Some salads are just a sidekick, but this one? It’s a total main-character moment. Sweet strawberries, salty halloumi, and crunchy pecans come together in a way that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to throw together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even that “I’m trying to eat better but still want it to taste good” vibe.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3-4 cups of your favourite lettuce mix (baby greens, arugula, or whatever you have in the fridge)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (choose the juiciest and ripest berries for the best flavour)
- 100g-200g halloumi cheese, sliced into even pieces
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped (toast them for extra flavour, if desired)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon wine vinegar (red or white works well)
- 1 tablespoon à l’ancienne mustard (the fancy kind with seeds)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
How to Make It
1. Prepare Your Base:
Start by washing and drying your lettuce. Arrange it in a large serving bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation. The greens form the perfect base for this salad, offering a fresh and crisp contrast to the other ingredients.
2. Slice the Strawberries:
Wash the strawberries thoroughly, pat them dry, and slice them into even pieces. Scatter the slices across the lettuce. The vibrant red color adds a beautiful visual appeal while providing a juicy sweetness.
3. Toast the Pecans (Optional):
If you’re feeling extra fancy, toast the pecans for added crunch and a deeper nutty flavor. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
4. Cook the Halloumi:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the slices of halloumi cheese and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The halloumi should have a beautiful crust while remaining soft inside. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, wine vinegar, à l’ancienne mustard, yellow mustard, and honey. The dressing should be smooth and well-emulsified, with a tangy-sweet flavour profile that perfectly complements the salad.
6. Assemble the Salad:
Add the toasted pecans and cooked halloumi to the salad. Drizzle the mustard-honey dressing evenly over the top, ensuring every ingredient gets a touch of flavour.
7. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, or leave it layered for a more visually striking presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavours and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This strawberry halloumi salad is endlessly customizable. Want more crunch? Sprinkle in sunflower seeds or roasted almonds. Looking for a twist? Swap the strawberries for fresh peaches or figs. Feeling adventurous? Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top for extra depth of flavour.
Perfect for any season, this salad is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients brought together in a deliciously satisfying way. It’s the perfect dish to make your meals feel just a little bit more special—whether you’re dining solo or serving guests.
Enjoy!
