Pin It A vibrant, summery dish featuring golden grilled halloumi cheese served atop a bed of crisp vegetables and drizzled with fresh basil pesto. Perfect for a light, garden-inspired dinner.
This recipe is a family favorite during warm evenings when we crave something fresh yet satisfying. The halloumi grills to perfection and pairs wonderfully with the tangy pesto.
Ingredients
- Cheese: 200 g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 medium cucumber, sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
- Basil Pesto: 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts for variation), 1 garlic clove, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Grill Halloumi:
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. Grill for 2 3 minutes per side until golden brown and grill marks appear. Set aside.
- Make Pesto:
- In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble Plate:
- Arrange arugula or mixed greens on two plates. Top with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add Halloumi and Pesto:
- Place grilled halloumi on top of the vegetables. Drizzle generously with basil pesto.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges.
Pin It This dish always brings a smile when we gather around the table, enjoying the fresh flavors and vibrant colors together as a family.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this plate with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp rosé to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Variations
Try adding thinly sliced radishes or grilled zucchini for extra freshness and texture.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (halloumi and Parmesan) and nuts (pine nuts or walnuts). Check labels carefully if you have allergies.
Pin It Enjoy this easy, flavorful dish any time you want a light yet satisfying meal full of fresh textures and bright tastes.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used and how is it prepared?
Halloumi cheese is sliced about 1 cm thick and grilled for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and marked by the grill, creating a firm, slightly crispy texture.
- → Can the pine nuts in the pesto be substituted?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pine nuts to give the pesto a different but still rich nutty flavor.
- → What vegetables complement the halloumi and pesto?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, and baby arugula or mixed greens provide a crisp, refreshing base that balances the richness of the cheese and pesto.
- → How should the basil pesto be made for this dish?
Blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- → What is recommended as a beverage pairing?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or rosé pairs well, enhancing the bright, summery flavors of the dish.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to be aware of?
This dish contains dairy from halloumi and Parmesan, and nuts from pine nuts or walnuts. Check all ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.