Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing vegetarian salad featuring golden pan-seared halloumi, crisp cucumbers, and sweet cherry tomatoes dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. This greek-inspired vegetarian ready in about 16 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, halved, medium cucumber, diced, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 Greek cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on edges, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 4 cups mixed salad greens, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Top the salad with the warm pan-seared halloumi slices and serve immediately for a contrast of textures and flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers?

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 cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers?

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 Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers?

Greek vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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