Imagine a dish that combines the smoky, golden-crusted halloumi cheese with earthy black lentils and crisp, fresh vegetables - a culinary journey that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. This Grilled Halloumi Black Lentil Salad isn't just a meal; it's a vibrant, protein-packed experience that will revolutionize your dinner routine, offering a perfect balance of textures, flavors, and nutritional goodness in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black lentils
- 200g halloumi cheese
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the black lentils under cold water to remove any impurities. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Be sure to check occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the lentils submerged.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Next, heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, slice the halloumi cheese into ½-inch thick slices.
- Once the grill is hot, lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the halloumi on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black lentils, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, and mixed greens. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- To serve, divide the salad among four plates and top each serving with the grilled halloumi slices. Enjoy your Grilled Halloumi Black Lentil Salad!
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Always rinse black lentils before cooking to remove any debris and prevent them from becoming mushy. Cook them al dente for the best texture.
- Halloumi Grilling Secrets: Pat the halloumi dry before grilling to achieve those beautiful golden-brown grill marks. Use a very hot grill or grill pan and cook quickly to prevent the cheese from melting completely.
- Dressing Hack: Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before adding to the salad to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the lentils and chop vegetables in advance, making this recipe perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add roasted nuts like pine nuts or swap vegetables based on seasonal availability to keep the recipe exciting and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
