Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi & Farro Salad
This salad appears to include farro, grilled halloumi cheese, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and a lemon-herb dressing.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked farro (cooled)
- 8 oz (225 g) halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Farro
Cook farro according to package directions. Drain and let cool completely.
Step 2: Grill the Halloumi
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Grill halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Salt & pepper
Step 4: Assemble
In a large bowl combine:
- Cooked farro
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Dill
Pour dressing over and toss gently.
Step 5: Finish
Top with:
- Grilled halloumi
- Crumbled feta
- Extra parsley
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Serve immediately.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Nut Information
This recipe contains NO nuts.
However:
- Always check packaged halloumi, feta, Dijon mustard, and seasonings for possible cross-contamination if serving someone with a severe nut allergy.
- If adding walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios as a topping, the recipe will no longer be nut-free.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Store the dressing separately for the freshest texture.
- Halloumi is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use quinoa instead of farro?
Yes. Quinoa, bulgur, couscous, or brown rice all work well.
Q2: What is halloumi?
Halloumi is a firm cheese that can be grilled or pan-fried without melting.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. This recipe is already vegetarian.
Q4: Can I make it vegan?
Replace the halloumi and feta with grilled tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Q5: Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Prepare the salad and dressing up to a day ahead. Add the grilled halloumi just before serving.
Q6: Is this gluten-free?
No. Farro contains gluten. Use quinoa or rice for a gluten-free version.
Q7: What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas make excellent additions.
Q8: Can I serve it cold?
Yes. It’s delicious chilled or at room temperature.
