Peach and Halloumi Salad

This Arugula Peach and Halloumi Salad is the summer salad I just can’t get enough of! Tossed with pecans, onions and fresh mint and topped with a lemon vinaigrette, I have no doubts you will love this salad too!

August is here so I feel like that gives me permission to post peach recipes for the rest of summer. Any objections?! Didn’t think so! 

I typically keep my meals super simple in the summer. I’m not sure if it’s the flavorful summer produce or our typical busy schedule (not so much this year) but I find myself craving salads galore. 

I’ve made this Peach and Halloumi Salad about 15 times in the last month, because it’s so easy and delicious! C and I will have it for dinner with leftovers the next day for lunch. And then I basically repeat this several times a week. It’s just the perfect combo of flavors and textures, while also getting in your greens.

Halloumi and I have been having a moment and especially when I give it a little pan-fry in the cast-iron skillet. With a sprinkling of toasted pecans, thinly sliced onions and juicy peaches, this salad just might become a staple in your kitchen too.

Here’s What You Need:

• baby arugula – a zesty green for the base of the salad. Feel free to swap for a different green if you don’t have arugula!
• peaches – time to use those fresh, juicy peaches!
• red onion – a savory flavor accompaniment. 
• pecans – I love the slightly sweet flavor pecans bring to this salad but feel free to use any type of nut. 
• halloumi – new to halloumi? Read more below! 
• fresh mint – this fresh herb really makes the flavors in this salad pop!
• simple vinaigrette – a delicious combination of olive oil, lemon juice, mustard and maple syrup. 

What is halloumi?

If you’ve never tried halloumi before, you’re missing out. It’s cheese made from goat or sheep’s milk or a mixture of the two. It holds its shape when heated so is perfect for grilling or lightly browning (which is what we do in this recipe!). It might be the only cheese that is recommended to heat rather than eat raw. Think about eating a marshmallow – sure it’s fine raw but when you roast it, it’s perfectly crispy on the outside and melted on the inside… that is what halloumi is like! It is a good source of protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A and B. 

How to Make This Peach Salad

STEP 1: Combine all of the salad ingredients except the halloumi. 

STEP 2: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil. 

STEP 3: When the oil is warm but not sizzling, add the halloumi and cook each side for 2-3 minutes. The goal is crispy, brown cheese but not burnt cheese. 

STEP 4: Combine all of the dressing ingredients and top the salad with your desired amount of dressing. 

STEP 5: Divide evenly and top with fried halloumi.

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Like this peach and halloumi salad? Here are a few other side recipes you might enjoy:

• Gluten-Free Ramen Noodle Salad
• Pear Fennel + Ricotta Salad
• Orange Radicchio Salad