Halloumi and Tomato Salad Recipe - A Delicious Cypriot Dish

Halloumi And Tomato Salad

Halloumi and Tomato Salad Recipe - A Delicious Cypriot Dish
Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Halloumi And Tomato Salad
Halloumi And Tomato Salad

Halloumi and Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of the salty Halloumi cheese with the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Halloumi and Tomato Salad can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where both Halloumi cheese and tomatoes are commonly used in traditional cuisine. The combination of these two ingredients in a salad is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cut the Halloumi into slices that are 1 cm (0.5") thick. Cut the tomatoes into slices that are 1 cm (0.5") thick.
  2. Arrange a slice of Halloumi on a plate, followed by a slice of tomato and a basil leaf.
  3. Repeat this process until the entire plate is covered in a circular pattern. Drizzle olive oil over the arrangement and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

  • Add some sliced red onion or olives for extra flavor.
  • Try grilling the Halloumi cheese for a smoky flavor.
  • Add some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality Halloumi cheese for the best flavor and texture.

- Be careful not to overcook the Halloumi cheese, as it can become rubbery if cooked for too long.

- Fresh basil is key to this recipe, so be sure to use it for the best flavor.

- Drizzling olive oil over the salad adds a delicious richness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Halloumi and Tomato Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the Halloumi cheese adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute feta cheese for the Halloumi if you prefer a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Halloumi and Tomato Salad ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Halloumi and tomato slices in a circular pattern on a plate for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Halloumi and Tomato Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Halloumi and Tomato Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Halloumi and Tomato Salad contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Halloumi and Tomato Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Halloumi and Tomato Salad contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Halloumi and Tomato Salad is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

Alergens

Halloumi cheese contains dairy and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Halloumi and Tomato Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and calcium. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Halloumi and Tomato Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Halloumi and Tomato Salad. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals that seemed to come together effortlessly.

One summer day, while visiting my grandmother, she decided to teach me how to make a salad unlike any I had ever seen before. She pulled out a block of halloumi cheese, firm and slightly salty, and a handful of ripe tomatoes, still warm from the sun. As she sliced the cheese and tomatoes, she explained the simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients that would come together to create a dish that would become a family favorite for years to come.

My grandmother told me that she had learned the recipe for Halloumi and Tomato Salad from a dear friend who had traveled to Cyprus and brought back the recipe as a souvenir. She had adapted it over the years, adding her own twist to make it even more delicious. I watched in awe as she grilled the halloumi cheese until it was golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet warm and gooey on the inside. The tomatoes released their juices, mixing with the salty cheese to create a mouthwatering combination of flavors.

As we sat down to eat the salad, my grandmother shared stories of her own adventures in the kitchen, of the recipes she had learned from her own mother and grandmother, and of the joy she found in sharing good food with loved ones. I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring every bite of the salad before me.

From that day on, Halloumi and Tomato Salad became a staple in our family. It was a dish that we would make for special occasions, for family gatherings, and for simple weeknight dinners. As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make the salad, passing down the recipe and the stories that went along with it to my own children.

Over the years, I have made some changes to the recipe, adding fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance the flavors even more. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a simple yet elegant combination of halloumi cheese, ripe tomatoes, and a few key ingredients that come together to create something truly magical.

As I look back on that summer day with my grandmother, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons she taught me in the kitchen and the memories we created together. The recipe for Halloumi and Tomato Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and joy that can be shared through good food and good company. And as I pass the recipe on to future generations, I know that it will continue to bring people together and create moments of wonder and delight for years to come.

Categories

| Basil Recipes | Beef Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Cypriot Appetizers | Cypriot Recipes | Haloumi Recipes | Oregano Recipes |

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