Nectarine Salad with Crispy Halloumi and Hot Honey Dressing Recipe
This Nectarine Salad with Crispy Halloumi combines the sweetness of fresh nectarines, the peppery bite of arugula or spinach, and the savory crunch of fried halloumi cheese. Tossed with a tangy hot honey and champagne vinegar dressing, this vibrant salad is perfect for a light, refreshing meal or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil for frying)
- 3 nectarines, pit removed and cut into quarters
- 5 ounces arugula or spinach
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- ¼ cup fresh basil, minced
Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons hot honey
- 1 Tablespoon champagne vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grate the halloumi: Place the halloumi cheese in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to grate. Coarsely grate the halloumi and set aside.
- Fry the halloumi: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the grated halloumi in a loose layer, frying for about 3 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden and crisp. Flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden on the other side. Transfer the fried halloumi to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, hot honey, champagne vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the greens: Place the arugula or spinach in a large bowl or on a serving platter. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to evenly coat the greens.
- Assemble the salad: Top the dressed greens with quarters of nectarines, pickled red onions, minced fresh basil, and the crispy fried halloumi cheese.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to appreciate the contrast of warm, crispy cheese with the cool, juicy nectarines and tangy greens.
Notes
- Freezing the halloumi before grating helps achieve a coarser grate and easier handling.
- If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes to achieve a similar spicy-sweet flavor.
- Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch, but red onion thinly sliced and marinated in vinegar can work as a substitute.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the fried halloumi.
- Avocado oil can be substituted with other neutral oils like grapeseed or canola for frying.
