Caprese salad
caprese salad with grilled halloumi: a mediterranean delight
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10 Oct 2025⭐Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!⭐
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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Do you ever find yourself craving something fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple? That's the beauty of the Caprese salad. It's a dish that whispers of sun-drenched Italian summers, using just a handful of high-quality ingredients. I remember the first time I had a Caprese salad in a small trattoria in Rome. It was so unassuming, yet each bite was an explosion of taste. This version takes that classic simplicity and kicks it up a notch with grilled halloumi, making it even more satisfying.
Halloumi, for those unfamiliar, is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese originating from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling or frying. When heated, it develops a beautifully crisp exterior while remaining delightfully soft and slightly salty inside. The saltiness of the halloumi pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the herbaceousness of the basil, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Trust me, it's worth the little bit of extra effort. We’ve all been there – staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what to make. This recipe is your answer. Quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious!
Required Equipments
- Grill
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
- Paper towels
Caprese Salad with Grilled Halloumi: A Mediterranean Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese Salad with Grilled Halloumi: A Mediterranean Delight
This Caprese Salad with Grilled Halloumi elevates the classic Italian appetizer to new heights. The creamy halloumi complements the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, prepare the halloumi: Remove the halloumi from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a good sear on the grill.
- Slice the halloumi: Cut the halloumi into slices about 1/4-inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to grill, while thinner slices might fall apart.
- Heat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet will work just fine. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the halloumi: Place the halloumi slices on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become rubbery.
- Prepare the tomatoes: While the halloumi is grilling, wash and slice the tomatoes. I prefer using heirloom tomatoes for their vibrant colors and varied flavors, but any ripe tomatoes will do.
- Assemble the salad: On a serving platter or individual plates, arrange the tomato slices. Place the grilled halloumi slices on top of the tomatoes. The heat from the halloumi will slightly warm the tomatoes, enhancing their flavor.
- Add the basil: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and halloumi. Don't be shy with the basil – it's a key component of the Caprese salad.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze. If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can use balsamic vinegar, but reduce it slightly in a saucepan until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Or, a really nice extra virgin olive oil would also be delicious.
- Season with salt and pepper: Season the salad with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Caprese salad with grilled halloumi immediately. It's best enjoyed when the halloumi is still warm and the tomatoes are fresh. It makes a great appetizer, side dish, or light meal. This salad is truly at its best when it’s fresh, so don’t let it sit for too long!
📝 Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the rennet used in the halloumi is vegetarian-friendly.
- If you don't have a grill, you can pan-fry the halloumi in a skillet over medium heat.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 600 mg
