# What You'll Need:
→ Cheese
01 - 7 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 0.4 inch thick pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 medium cucumber, sliced
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
→ Basil Pesto
06 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
07 - 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
08 - 1 garlic clove
09 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/2 tsp lemon juice
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - Fresh basil leaves
14 - Lemon wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
02 - Pat halloumi slices dry with paper towels and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct grill marks. Set aside.
03 - In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Distribute arugula or mixed greens evenly on two plates. Layer with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
05 - Place grilled halloumi over the vegetables and drizzle generously with prepared basil pesto.
06 - Finish with fresh basil leaves and serve accompanied by lemon wedges.
