Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Name: Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas, and Beets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ cup cooked lentils; ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed; ½ cup roasted beetroot, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 oz halloumi cheese, sliced

Published: December 6, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: The combination of lentils, chickpeas, and beets packs a punch of vitamins and minerals, offering both health benefits and delicious flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or slightly cooled; this dish is flexible to suit your preferences.
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients not only make the dish appealing but also stimulate your appetite.
Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and prepare, ensuring that you can whip up this meal anytime you need a tasty solution.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful dish, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. With just a few essentials, you’ll be ready to bring this recipe to life.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Non-stick frying pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Knives

Importance of Each Tool

Non-stick frying pan: Ensures even cooking of the halloumi without sticking, promoting that perfect golden crust.
Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients while ensuring they are well combined.
Measuring cups: Precise measurements guarantee consistent results every time you make this dish.

Ingredients

A refreshing meal option that combines vibrant colors and flavors, featuring halloumi cheese, lentils, chickpeas, and beets.

For the Base

½ cup cooked lentils
½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
½ cup roasted beetroot, diced

For the Dressing

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Halloumi

4 oz halloumi cheese, sliced

How to Make Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, rinsed canned chickpeas, and roasted beetroot.
Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Halloumi

Preheat your non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Place slices of halloumi cheese into the pan.
Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Plate Your Dish

Spoon the lentil-chickpea-beet mixture onto individual plates.
Top each serving with grilled halloumi slices.
Drizzle any remaining dressing over the top if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously vibrant Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets!

How to Serve Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Serving Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets is an opportunity to showcase the dish’s vibrant colors and flavors. This meal can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
Chili Flakes: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.

Pair with a Side Salad

Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens can complement the dish nicely.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the warm halloumi.

Drizzle with Extra Dressing

Lemon Vinaigrette: A light lemon vinaigrette can enhance the citrus notes in your dish.
Balsamic Reduction: A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds sweetness and depth.

Serve with Grains

Quinoa or Couscous: Serve over a bed of quinoa or couscous for added texture and nutrition.
Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf pairs well and completes the meal.

How to Perfect Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Perfecting this dish involves attention to detail during preparation. Follow these tips for an outstanding result.

Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance the flavors of lentils, chickpeas, and beets.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality halloumi for the best texture and flavor; fresh produce makes a difference.
Cook in Batches: If making for more than two servings, cook halloumi slices in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the lentil-chickpea-beet mixture to sit for a few minutes; this helps meld the flavors together.
Experiment with Textures: Consider adding nuts or seeds for crunch, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Complement your Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets by serving it alongside these delightful side dishes. Each option elevates your meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add flavor and color. Toss them in olive oil and herbs before roasting.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast perfect for scooping up lentils.
Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a hearty addition that enhances nutrition.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the dish’s richness.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.
Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus varieties brings variety and pairs beautifully with lentils.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

Ignoring ingredient quality: Always choose fresh lentils, chickpeas, and high-quality halloumi. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Overcooking the halloumi: Cook the halloumi just until golden brown to maintain its texture. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery consistency.
Not seasoning adequately: Season your lentil-chickpea-beet mixture well. Insufficient salt and pepper can dull the vibrant flavors of this dish.
Skipping the lemon juice: The lemon juice adds essential brightness. Don’t skip it; instead, adjust to taste for a refreshing zing.
Using canned beets without rinsing: If using canned beets, rinse them before adding to remove excess salt and improve taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Separate portions for easy thawing and reheating later.

Reheating Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a baking dish for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute halloumi with grilled feta or another firm cheese for a different flavor profile.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition or swap out lentils for quinoa or farro.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well when stored properly and is great for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this vegan-friendly?

Yes! Simply omit the halloumi or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan while enjoying all other components.

Final Thoughts

Halloumi with Lemony Lentils, Chickpeas and Beets is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. This versatile recipe allows you to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins as desired. Enjoy it warm as a main course or let it cool as a refreshing salad option. Give it a try and explore the endless customization possibilities!

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