This simple halloumi and chickpea salad combines fresh Mediterranean flavors with protein-packed ingredients for a delicious, satisfying meal. It is the perfect light lunch, dinner, or meal prep meal!
ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this halloumi chickpea salad.
Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.
- Halloumi cheese: Sliced about ¼ inch thick (0.5-0.6 cm).
- Beans and Chickpeas: Canned kidney beans and chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Fresh Vegetables: Bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and diced onion.
- Seasoning: Olive oil, salt, pepper, and a generous handful of fresh chopped basil to brighten up the salad.
balsamic dressing ingredients
Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds that signature tanginess; you can substitute with red wine vinegar if preferred.
Garlic: Minced or grated finely.
Seasoning: Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning for that Mediterranean flair. Adjust salt to your preference, remembering the Halloumi is already salty.
how long to cook halloumi cheese on the stovetop
You want to start by equally sliced halloumi slices. I like to slice mine into ¼ inch slabs, so about 0.5-0.6cm but size does not really matter, just make sure they are equally sized so it cooks evenly.
Add olive oil to a frying pan, grill pan or skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or to your desired level of likeness.
how to make halloumi chickpea salad
- Prepare the Dressing - In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Grill the Halloumi - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad - In a large salad bowl, add kidney beans, chickpeas, onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh basil. Gently stir to combine.
- Dress the Salad - drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated.
- Add the Halloumi - Arrange the grilled halloumi slices on top. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy - Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for a chilled, refreshing salad!
Halloumi tends to toughen as it cools, so it's best served immediately. For meal prep, I prefer assembling the salad ahead of time, then grilling the halloumi right before serving.
I like to some mine with some bread, let me know how you served yours in the comments section below!
Love beans? Make sure to check out these traditional Italian pasta fagioli, ground beef and kidney beans, and butterbean salad recipes.
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📖 Recipe
Halloumi Chickpea Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese - approx. 225 grams (sliced into ¼ inch slabs, so 0.5-0.6cm)
- 1 can kidney beans - 15.5 oz can approximately 440grams
- 1 can can chickpeas - 14.5 oz or approximately 411g
- 1 medium-sized onion (diced)
- a pinch of salt and pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 small cucumbers (diced)
- a handful of fresh chopped basil
Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large garlic clove (minced or grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt (use more or less, to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add olive oil, whisking continuously, until the dressing is emulsified. (see notes below)
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi slices until golden-brown on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, add all the salad ingredients. Gently stir to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Arrange the grilled halloumi slices on top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately or chilled.
Notes
- You can also make the dressing by adding all the ingredients to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and shaking until well combined
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