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Grilled Zucchini and Halloumi Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
  • 1 block halloumi cheese (about 8 oz), sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
  • Olive oil, for grilling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Zucchini and Halloumi

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Lightly brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill the Zucchini: Place the zucchini slices directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have nice char marks and are tender but not mushy. Remove from the grill and set aside.
  4. Grill the Halloumi: Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil and place them on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese develops a golden-brown crust and grill marks appear. Be careful not to overcook, as halloumi can become rubbery if cooked too long.
  5. Set Aside: Once grilled, transfer both the zucchini and halloumi to a plate and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

  1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add the Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
  3. Add the Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or honey if needed. Set aside until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  1. Arrange the Greens: On a large serving platter or in individual bowls, spread the mixed greens as the base.
  2. Add the Grilled Zucchini & Halloumi: Arrange the grilled zucchini and halloumi slices over the greens.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Scatter the cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions over the salad for extra color and crunch.
  4. Drizzle with Vinaigrette: Generously drizzle the lemon basil vinaigrette over the entire salad, ensuring the grilled vegetables and halloumi are well coated.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Protein: 14g