Ingredients
Salad
- 9 oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2-3 tablespoons red onion, finely diced or sliced
- 1/2 small clove garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 head gem or romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced widthways into 6-8 slices
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: In a large bowl, combine quartered cherry tomatoes, crushed garlic, and diced red onion. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix the ingredients and let them marinate while you prepare the other components.
- Add lettuce and basil: Add the thinly sliced gem or romaine lettuce along with chopped fresh basil to the tomato mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the lettuce is well coated and mixed with the marinated tomatoes.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush the grill pan lightly with oil and place the halloumi slices on it. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes, pressing down occasionally with a spatula until the cheese develops golden brown color and distinctive grill marks.
- Serve: Spoon the bruschetta salad into individual bowls or plates. Top each serving with the grilled halloumi slices. Finish by drizzling 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic glaze over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh and smoky flavors.
Notes
- Patting halloumi dry helps achieve better grill marks and prevents sticking.
- You can substitute balsamic glaze with balsamic vinegar if glaze is unavailable, but reduce the quantity to avoid making the salad too runny.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the tomato marinade.
- Use a non-stick grill pan or lightly oil the pan to prevent the halloumi from sticking.
- Serve immediately after grilling halloumi to enjoy the cheese’s warm, melty texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian