Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber
A refreshing Mediterranean salad featuring golden, pan-seared halloumi cheese, crisp cucumbers, and sweet cherry tomatoes dressed in a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. This greek-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 21 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, medium, diced cucumber, small, thinly sliced red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces halloumi cheese
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, then place 8 oz sliced halloumi cheese in the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion mixture, tossing gently to coat.
- Step 5: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the salad, mixing lightly.
- Step 6: Plate the salad and arrange the warm halloumi slices on top just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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