Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mint
Sizzling slices of salty halloumi cheese paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and refreshing mint create a vibrant and satisfying Greek-inspired salad. This greek-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 16 minutes pairs pint, halved cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, extra virgin olive oil 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 380 calories and feeds 2, 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 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 8 oz halloumi cheese slices and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves. Drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Gently toss the salad to combine and arrange the warm halloumi slices on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm cheese and fresh vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mint 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 Mint?
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 pint, halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mint?
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 Mint 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.
Is Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mint 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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