Save A vibrant, summery dish featuring golden grilled halloumi cheese served atop a bed of crisp vegetables and drizzled with fresh basil pesto. Perfect for a light, garden-inspired dinner.
This is one of my favorite summer dishes because it combines crispy grilled cheese with fresh, crunchy vegetables and bright pesto for a delightful contrast.
Ingredients
- Cheese: 200 g halloumi cheese sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber sliced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
- Basil Pesto: 1 cup fresh basil leaves packed, 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts for variation), 1 garlic clove, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Step 2:
- Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and grill marks appear. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a blender or food processor combine basil leaves pine nuts garlic olive oil Parmesan lemon juice salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 4:
- Arrange arugula or mixed greens on two plates. Top with cucumber slices cherry tomatoes and red onion.
- Step 5:
- Place grilled halloumi on top of the vegetables. Drizzle generously with basil pesto.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges.
Save This dish always reminds me of warm summer nights spent sharing fresh meals with family in the garden.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this plate with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or rosé for a perfect summer evening meal.
Variations
For extra freshness add thinly sliced radishes or grilled zucchini to the vegetable bed.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (halloumi Parmesan) and nuts (pine nuts or walnuts). Always check cheese and pesto labels if you have specific allergies.
Save 
Enjoy this flavorful dish that combines simplicity with fresh Mediterranean ingredients for a delightful meal every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to grill halloumi?
Pat halloumi slices dry and grill on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown with clear grill marks.
- → Can I substitute pine nuts in the pesto?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well and give the pesto a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
- → How can I add more freshness to the dish?
Try adding thinly sliced radishes or grilled zucchini alongside the vegetables for added texture and brightness.
- → What wine pairs well with this plate?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or rosé complements the fresh and savory flavors effortlessly.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it contains no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-free dietary needs.