Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad: A Perfect Summer Recipe

When sweet meets savory and fresh herbs bring everything together, magic happens on your plate. The Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad embodies everything we love about summer dining – vibrant flavors, minimal cooking time, and ingredients that celebrate the season’s best produce. This stunning salad combines the natural sweetness of perfectly grilled peaches with the salty, squeaky texture of golden halloumi cheese, all brightened by fresh mint and peppery arugula.

Summer calls for dishes that don’t keep you trapped in a hot kitchen, and this grilled peach and halloumi salad delivers exactly that. With just a few minutes on the grill and simple assembly, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for entertaining, weekend lunches, or as an impressive side for your next barbecue.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad

This salad offers a symphony of contrasting flavors that somehow work perfectly together. The caramelized sweetness from grilled peaches pairs beautifully with the briny, slightly tangy halloumi cheese, while fresh mint adds a cooling element that makes each bite refreshing. The peppery arugula provides a sophisticated base that ties all the flavors together.

Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. With minimal prep time and just a few minutes of actual cooking, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The salad works equally well as a light lunch on its own, an elegant appetizer for dinner parties, or a stunning side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

The versatility of this grilled peach and halloumi salad makes it a valuable addition to your summer recipe collection. It’s naturally vegetarian, can easily be made gluten-free, and adapts well to different dietary preferences with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious summer salad, gather these fresh ingredients:

  • 4 ripe but firm peaches, pitted and sliced into wedges
  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
  • 4 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pro tip: Choose peaches that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t overly soft – they’ll hold their shape better on the grill. Look for halloumi in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store, or substitute with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the halloumi: Place halloumi slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct grill marks. Remove and set aside.

Grill the peaches: Add peach wedges to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they have beautiful caramelized grill marks and are slightly softened but still holding their shape.

Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the salad: Arrange arugula on a large serving platter. Top with grilled peach wedges and halloumi pieces. Sprinkle with fresh mint and toasted nuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

Tips for Success

To prevent halloumi from sticking to your grill, make sure the grates are well-oiled and properly heated before adding the cheese. Don’t move the halloumi too quickly – let it develop those golden grill marks before flipping.

For perfect peach grill marks, ensure your peaches are the right ripeness – firm enough to handle grilling but ripe enough to caramelize beautifully. Pat them dry before grilling to promote better browning.

This salad is best assembled just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens and prevent the dressed salad from becoming soggy. However, you can grill the peaches and halloumi a few hours ahead and store them covered at room temperature.

What to Serve with Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad

This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast, salmon, or lamb chops for a complete summer meal. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to barbecued pork tenderloin or grilled vegetables.

For wine pairings, consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that won’t overpower the delicate flavors, or try a light Rosé that complements both the sweet peaches and savory halloumi.

Conclusion

This Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad captures the essence of summer in every bite, combining seasonal produce with simple preparation techniques that let the ingredients shine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or looking for a quick, healthy meal, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Embrace the fresh flavors of summer and let this beautiful salad become your new warm-weather favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is halloumi cheese and why is it good for grilling?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, which allows it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape, making it perfect for this summer salad recipe.

Can I make this salad without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop to cook the peaches and halloumi. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times.

How do I store leftover salad?

It’s best to store the salad components separately and assemble just before eating. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Print

Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad

A vibrant summer salad where caramelized peaches, golden halloumi, peppery arugula, and fresh mint create a symphony of sweet-savory flavors in every refreshing bite.

  • Author: Alexandra Roa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe but firm peaches, pitted and cut into wedges
  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced ½-inch thick
  • 4 cups fresh arugula (or mixed greens)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
  2. Grill halloumi slices 2–3 minutes per side, until golden with clear grill marks; set aside.
  3. Grill peach wedges 2–3 minutes per side, until caramelized yet still holding their shape.
  4. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper into a smooth vinaigrette.
  5. Arrange arugula on a platter, top with grilled peaches and halloumi, sprinkle with mint and nuts, then drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

Notes

Grill the cheese and peaches up to 4 hours ahead; assemble the salad right before serving for the crispest greens.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: grilled peach salad, halloumi salad, summer salad, peach halloumi, mint arugula

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