Fried Halloumi Lentil Salad – The Almond Eater

June 26, 2023

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This Halloumi Lentil Salad is made with cooked lentils, roasted tomatoes, cucumber, and pan-fried halloumi, together with a easy zesty dressing. It is a contemporary, wholesome vegetarian lunch that you will wish to make all summer season lengthy!

a large bowl of salad with lentils, cucumber, tomatoes and cheese with a spoon

Halloumi! It is so good, proper? Particularly on this halloumi lentil salad.

Having lunch already prepped and able to go is essential to ensure that me to verify I am maintaining a healthy diet all through the week. I like whipping up my chickpea rooster salad and my mediterranean tuna salad to have available. Much like these recipes, this halloumi salad can simply be made forward of time and loved for days.

Plus, utilizing lentils in a salad is a straightforward manner so as to add protein and fiber to a meal (like in my favourite lentil meatballs.

What’s halloumi?

If you do not know, halloumi is a kind of cheese constituted of a mix of sheep’s milk and goat milk. What makes it distinctive is that it has a excessive melting level, that means you possibly can simply fry it and it will not soften. Sure, FRIED CHEESE. Is there something higher? If you have not tried it earlier than, I promise you it is going to be love at first chew.

However do not let me get forward of myself, as a result of though halloumi is type of the star of this recipe, I do not wish to neglect the remainder of this halloumi salad.

Recipe options

It is made with fried halloumi, aka the best cheese of all time
It is a protein-packed, vegetarian meal choice
You’ll be able to simply prep it forward of time and revel in it for lunch all through the week

ingredients on a table like lentils, tomatoes and halloumi

Components

This record is to offer additional clarification on a number of the substances used; the complete ingredient record is under within the recipe card.

Lentils – Ideally brown lentils or inexperienced lentils. Crimson lentils cook dinner in a different way and subsequently will end in a distinct texture.

Greens – A mix of grape tomatoes, cucumber and crimson onion works splendidly to attain the Greek and Mediterranean taste profile.

Contemporary mint – Do not skip the mint — belief me on this one! It pairs completely with the opposite substances.

Halloumi – Yow will discover halloumi cheese at most grocery shops within the cheese part.

Olive oil – That is the bottom of the dressing and I would not recommend substitution some other sort of oil.

Vinegar – I used crimson wine vinegar, however white wine vinegar would work effectively too.

Lemon juice – Offers slightly acidity and zest to the dressing and helps maintain it gentle and contemporary.

Garlic – A “should” for many recipes, in my view. A bit bit goes a great distance.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare dinner the lentils. Begin by including the lentils to a medium saucepan, then add water so it covers them by one inch. Convey to a boil, then cut back to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Drain any remaining water, then switch the lentils to a big bowl.

Step 2: Make the dressing. Whereas the lentils are cooking, whisk the olive oil, crimson wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper collectively. Then, pour ⅓ of the dressing over the cooked lentils and stir to mix.

2 images: salad dressing in a glass jar on the left and cooked lentils in a large bowl on the right

Step 3: Prep the veggies. Whereas the lentils are marinating within the dressing, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, crimson onion, and mint and put aside.

Step 4: Prepare dinner the halloumi. Final, warmth a medium skillet or grill pan over medium-high warmth. As soon as heat, add the halloumi slices and cook dinner for 2-3 minutes per facet till it is golden brown.

Step 5: Assemble. Lastly, add the cooked halloumi to the bowl with the lentils, together with the greens and toss to mix. Drizzle the remaining dressing overtop, do a fast style check and add extra salt and black pepper as wanted.

Suggestions and FAQs

When cooking halloumi, be sure you pat it dry to take away any extra liquid that was contained in the packaging; that manner, it cooks evenly and prevents any chance of it softening whereas it cooks.
On that very same word, cook dinner halloumi in a single layer.

What’s one of the simplest ways to cook dinner halloumi?

Usually, I are likely to cook dinner it over the range in a pan or skillet. However, you can even grill halloumi if you happen to desire in a grill pan or on the precise grill. If you are going to use a grill, remember to brush the halloumi with slightly oil beforehand to stop it from sticking.

Is there anything I may add to this salad?

At all times! If you wish to bulk this up much more, strive including sliced avocado for wholesome fat or drained and rinsed canned chickpeas for added protein. You possibly can additionally substitute contemporary basil for the mint if you happen to desire.

Storage

Fridge: Retailer halloumi salad in a sealed container within the fridge for as much as 4 days.

large bowl of lentils with tomatoes, cucumber and chopped cooked halloumi cheese

Easier lunch recipes

For those who made this recipe, remember to go away a remark and star score under. Thanks!