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  3. Grilled Halloumi Salad
Grilled halloumi slices over arugula salad with tomatoes

Seared halloumi cheese over Mediterranean greens

Grilled Halloumi Salad

Grilled Halloumi Salad

16 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

6 min

Total Time

16 min

Servings

2

2 large salads

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Grilled Halloumi Salad

Seared halloumi cheese over Mediterranean greens

Golden-seared halloumi cheese served over a bed of peppery arugula with roasted tomatoes, olives, and a honey-lemon dressing. A satisfying vegetarian main-course salad.

10m

Prep Time

6m

Cook Time

16m

Total Time

2

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Mediterranean CuisineMain CourseSaladVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

April 22, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

Halloumi is the cheese that loves high heat—it sears to a golden crust without melting, making it the star of this Mediterranean salad. The salty, squeaky cheese pairs perfectly with sweet-tart dressing.

Why This Recipe Works

Halloumi's high melting point allows it to develop a caramelized crust while staying firm inside. Slicing it thick ensures a satisfying ratio of crispy exterior to soft center.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
  • 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp lemon juice (dressing)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
PrepDaily Use

Test Kitchen Pick

Chef Knife

Helpful Tool

Why a sharp knife helps here

When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.

This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.

  • Speeds up chopping and slicing
  • Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating

A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.

Shop chef knife options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat halloumi dry with paper towels. Heat a dry skillet or grill pan over high heat.

  2. 2

    Sear halloumi 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Remove immediately.

  3. 3

    Toss arugula, tomatoes, and olives with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey dressing.

  4. 4

    Arrange salad on plates and top with warm halloumi slices.

  5. 5

    Drizzle with extra honey, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh mint leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping

  • Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil

  • Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette

  • Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein

Substitutions

HalloumiPaneer

Similar high-melting-point cheese that sears well

ArugulaMixed greens or spinach

Less peppery but equally good base

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Olive Oil

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the olive oil matters

On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.

This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.

  • Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
  • Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure

A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.

Shop olive oil for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Pat the halloumi very dry for the best golden sear.

  • Serve immediately—halloumi gets rubbery as it cools.

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Dress salad without halloumi for next-day leftovers.

Reheating

Re-sear halloumi in a hot pan for 1 minute per side.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (45mg) · 2 servings

Calories350
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein18g
Carbohydrates26g
Fat14g
Fiber680mg
Sugar2g
Sodium8g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is halloumi?
A semi-hard Cypriot cheese made from goat and sheep milk with a very high melting point.
Can I grill it outdoors?
Yes, grill directly on grates over high heat. It won't melt through.

Explore More

More Mediterranean RecipesMore Main CourseMore SaladVegetarian RecipesGluten-Free RecipesStovetop RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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