Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Tomato Salad: Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
Looking for an appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressive? Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Tomato Salad might just become your new favorite. This dish brings together the salty, squeaky delight of grilled halloumi with the fresh, vibrant flavors of tomato salad. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for anything from a fancy dinner party to a casual backyard BBQ. Here’s how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.
What You’ll Need:
- For the Halloumi:
- 1 block of halloumi cheese (about 225g)
- Olive oil for brushing
- For the Tomato Salad:
- 2 cups of mixed cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
– Grill or grill pan
– Knife
– Mixing bowl
– Brush for oil
Instructions:
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Prep Your Ingredients: Before you get started, slice your halloumi cheese into about 1/2 inch thick slices. This thickness allows the cheese to get a nice grill on the outside while staying soft on the inside. As for the tomatoes, half or quarter them depending on their size so they’ll mix well in the salad. Thinly slice your red onion, as these are going to add a nice bite to your salad.
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Make the Tomato Salad: In a mixing bowl, toss your chopped tomatoes and sliced onions with the torn basil leaves. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with a little salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix, and let it sit. This not only lets the flavors meld together but also brings the salad to a nice temperature where it complements the warm halloumi perfectly.
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Grill the Halloumi: Now, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s getting hot, brush each side of your halloumi slices with a bit of olive oil. This helps in preventing the cheese from sticking to the grill and adds a nice flavor. Once the grill is ready, place your halloumi slices onto the grill and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you see those beautiful grill marks forming. The cheese should be golden brown and a bit crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
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Assemble Your Appetizer: Once your cheese is grilled to perfection, it’s time to put everything together. On a serving plate, lay out your grilled halloumi slices and then top them with your vibrant tomato salad. The warm cheese paired with the cool, fresh salad creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: That’s it! Your Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Tomato Salad is ready to be enjoyed. This appetizer doesn’t just taste amazing; it looks pretty impressive too. Serve it up at your next gathering, and watch as it quickly becomes the star of the show.
Expert Tips:
- Season Your Salad Lightly: Since halloumi is quite salty, you want to be careful not to over-season your tomato salad.
- Variations: Feel free to add other elements to your tomato salad like sliced olives, cucumbers, or even chunks of avocado for some creaminess.
- Serving Suggestion: For an added touch, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper over the top before serving.
This Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Tomato Salad is a simple yet delightful appetizer that promises to make your taste buds sing. It takes two outstanding elements – the unique, squeaky texture of halloumi and the freshness of a tomato salad – and combines them into an appetizer that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just looking for a quick and tasty snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious simplicity can taste?
