Sheet Pan Quesadillas Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and delightfully satisfying, this Easy Italian Halloumi Salad is an absolute game-changer. It combines golden, crispy halloumi cubes with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a punchy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Each bite bursts with texture and bright, fresh flavors while remaining easy enough for any weeknight or casual gathering. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will quickly become a favorite go-to that elevates your meal without a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their unique charm to the salad. From creamy halloumi to crunchy walnuts and tangy red wine vinegar, the blend feels carefully balanced—every item essential to the overall flavor, color, and texture.

• Halloumi cheese (8 oz / 225g): Firm cheese perfect for grilling—provides a satisfyingly chewy and slightly salty bite.
• Olive oil (5 tablespoons total): Used for cooking halloumi and in the dressing—adds richness and depth.
• Fresh spinach leaves (3 oz / 100g): Tender greens that serve as the fresh, leafy base of the salad.
• Cherry tomatoes (8 oz / 220g): Juicy, sweet bursts of flavor that add vibrant color.
• Cucumber (1, diced): Crunchy and refreshing, it balances the salad with a crisp coolness.
• Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Brings a mild sharpness and vibrant hue.
• Walnuts or pecans (2 oz / 50g, roughly chopped): Adds a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy cheese.
• Ciabatta or baguette slices (toasted): Perfect for serving alongside or beneath the salad for extra texture.
• Red wine vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon): The acid that brightens the dressing and lifts the whole dish.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Honey (1 teaspoon): A touch of natural sweetness that balances acidity.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full range of flavors.

How to Make Easy Italian Halloumi Salad

Step 1: Grill the Halloumi

Start by heating your pan over medium-high heat with a good splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the halloumi cubes carefully, letting them sizzle and develop that irresistible golden-brown crust. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until crispy but still tender inside. This step transforms the halloumi from soft to satisfyingly firm, lending a beautiful contrast for the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Salad Ingredients

While the halloumi grills, toss your fresh spinach leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and roughly chopped walnuts into a large bowl. The combination of fresh and crunchy ingredients here forms a colorful base that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Gently place the golden burgers of grilled halloumi atop your vibrant salad mix. The contrast between the hot halloumi and cool vegetables is part of what makes this Easy Italian Halloumi Salad so crave-worthy and enjoyable.

Step 4: Whisk and Dress

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing is light yet flavorful, the perfect finishing touch that brings all the components together. Drizzle it generously over the salad and toss lightly so every bite is coated in tangy, sweet goodness.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer your dressed salad to serving plates and add toasted slices of ciabatta or baguette on the side. This not only adds crunch but also helps soak up every last bit of the delicious dressing. Ready to delight your taste buds!

How to Serve Easy Italian Halloumi Salad

Garnishes

To make your Easy Italian Halloumi Salad feel extra special, sprinkle over some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A few more walnuts or pecans on top can boost texture, and a light drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light mains such as grilled chicken, seafood, or pasta dishes. Its bright flavors and creamy cheese perfectly complement simple proteins or even a chilled glass of crisp white wine.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve this salad in individual glass jars for a fun picnic vibe or arrange it on a large platter for sharing? Layering the salad components in colorful sections before drizzling dressing makes for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Presentation counts, and this salad shines every way you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Italian Halloumi Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep toasted bread slices separate to retain their crunch. The salad is great cold but may soften slightly as the dressing seeps in, so tossing again before serving freshens it up.

Freezing

Because of its fresh vegetables and delicate texture, this salad doesn’t freeze well. Grilled halloumi alone can be frozen, but pairing it with fresh ingredients and dressing is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm up leftover halloumi, simply reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery. Once warm, add it back to the fresh salad mix or enjoy on its own.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of halloumi?

Halloumi’s unique texture and grillability make it perfect for this salad, but you could try paneer or a firm feta as substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

Lemon juice works beautifully as a vinegar alternative in the dressing, adding bright acidity that complements the salad just as well.

Can this salad be made vegan?

To make this salad vegan, omit the halloumi and replace it with grilled tofu or marinated tempeh. Use a sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Is it necessary to toast the bread?

Toasting the ciabatta or baguette slices adds a lovely crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the salad’s softness. It’s not mandatory, but definitely recommended for the full experience.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Walnuts and pecans both add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor, but you can also experiment with almonds or pine nuts if you like. Just toast them lightly first to bring out their aroma.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Easy Italian Halloumi Salad that makes it a joy to prepare and savor. It’s a harmonious mix of fresh, crunchy veggies, crisp grilled halloumi, and a dressing that ties everything together with a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this salad is sure to delight and satisfy. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite in the world of salads!