those toasted almonds on top. Garnish with fresh mint, if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Salad Perfection
Here are a couple of cheeky little tips to elevate your salad game. don't overcook the halloumi, or it will be like rubber! honestly, nobody wants rubbery halloumi.
Toasting the almonds takes seconds, but it adds so much flavour. if you're making this for a party, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time.
Just don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve.
This recipe is inspired by mediterranean flavours but tweaked to fit our own british sensibilities. it’s not bacon pasta salad , or even salad pasta, but it still delivers a satisfying crunch and flavour punch.
I have tried this recipe and added bacon, so feel free to experiment to find your best salad recipes ! this recipe is also an excellent example of salad side dishes.
So get grilling and enjoy.
Right then, let's flesh out the recipe notes for this grilled halloumi & peach salad! i reckon these little nuggets of info will make all the difference.
Honestly, it's the small things, innit? like toasting those almonds properly. oh my gosh! makes such a difference.
Recipe Notes
This ain't your average salad. we're talking serious flavour here. perfect for a light lunch or a posh picnic. you know? let's dive into making it perfect .
These notes will help elevate one of your best salad recipes .
Serving Up Sunshine: Presentation is Key
Alright, let's get this salad looking stunning .
Plating and presentation ideas: pile everything high on a platter. garnish with extra mint for a pop of green. drizzle a bit more honey lime dressing over the top for extra zing.
A scattering of toasted almonds never hurts. think artful, not perfect. it's all about looking fresh and inviting! i think you'll find this salad is a great salad side dish , too.
Complementary sides or beverages: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works wonders. Or a chilled glass of elderflower cordial. For sides? Maybe some crusty bread to soak up that lovely dressing. Mmm, delicious!
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
Right, so you've made this gorgeous salad. What if you've got leftovers?
Refrigeration guidelines: this salad is best enjoyed fresh. but if you must keep it, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It should be good for up to 24 hours. but the arugula might wilt a bit.
Freezing options (if applicable): Don't even think about freezing this. Honestly, it'll be a soggy mess. Fresh is best, always.
Reheating instructions: Seriously? This is a salad . No reheating involved! Enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge (if you've stored it).
Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme
Fancy tweaking things a bit? Here are some ideas.
Dietary Adaptations: Swap the halloumi for grilled tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version. And use maple syrup instead of honey. Bob's your uncle!
Seasonal ingredient swaps: peaches not in season? no worries. try grilled nectarines or plums instead. or even some roasted butternut squash in autumn.
It's all about using what's fresh and available. the creamy pasta salads are all the rage these days but, honestly, a light and fresh salad, like this, is so much better! some people also love using salad pasta for bacon pasta salad .
We want to avoid that and keep things light. cold pasta is not what we're looking for here.
A Little Bit Healthy: Nutrition Basics
Just a quick peek at the good stuff inside this salad.
Simplified nutrition information: It's packed with protein from the halloumi. Healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds. And plenty of vitamins and minerals from the arugula and peaches.
Key health benefits: this salad is good for your heart. good for your skin. and good for your soul! plus, it's a great way to get your five-a-day.
Who knew healthy could taste so good?
Honestly, this grilled halloumi & peach salad is a winner. it's easy to make, bursting with flavour, and good for you too.
Give it a go, you won't regret it! it's not a creamy pasta , nor a rigatoni salad, but it is delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this one of the best salad recipes?
This Grilled Halloumi & Peach Salad stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The salty halloumi, sweet grilled peaches, peppery arugula, and crunchy almonds create a symphony in your mouth.
Plus, the honey lime dressing ties it all together with a zesty kick, making it a memorable and satisfying salad a bit like a proper Full English, but, you know, healthy ish!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While the grilled halloumi and peaches are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components in advance. You can make the honey lime dressing and toast the almonds ahead of time and store them separately.
However, wait to combine everything until just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting and the halloumi from getting rubbery nobody wants a sad, soggy salad, it's worse than a wet weekend in Blackpool!
I'm vegetarian, are there any alterations I can make to this "best salad recipes" contender?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the halloumi with grilled firm tofu or a plant based feta alternative. For a fully vegan option, you can also swap out the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave nectar.
This way, you can enjoy all the other wonderful flavors while sticking to your dietary preferences.
How do I prevent the halloumi from becoming rubbery when grilling?
The key to perfectly grilled halloumi is to avoid overcooking it. Preheat your grill to medium high heat and only grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's golden brown and slightly softened. A quick sear is all it needs think of it like making the perfect cuppa, the timing is everything!
What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients?
Don't fret if you're missing an ingredient or two! Feta or paneer can stand in for halloumi, while spinach or mixed greens work well in place of arugula. If you're out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can sweeten the dressing.
Feel free to adapt cooking should be fun and flexible, just like a good old British knees-up!
How long will the leftover dressed salad last?
Unfortunately, a dressed salad doesn't keep very well as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt and become soggy. It's best to enjoy this salad immediately after dressing. However, if you have leftover undressed salad ingredients, you can store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Then, just toss everything together with fresh dressing when you're ready to eat, and Bob's your uncle!
Grilled Halloumi Peach Salad With Honey Lime Dre
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |