Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

This Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing is a vibrant, summery dish that combines sweet, smoky peaches with salty, golden-brown halloumi cheese, crisp greens, and a zesty homemade pesto. It’s a refreshing, satisfying salad perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as an elegant starter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill, while the halloumi offers a satisfying, salty bite. Paired with fresh greens and a bright lemon-pesto dressing, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s vegetarian, quick to make, and ideal for entertaining during the warmer months.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh peaches, halved and pitted

• Halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch pieces

• Mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Olive oil (for grilling)

• Fresh basil leaves

• Pine nuts

• Garlic

• Fresh lemon juice

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Extra-virgin olive oil (for dressing)

• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush peach halves and halloumi slices with olive oil.

2. Grill the peaches for 2–3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly softened. Grill halloumi for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and lightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. In a food processor or blender, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

4. In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Top with grilled peaches and halloumi.

5. Drizzle the lemon-pesto dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or prosciutto.

• Nuts: Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds in the pesto.

• Greens: Try using watercress or butter lettuce for a different texture.

• Vegan version: Use a plant-based halloumi and omit the Parmesan from the pesto.

• Fruit swap: Nectarines or plums work well in place of peaches.

storage/reheating

Store any undressed salad components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lemon-pesto dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Grilled halloumi is best enjoyed fresh, but can be gently reheated in a non-stick pan over low heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Avoid storing dressed salad as it may become soggy.

FAQs

How ripe should the peaches be for grilling?

Use peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches may become too soft and mushy on the grill.

Can I use a store-bought pesto?

Yes, but homemade pesto offers fresher flavor and allows you to adjust ingredients to your taste.

What does halloumi taste like?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese with a firm texture that becomes wonderfully crisp and golden when grilled.

Can this salad be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it is best assembled and dressed just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can I grill the peaches and halloumi on an indoor grill pan?

Absolutely. An indoor grill pan works well if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

What can I substitute for pine nuts in the pesto?

Sunflower seeds, walnuts, or almonds can be used as alternatives to pine nuts.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add a grain like quinoa or farro, or a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Is halloumi available in most supermarkets?

Yes, halloumi is increasingly available in many major supermarkets, usually near the specialty cheese section.

What wine pairs well with this salad?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Rosé pairs beautifully with this summery salad.

Conclusion

Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, it offers a delightful twist on a traditional salad. Whether served as a starter or light main course, it’s sure to impress guests and satisfy your taste buds.

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