Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Pan-Frying · Storage: Up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
A delightful Halloumi Caesar Salad brings a modern twist to a beloved classic, perfect for festive gatherings or a light weeknight treat.Living in New York City as the leaves change and the air gets a bit crisper, it's hard not to feel the excitement of the upcoming holiday season. For me, it often means gathering with loved ones around the dining table, where comfort foods take center stage. However, I could never resist adding a modern twist to the classics we cherish. That brings me to the star of today's post: a Halloumi Caesar Salad that's just perfect for festive meals, yet light enough to enjoy as a weeknight treat in this bustling city.
A Festive and Light Salad Option
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Twist: Experience a modern take on the classic Caesar salad with the addition of crispy halloumi cheese.
- Easy to Prepare: Quick and simple instructions make this salad perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
- Versatile Ingredients: Enjoy the option to customize with different greens or proteins, making it adaptable for various tastes.
- Leftover Friendly: Tasty leftovers can be stored easily, ensuring you can savor this delightful dish on busy days.
- Elevated Flavor: The combination of a zesty dressing and crispy toppings guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you will need the following:
Cheeses
- 200g halloumi cheese (about 7 ounces), sliced into thick pieces
- 50g Parmesan cheese, shaved (about ½ cup)
Greens
- 1 bunch of fresh romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
Croutons
- ¼ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Halloumi Caesar Salad (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Halloumi Caesar Salad.
Step 1: Prepare the Halloumi
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a spoonful of olive oil and once it's shimmering, place the halloumi slices into the pan. Cook for around 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crisp, releasing their nutty aroma. Resist the urge to flip them too soon; you want that lovely crust to form!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
While the halloumi is cooking, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil while whisking to emulsify the mixture. Season it with salt and pepper to taste - it should have a robust flavor that's perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the dressing you just made. Be generous; you want every leaf to be coated in that creamy goodness.
Step 4: Add the Halloumi
Once the halloumi is perfectly golden, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly, then place it on top of the tossed romaine.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad for that signature Caesar crunch. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm, and watch as your guests' eyes light up with joy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Preheating the Pan: Make sure your frying pan is adequately heated before adding the halloumi; this ensures a nice sear.
- Using Cold Halloumi: Let the halloumi come to room temperature before cooking it to get that perfect crispy texture.
- Overdressing the Salad: It's easy to overdo the dressing; start with a little and add more if needed to avoid soggy leaves.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with different types of greens. While romaine is traditional, try kale for a heartier option or arugula for a peppery kick.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating elements like anchovies or capers into the dressing, or topping your salad with grilled chicken for extra protein.
- If you're preparing this salad for a larger gathering, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using.
Variations
- Substitute halloumi with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Try a mix of different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, for added creaminess and flavor.
- Use homemade croutons with different seasonings for a unique twist.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm for optimal texture.
- Pair with a glass of crisp white wine for a delightful meal.
- Present on a large platter for family-style dining or in individual bowls for a more elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, keeping halloumi separate for better texture.
- Reheating: Reheat halloumi lightly in a pan or microwave to restore its golden texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as halloumi does not freeze well and may lose its texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Creating this Halloumi Caesar Salad reminded me how ingredient quality can elevate a simple dish. The crispy halloumi paired with a zesty dressing brings the nostalgic comfort of a Caesar salad to a whole new level. I can't help but think how beautifully this will fit into my holiday gatherings, adding a touch of indulgence alongside traditional fare.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 salad plate
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 15g protein · 20g carbs · 25g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Halloumi Caesar Salad for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a spoonful of olive oil and once it’s shimmering, place the halloumi slices into the pan. Cook for around 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crisp.
- While the halloumi is cooking, whisk together garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil while whisking to emulsify the mixture. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the dressing you just made until every leaf is coated.
- Place the golden halloumi on top of the tossed romaine, then sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I substitute halloumi with another cheese?
While halloumi is unique due to its grilling properties, you can try using feta cheese for a different flavor, but the texture and grilling ability will vary.
2. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using it.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the halloumi separate if possible to maintain its texture.
4. Can I add proteins like chicken to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken can be a great addition to the salad for extra protein and flavor.
5. What can I use instead of croutons?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use toasted nuts or seeds for crunch instead of croutons.
