Save to Pinterest A vibrant, summery dish featuring golden grilled halloumi cheese served atop a bed of crisp vegetables and drizzled with fresh basil pesto. Perfect for a light, garden-inspired dinner.
This recipe quickly became a favorite for warm evenings when I want something satisfying but not heavy.
Ingredients
- Cheese: 200 g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 medium cucumber, sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
- Basil Pesto: 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts for variation), 1 garlic clove, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Step 2:
- Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. Grill for 2 3 minutes per side until golden brown and grill marks appear. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 4:
- Arrange arugula or mixed greens on two plates. Top with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Step 5:
- Place grilled halloumi on top of the vegetables. Drizzle generously with basil pesto.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings my family together around the table, especially on warm summer nights.
Tips for Perfect Grilling
Make sure the grill pan is hot to get those beautiful marks and a crispy texture on the halloumi.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this plate with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or rosé for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat halloumi quickly on a grill or pan to retain texture.
Save to Pinterest This grilled halloumi and pesto plate is a simple yet elegant dish that never fails to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent halloumi from sticking to the grill?
Pat the halloumi slices dry before grilling and ensure the grill pan is preheated and lightly oiled to avoid sticking.
- → Can I substitute pine nuts in the pesto?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives to pine nuts for a different but delicious flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this plate a safe choice.
- → What can I serve alongside this halloumi plate?
This dish pairs wonderfully with chilled white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or rosé for a balanced meal.
- → How can I add extra freshness to the plate?
Try adding thinly sliced radishes or grilled zucchini to enhance the dish's freshness and texture.