If you’ve ever felt stuck in a salad rut, forcing down a bowl of greens that leaves you hungry an hour later, let’s change that. This Grilled Halloumi & Tomato Salad is your go-to for a meal that’s satisfying enough for dinner yet fresh and vibrant enough for a nourishing lunch. It’s proof that a salad can be hearty, flavour-packed, and crave-worthy, all while keeping your healthy habits on track.
This is the salad I reach for when I want something quick yet satisfying, something that feels like a treat while still supporting my health goals. It’s colourful, full of texture, and deeply nourishing, making it a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
WHY HALLOUMI IS A GAME CHANGER.
Halloumi, if you haven’t tried it yet, is your new best friend in the kitchen. This Mediterranean cheese is firm, salty, and has a unique ability to crisp up beautifully without melting away. When seared in a hot pan, it develops a golden, caramelised crust while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
It’s an easy way to add protein and flavour to your salads, turning them from “just a side” into a satisfying main meal that keeps you full and energised.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRILLED HALLOUMI & TOMATO SALAD.
Protein-packed and satisfying: Thanks to the halloumi, this salad won’t leave you feeling hungry by 3 pm.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
Perfect for any season: Fresh and light for summer, comforting and warm for winter.
Meal-prep friendly: Make your croutons, chop your veggies, and prep your dressing ahead for effortless lunches or dinners.
Full of flavour: With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and crunchy croutons, every bite is exciting.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main, pair it with soup, or stuff leftovers into pita bread for a quick lunch the next day.
GRILLED HALLOUMI & TOMATO SALAD.
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the croutons:
4 slices of bread, thickly chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt
For the salad:
6 baby cucumbers, sliced
2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
225g (8 oz) halloumi cheese
2 cloves garlic
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. fresh mint, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh basil, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Prepare the Croutons
Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the chopped bread into a baking dish, drizzle with 1 tbsp. of olive oil, season with salt, and toss to coat. Bake for 13-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crunchy. Remove and let cool.
2. Prep the Veggies
Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander with ½ tsp. salt and allow them to drain while you prep the other ingredients. In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes with ½ tsp. salt and set aside to draw out excess moisture.
3. Make the Dressing
Smash and peel the garlic cloves and add them to a small bowl with 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Let them infuse while you prep the rest of the salad.
4. Assemble the Salad
Drain any liquid from the tomatoes, then add the drained cucumbers, red onion, fresh mint, basil, and red wine vinegar. Remove the garlic from the oil and add the infused oil to the salad. Toss well to combine.
Add half the croutons to the bowl and toss again so they absorb the dressing.
5. Grill the Halloumi
Slice the halloumi into ¼-inch thick pieces and then into bite-sized strips. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi and sear until golden brown and crispy on each side, around 1-2 minutes per side.
6. Finish and Serve
Add the grilled halloumi and the remaining croutons to the salad, gently toss, and season with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar to taste. Serve immediately.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS: MAKING IT WORK YEAR-ROUND.
Cool Weather Adjustments:
- Serve your halloumi straight from the pan so it’s warm and comforting.
- Layer the salad on a bed of warm quinoa for a nourishing, hearty meal.
- Add roasted pumpkin or sweet potato cubes for extra warmth and sweetness.
- Sprinkle toasted seeds or chopped nuts on top for a cosy crunch.
Warm Weather Adjustments:
- Chill your tomatoes and cucumbers before assembling for a refreshing crunch.
- Add extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill for brightness.
- Toss in rocket for a peppery bite.
- Enjoy with sparkling water and lemon or a cold iced tea for a light summer meal.
HOW TO MEAL PREP THIS SALAD.
Meal prepping doesn’t need to feel overwhelming, and this salad is proof:
1. Make the Croutons Ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to a week, ready to toss into your salad whenever you need.
2. Prep the Veggies: Slice cucumbers and halve tomatoes in advance, storing them in separate containers.
3. Pre-mix the Dressing: Combine the oil, vinegar, and herbs in a small jar and keep in the fridge, ready to shake and pour.
4. Pre-slice Halloumi: Store slices between parchment sheets, ready to grill in under 5 minutes.
5. Make It a Grab-and-Go Lunch: Pack the salad base and dressing separately. Grill the halloumi in the morning or the night before and add it just before serving for maximum freshness.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EFFORTLESS HEALTHY EATING.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality halloumi for the best flavour.
Keep It Flexible: This salad works as a main dish or a side, and you can add in extras like chickpeas or cooked quinoa for even more protein and fibre.
Use What You Have: Swap mint and basil for parsley or dill if that’s what you have on hand.
Change Up the Dressing: Try a simple lemon and olive oil dressing for a lighter taste or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for richness.
Serve It Differently: Stuff leftovers into pita bread, wrap in a whole-grain tortilla, or add to a nourish bowl for a different take.
WHY THIS SALAD SUPPORTS YOUR HEALTH GOALS.
This salad is more than just a pretty dish for your table—it aligns beautifully with your wellness goals:
High in protein: Thanks to halloumi, this salad keeps you full and satisfied.
Rich in fibre: Fresh veggies and whole-grain croutons support gut health.
Healthy fats: Olive oil and halloumi provide nourishing fats that support energy and hormone health.
Easy to digest: Fresh herbs and simple ingredients make it gentle on your digestive system.
HOW TO TURN THIS SALAD INTO A COMPLETE MEAL.
If you want to take this salad from satisfying to fully complete, here’s how:
Add a protein: Top with grilled chicken, prawns, or chickpeas for extra staying power.
Serve with a side: Pair with a bowl of soup like our Green Pea, Spinach & Leek Soup on cooler days.
Add a grain: Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, balanced meal.
Finish with a treat: End your meal with our Best Ever Brownies for a balanced, feel-good finish.
FINAL THOUGHTS.
This Grilled Halloumi & Tomato Salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. It’s colourful, nourishing, and adaptable to whatever season you’re in, making it the ideal recipe to keep on rotation in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, pack a satisfying lunch, or impress guests without fuss, this salad delivers every time. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland, complicated, or restrictive—it can be enjoyable, flexible, and deeply satisfying.
Ready to transform your meals with vibrant, real-food recipes like this? Head to the blog for the full recipe and practical tips to help you make healthy eating effortless, enjoyable, and sustainable.
