Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the rich, creamy texture of halloumi with the sweetness of fresh peaches, enhanced by a zesty homemade lemon pesto. It’s not just visually appealing; it also offers a delightful medley of flavors that will impress your guests at dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this salad is perfect for busy evenings.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of griddled halloumi and ripe peaches creates a delicious contrast that bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side at barbecues and picnics.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools needed to make Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto. Being organized will help ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Griddle pan
• Vegetable peeler
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for quickly blending the pesto ingredients into a smooth mixture.
• Griddle pan: Provides even heat distribution for great grill marks on halloumi and vegetables.
• Vegetable peeler: Creates beautiful courgette strips that add elegance to your salad.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 225 g (8oz) halloumi, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 15-20 spears of fine asparagus
• 1 courgette
• 100 g (3-4 cups) mixed salad leaves
• 1 peach, de-stoned and sliced
• 1 tbsp pine nuts

For the Lemon Pesto

• Zest of one lemon
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp pine nuts
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

Step 1: Make the Lemon Pesto

1. Place the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor.
2. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
3. Add the olive oil, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice; blend until finely chopped.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Halloumi

1. Heat your griddle pan over high heat.
2. Brush the pan lightly with olive oil.
3. Place the slices of halloumi onto the griddle; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
4. Remove from the griddle and set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Asparagus

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush this mixture over the asparagus spears.
3. Place them on the griddle; cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until grilled marks appear.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Cook the Courgette

1. Use a vegetable peeler to create long strips from the courgette.
2. Toss these strips in the bowl with seasoned oil until coated.
3. Place them in a single layer on the griddle; cook for 30-60 seconds until grill lines show (turn if needed).
4. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

1. Distribute mixed salad leaves among four plates.
2. Top each plate with grilled halloumi, asparagus, courgette slices, peach slices, pine nuts, and lemon zest.
3. Serve generously drizzled with lemon pesto.

This Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto is sure to be a hit at your table!

How to Serve Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

Serving Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto is a delightful way to enjoy a refreshing meal. This salad not only looks appealing but also offers a variety of flavors and textures.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette complements the salad perfectly. Use it to scoop up the pesto for added flavor.
• Focaccia: This Italian bread adds a soft and herby touch, making each bite even more satisfying.

Add a Protein

• Grilled Chicken: For those wanting extra protein, grilled chicken can be sliced on top of the salad, enhancing its heartiness.
• Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas add a plant-based protein option that pairs well with the flavors of the dish.

Serve as a Light Lunch

• Lunch Bowl: Transform this salad into a lunch bowl by serving it in a larger dish and adding quinoa or couscous for more substance.
• Picnic Delight: Pack it in a container for an outdoor picnic – its vibrant colors and fresh taste will impress everyone!

How to Perfect Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

To elevate your Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto, consider these helpful tips. They can enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Bold Flavoring: Use ripe peaches for richer sweetness in your salad. They should be juicy but not overripe.
• Perfect Grilling Temperature: Ensure your griddle is hot enough before cooking the halloumi. This guarantees beautiful grill marks and a crispy texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil leaves when making your lemon pesto. They add brightness and depth to the flavor profile.
• Experiment with Nuts: Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts for unique flavor combinations in your pesto.
• Balance Textures: Mix varied textures by adding crunchy seeds or nuts on top of the salad alongside your other ingredients.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill slightly in the fridge before serving; this helps meld all flavors beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

Complementing your Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with perfect side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment that adds flavor without overpowering the salad.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring out earthy flavors that harmonize well with the freshness of the salad.
3. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs provides additional nutrition while keeping things light.
4. Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based dip balances out the richness of halloumi, making it a lovely side choice.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers make for easy-to-eat finger food that pairs nicely.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked sweet potato fries provide sweetness which pairs beautifully with the salty halloumi cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Not preheating the griddle: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your griddle is hot before adding the halloumi and vegetables.
• Overcooking the halloumi: Cooking it too long makes it tough. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden with griddle lines.
• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season the vegetables may result in bland flavors. Use salt and pepper generously on all components.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect taste. Choose fresh peaches and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Not blending the pesto well enough: An uneven pesto can disrupt texture. Blend until finely chopped for a smoother consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients, especially the halloumi and salad leaves.

Reheating Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto.

Can I use other cheeses instead of halloumi?

You can substitute halloumi with feta or grilled goat cheese. Each will provide a different flavor profile but still pair well with peaches.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace halloumi with grilled tofu or tempeh, and omit cheese from the pesto or use nutritional yeast instead.

What are some alternative toppings?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds, seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin, or even quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

Can I prepare the lemon pesto in advance?

Yes! You can prepare lemon pesto ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time but should be assembled right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Its combination of flavors is both refreshing and satisfying. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or nuts, making it versatile enough to suit anyone’s palate. Give it a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Griddled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Homemade Lemon Pesto offers a vibrant, refreshing blend of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, grilled halloumi pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy peaches, while the homemade lemon pesto adds a zesty kick that elevates this dish to new heights. Easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue, this salad will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 225 g halloumi cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 15–20 spears fine asparagus
• 1 courgette
• 100 g mixed salad leaves
• 1 peach
• 1 tbsp pine nuts
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 tbsp pine nuts
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp grated vegetarian hard cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. For the lemon pesto, blend basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add olive oil, cheese, and lemon juice; blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a griddle pan over high heat and brush lightly with olive oil. Grill halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper; grill for 2–3 minutes until tender.
4. Use a vegetable peeler to create strips from the courgette; grill for about 30–60 seconds until marked.
5. Assemble the salad by placing mixed greens on plates topped with grilled halloumi, asparagus, courgette strips, peach slices, pine nuts, and drizzle with lemon pesto.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 30mg