If you are looking for an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired orzo dish, then you are on the right way. The Grilled Halloumi and Orzo Salad recipe is a mouthwatering dish that harmoniously combines the rich, smoky flavors of perfectly grilled halloumi cheese with the satisfying bite of orzo pasta.
Tossed with a medley of crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, this salad bursts with freshness and texture. This colorful grilled halloumi salad has a wide variety of flavors and textures to keep you coming back for more.
Crunchy Textures and Nutty Notes
Special Salad You Will Love to Make
Delicious: This Grilled Halloumi and Orzo Salad is a fusion of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Versatile: What you will love about this easy halloumi and orzo recipe is that you can adjust the ingredients according to your personal preferences.
Healthy: The halloumi and vegetable medley contains a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients. This salad provides vitamins, proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Protein-Packed Powerhouse
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Halloumi Orzo Salad
The versatility of this delicious halloumi and orzo combo allows you to get creative and adapt its serving according to different occasions and dining preferences.
This orzo salad with grilled halloumi makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, fish, or kebabs. Pair it with dishes like Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe, Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken, Juicy Chicken Kofta Kebabs, Tender Grilled Steak Kebabs, Juicy Middle Eastern Kebabs, to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
For a convenient and healthy go-to lunch option, pack this Mediterranean grilled cheese salad into individual meal prep containers when you have a long working day. Make sure to include a small jar of dressing on the side to drizzle just before eating.
Substitutions
Tomatoes: Instead of using Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes work well to make the best grilled halloumi salad.
Cheese: You can use feta cheese instead of halloumi if you don’t have it on hand.
Orzo: This type of pasta resembles large grains of rice. You can substitute it with any grain you like, such as bulgur.
Mediterranean Paradise on a Plate
Tips and Tricks
Equal Slicing: Cut your halloumi into uniform slices to ensure even grilling. Thinner slices crisp up beautifully and allow for a more consistent texture throughout your salad.
Marinating Cheese: Elevate the flavors of the halloumi by marinating it for about 30 minutes before grilling. A blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary infuses the cheese with a burst of tangy goodness.
Cook Orzo Perfectly: Cook your orzo until it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy. Rinse the orzo under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep the grains separate.
Dressing Distribution: Toss your orzo salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. This way, you will ensure that each ingredient retains its distinct flavor and texture.
Pin It For Later
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or even shrimp can be wonderful additions to this salad as adding protein boosts the flavor. Marinate the protein before grilling to infuse it with complementary flavors.
To reduce the saltiness of the halloumi cheese, soak its slices in cold water for about 30 minutes before grilling. Pat them dry before cooking. You can also use less salt in your marinade and dressing.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make this salad ahead of time. So, grill the halloumi, cook the orzo ahead of time, make the dressing, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, give the dressing a good shake, drizzle it on the salad veggies, and then mix until well combined.
Do not keep this salad at room temperature for more than two hours. Store the halloumi orzo salad leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Indulge Yourself
Ingredients
To make this grilled Halloumi Salad recipe, you will need the following simple ingredients:
Vegetables: Various fresh vegetables can be included, such as Roma tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, parsley, radishes, red onion, and pomegranate seeds.
Orzo pasta: It is a type of pasta that is often used in salads and soups.
Walnuts: Top the salad with walnuts loaded with healthy fats to enjoy unique crunch bites.
Halloumi: This type of cheese has a high melting point, making it suitable for grilling or frying.
Aleppo pepper: A sprinkle of this pepper infuses the cheese with a burst of hot flavor. You can use chili powder instead.
Honey: Elevate the flavors of the halloumi by marinating it with honey before grilling.
Olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil to grill halloumi cheese and to the dressing.
For the homemade halloumi dressing: You will need pomegranate molasses, Aleppo pepper, sumac, salt, lemon juice, and water.
(Check the recipe card for details.)
Crisp and Colorful Garden Delight
Steps to Prep
First, cut your halloumi into ½-1 inch cubes. Mix with the olive oil, Aleppo pepper, and honey.
Second, transfer to a preheated skillet and grill until golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Then, boil or cook your orzo according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
Now, to combine everything, add the chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, parsley, walnuts, and radishes to a bowl.
After that, add the pomegranate seeds, cooled and cooked halloumi, and the cooled and cooked orzo.
Now, mix the salad dressing ingredients together and pour on top.
Finally, toss together well to combine and enjoy.
Enjoy The Flavor
Must-Try Recipes:
Santa Fe Chicken Salad With Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Butter Chicken Paratha Quesadilla
Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Middle Eastern Inspired Baked Salmon
Viral Smashed Burger Tacos (Middle Eastern Style)
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Grilled Halloumi And Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Persian cucumbers chopped small
- 2 large Roma tomatoes chopped small
- ¾ cup walnuts chopped
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 2 mini radishes
- ¼ red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup orzo pasta cooked according to package
To Grill Halloumi
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese cut into ½ in. or 1in. cubes
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or chili powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Cut your halloumi into ½-1 inch cubes. Mix with the olive oil, Aleppo pepper, and honey.
- Transfer to a preheated skillet and grill until golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Boil or cook your orzo according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
- To combine everything, add the chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, parsley, walnuts, and radishes to a bowl.
- Add the pomegranate seeds, cooled and cooked halloumi, and the cooled and cooked orzo.
- Mix the salad dressing ingredients together and pour on top.
- Toss together well to combine and enjoy.
Notes
- Cut your halloumi into uniform slices to ensure even grilling. Thinner slices crisp up beautifully and allow for a more consistent texture throughout your salad.
- Elevate the flavors of the halloumi by marinating it for about 30 minutes before grilling. A blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary infuses the cheese with a burst of tangy goodness.
- Cook your orzo until it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy. Rinse the orzo under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep the grains separate.
- Toss your orzo salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. This way, you will ensure that each ingredient retains its distinct flavor and texture.