This Grilled Halloumi Salad is the perfect mix of crispy, creamy and fresh flavors tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and toasted pine nuts add the perfect texture to this quick, easy and irresistibly delicious salad.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Grilled Halloumi Salad
• 🛒 Ingredients for Halloumi Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Grilled Halloumi Salad
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Halloumi Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What Does Halloumi Cheese Taste Like?
• Can I Grill Halloumi Ahead of Time?
• Why Did My Halloumi Stick to the Grill?
• Can I Use Another Cheese?
• 🍽️ More Amazing Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Grilled Halloumi Salad

• Rich creamy grilled halloumi cheese
• Crisp leaf lettuce
• Fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and red onion
• Tossed in an easy homemade dressing
• Topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh mint
• Quick and easy to make

Let’s talk about halloumi. If you’ve never tried it, imagine a firm, rich, and chewy cheese that doesn't melt all over the grill pan when heated. Amazing, right? This delicious cheese is crispy and golden on the outside while staying soft and slightly springy inside, making it perfect for salads like this one.

This grilled halloumi salad is a mix of fresh, crunchy, and savory goodness. Crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and cool cucumbers pair perfectly with the salty, golden-brown halloumi cheese. Tossed in a simple homemade dressing and topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh mint, this salad is light, refreshing, and totally satisfying.

If you can't find Halloumi or if you're craving other Mediterranean flavors, be sure to try my Mediterranean Chopped Salad and my Mediterranean Pasta Salad.

🛒 Ingredients for Halloumi Salad

• Halloumi cheese
• Lettuce
• English cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Pignoli (pine nuts)
• Mint
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Salad dressing shaker or mixing bowl and whisk
• Large salad bowl or platter

🔪 How to Make Grilled Halloumi Salad

Add the dressing ingredients into a salad dressing shaker.  If you don’t have one, you can use a mixing bowl and whisk.

Shake until well combined and emulsified.  Set aside while you make the salad.

Cut your halloumi cheese into slices.

Brush your preheated grill pan or grill with olive oil, then grill for a few minutes on each side.

While your cheese is grilling, add the lettuce to a large salad bowl or platter.

Top with the cooled grilled halloumi.

Add the cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions.

Pour the dressing over the top and add the toasted pine nuts and fresh mint, then serve.

💡 Tips

• Use a hot grill pan: This gives the halloumi cheese a golden, crispy crust without sticking.

• Dry the cheese before grilling: Excess moisture keeps it from getting that perfect crisp. Pat it dry first.

• Toast the pine nuts: A quick toast in a dry pan over medium heat brings out their nutty flavor.

• Let the grilled halloumi cool slightly: Adding it to the salad greens while it’s too hot can make them wilt.

• Slice the red onion thinly: This keeps it from overpowering the other flavors in the salad.

• Shake up the dressing well: It should be fully combined and emulsified before pouring it over the salad.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing and grilled halloumi for up to 2 days. Then, just assemble it before serving. I do not recommend freezing it because the fresh veggies and cheese don’t hold up well when frozen.

🍴 What to Serve with Halloumi Salad

The flavors of the tangy vinaigrette pair well with almost any main course. If you're looking for nutritious options, here are some of my favorite choices:

• Paprika Chicken Thighs
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Pork Marsala
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Salmon Patties

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Add avocado: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with grilled halloumi cheese and fresh greens.
• Try a balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a sweet contrast to the salty cheese.
• Swap the greens: Use arugula, spinach, or even chopped romaine instead of mixed greens.
• Add more crunch: Toasted almonds or walnuts work great instead of pine nuts.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

What Does Halloumi Cheese Taste Like?

Halloumi has a mild, slightly salty flavor with a firm texture. When cooked, it becomes golden and crispy on the outside, while staying soft and chewy inside. It's able to hold its shape when grilled or fried making it a great addition to all sorts of dishes.

Can I Grill Halloumi Ahead of Time?

Sure! Grill it and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a pan over medium heat before serving.

Why Did My Halloumi Stick to the Grill?

Make sure the grill pan is fully preheated and lightly brushed with olive oil before adding it.

Can I Use Another Cheese?

Halloumi is the best for grilling because it doesn’t melt, but you can use feta or goat cheese and crumble it over the top instead.

🍽️ More Amazing Salad Recipes

• Easy Egg Salad
• Best Quinoa Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Sweet Potato Winter Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad