03/13/2025
🥗 Grilled Halloumi & Quinoa Salad 🧀✨
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring grilled halloumi, fluffy quinoa, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a light meal or side dish!
🥄 Ingredients:
✔️ For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained 🍚
1 ¾ cups water or vegetable broth 💧
200g halloumi cheese, sliced 🧀
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
½ cucumber, diced 🥒
¼ red onion, finely sliced 🧅
¼ cup pitted olives, sliced 🫒
¼ cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped 🌿
✔️ For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 🍋
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup 🍯
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
Salt & pepper, to taste 🧂
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Quinoa:
In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2️⃣ Grill the Halloumi:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
Add halloumi slices (no oil needed) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt & pepper in a bowl.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and herbs.
Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
Top with grilled halloumi just before serving.
💡 Tips for Success:
✔️ Fluff the Quinoa – Let it cool before mixing to prevent mushiness.
✔️ Crispy Halloumi – Use a dry pan for a golden crust.
✔️ Extra Flavor – Add roasted nuts or a pinch of chili flakes.
✔️ Make it Vegan – Swap halloumi for grilled tofu!
❤️ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ High-Protein & Satisfying – Perfect balance of fiber & protein.
✔️ Fresh & Flavorful – A mix of salty, tangy, and herby goodness.
✔️ Easy to Make – Ready in 20 minutes!
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
🥗 A Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with texture! 🌿🍋