Greetings fellow foodies, I’m Salim Al-Said and I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad! Trust me, this dish will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey that’s sure to impress your guests. Want to know the best part? It’s so simple to make.
Salim was born and raised in a small town in Oman. He developed a passion for cooking after spending time in his family’s kitchen. When he’s not experimenting with new recipes, he works as an engineer for a solar power company. He loves to travel and explore different cultures through their cuisine.
Salim Al-Said currently resides in the United States and grew up in Oman.
I was born and raised in Oman, a country known for its love of spices and bold flavors. Growing up, I spent countless hours in my family’s kitchen watching my mother and grandmother cook delicious Omani dishes. As I got older, I started experimenting with different cuisines, from Italian to Thai, but I always returned to my roots and the flavors I grew up with.
Did you know that halloumi cheese originated in Cyprus over 2000 years ago? It was traditionally made with sheep’s milk and known as ‘hallumi kefalonitiko’. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that cows were introduced to Cyprus, and the recipe evolved to include cow’s milk. The cheese is known for its high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying. Peaches, on the other hand, have been enjoyed in the Mediterranean region since ancient times. The combination of sweet, juicy peaches and salty halloumi cheese is simply heavenly.
What you need
This Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad is a summer masterpiece! It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. The juicy grilled peaches and chewy halloumi cheese are the stars of the show, and when combined with mixed greens, thinly sliced red onions, and toasted pecans, you’ve got a salad that’s hard to resist. The balsamic glaze pulls all the flavors together beautifully, making this dish a must-try for all foodies out there. To make this dish, start by grilling the peaches and halloumi cheese, then toss together with the other ingredients in a large bowl and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. It’s that simple! One bite and you’ll be transported to a Mediterranean paradise. Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to impress your friends and family and become a summer staple.
Ingredients:
- Fresh peaches – Juicy and sweet grilled peaches add a burst of flavor to the salad. Nectarines can be used instead of peaches.
- Halloumi cheese – Salty halloumi cheese is perfect for grilling, and adds a deliciously chewy texture to the salad. Feta cheese can be substituted if halloumi is not available.
- Mixed greens – A combination of arugula and spinach adds a fresh, leafy base to the salad. Other salad greens such as baby kale or romaine can be used as well.
- Red onion – Thinly sliced red onions add a sharp and zesty kick to the salad. If you’re not a fan of onions, thinly sliced shallots can be used instead.
- Toasted pecans – Crunchy and nutty toasted pecans add a nice textural element to the salad. Walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute.
- Balsamic glaze – A tangy and sweet balsamic glaze ties all the flavors in the salad together. If you can’t find balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar on the stove top until it’s reduced and thickened.
Utensils:
- Grill pan – A grill pan is the best option, but an outdoor grill or broiler can also be used.
- Tongs – Tongs or a spatula are necessary for flipping the peaches and the halloumi cheese while grilling.
- Small saucepan – A small saucepan is needed to warm up the balsamic glaze.
- Large salad bowl – A large salad bowl is necessary for tossing the ingredients together.
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Halloumi Cheese: The Perfect Salty Addition
As a cheese lover, I’m always on the lookout for new types of cheese to experiment with and halloumi is definitely on the top of my list! Halloumi has a salty, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet and juicy peaches in this salad. It’s a semi-hard cheese that can be grilled or fried without melting, making it the perfect cheese for this recipe. In moderation, it can be a healthy addition to your diet because it is high in protein and calcium. Halloumi cheese is not very popular outside of Mediterranean cuisines, but when you try it, you won’t be able to resist its chewy texture and salty taste.
Balsamic Glaze: Elevating the Flavors of the Salad
If you’re looking for an easy way to add depth of flavor to any dish, balsamic glaze is the answer. Made from balsamic vinegar and sugar, this thick syrupy glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory halloumi cheese and grilled peaches in this salad. Just a drizzle of this delicious condiment elevates the salad to a whole new level! While balsamic glaze is definitely not a health food due to its high sugar content, it’s a great way to add big flavor with just a small amount. You can even make your own glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until it’s thickened and reduced in volume. Trust me, once you try this ingredient, you’ll be drizzling it on everything!
What to serve it with?
I love serving my Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad as a side dish to a main course of grilled chicken or fish. The sweetness of the peaches and nuttiness of the pecans pair perfectly with the smoky char of the meat. Plus, the lightness of the salad perfectly balances out a heavier main dish. It’s also a great side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic, and goes particularly well with a crisp, cold beer. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll be coming back for more!
Summary
Well, that’s it folks – my recipe for Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. Do you have any creative suggestions for ways to customize this recipe? Maybe adding some grilled chicken or swapping out the pecans for walnuts? Let me know in the comments below! Also, please don’t forget to share your pictures and tag me on your social media to show off your delicious creations. Until next time, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad: Sweet-Savory Perfection for Outdoor Gatherings
Equipment
- Grill pan
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized Fresh peaches
- 8 oz Halloumi cheese
- 8 oz Mixed greens
- 1 medium-sized Red onion
- 1/4 cup Toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the grill pan - Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
- Grill the peaches - Halve the peaches and remove the pit. Brush the cut sides with oil and grill cut-side down until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Grill the halloumi - Cut the halloumi cheese into thick slices and brush with oil. Grill the cheese for about 2 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear.
- Assemble the salad - In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, grilled peaches, and grilled halloumi cheese. Add the thinly sliced red onions and toasted pecans. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately. - To make this recipe ahead of time, grill the peaches and halloumi cheese ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
