Halloumi is a firm (semi-hard), and slightly springy, cheese traditionally made in Cyprus from goats’ or sheeps’ milk (although many modern mass-produced varieties use cows’ milk instead). It’s often preserved in brine, which gives it a stringy, salty flavour, and its high melting point means it is usually grilled or fried. It’s a very popular ingredient in Cyprus, Greece and much of the Middle East. Served with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, this simple salad would make the perfect side dish for a mezza or Greek platter.
Ingredients
- 250g halloumi, cut into thick slices
- 2-3tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 125g cherry tomatoes, halved
- a handful of basil leaves
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Toss the halloumi with the olive oil and garlic until well coated then stir in the cherry tomatoes. Scatter with half the basil leaves, torn into fine shreds, and leave to marinade for 1 hour, if wished.
- Cook the halloumi on a hot griddle until golden on both sides (they will brown very quickly, and only need a minute or so on each side). After turning the halloumi, add the cherry tomatoes and cook quickly on both sides.
- Pour over the garlic-infused marinating oil and serve scattered with fresh basil leaves.
Top Tip for making Halloumi and cherry tomato salad
You don’t have to set this dish aside to marinate but, if you have the time, it helps the flavours to infuse.
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for parents. At GoodtoKnow, our mission is 'simple': we're trying to make sense of parenthood. On the site, you'll find everything you need for a happy, healthy family life. Our huge archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles and 1,500 how-to videos. These include expert-backed advice features on parenting, dealing with relationship changes after having a baby, self-care for mums and managing your family finances. We also feature tried-and-tested product reviews and buying recommendations for every stage of family life - from prams and Moses baskets to birthday gifts and top toys.