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.
I discovered this recipe on a warm summer evening and was amazed by how the grilled halloumi paired with fresh vegetables and basil pesto created a delightful meal that felt both indulgent and healthy.
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
- Preheat Grill:
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Grill Halloumi:
- Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. Grill for 23 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 Plates:
- 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 back memories of sharing a sunny summer lunch with friends, enjoying fresh, vibrant flavors together.
Required Tools
Grill pan or outdoor grill, blender or food processor, knife and cutting board, serving plates
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (halloumi Parmesan), contains nuts (pine nuts or walnuts), contains eggs if Parmesan uses traditional rennet. Always check cheese and pesto labels if you have specific allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 430, Total Fat 32 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein 23 g
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Enjoy this fresh and flavorful plate as a light meal or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese is used?
Halloumi cheese is used, known for its firm texture and ability to retain shape when grilled, providing a golden crust.
- → How is the pesto prepared?
Fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper are blended until smooth to create a vibrant pesto.
- → Can the nuts in the pesto be substituted?
Yes, pine nuts can be replaced with walnuts or almonds to vary the flavor profile.
- → What are good side additions for this plate?
Thinly sliced radishes or grilled zucchini make fresh, complementary additions to this dish.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
A grill pan or outdoor grill is needed for halloumi, and a blender or food processor is ideal for making the pesto.