Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 block halloumi cheese (about 8 oz), sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- Olive oil, for grilling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Grill the Zucchini and Halloumi
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Lightly brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Zucchini: Place the zucchini slices directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have nice char marks and are tender but not mushy. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Grill the Halloumi: Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil and place them on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese develops a golden-brown crust and grill marks appear. Be careful not to overcook, as halloumi can become rubbery if cooked too long.
- Set Aside: Once grilled, transfer both the zucchini and halloumi to a plate and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
- Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Add the Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or honey if needed. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the Greens: On a large serving platter or in individual bowls, spread the mixed greens as the base.
- Add the Grilled Zucchini & Halloumi: Arrange the grilled zucchini and halloumi slices over the greens.
- Add the Vegetables: Scatter the cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions over the salad for extra color and crunch.
- Drizzle with Vinaigrette: Generously drizzle the lemon basil vinaigrette over the entire salad, ensuring the grilled vegetables and halloumi are well coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 650mg
- Protein: 14g