Description
This easy fried halloumi recipe features crispy, golden slices of halloumi cheese served with a fresh and vibrant tomato and olive salad. The combination of salty cheese and tangy salad, dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, makes for a simple yet flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Halloumi
- 16 oz halloumi, sliced into ½ inch pieces
Tomato & Olive Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Castelvetrano olives, halved
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and finely chopped oregano and parsley to create a dressing.
- Toss Salad Ingredients: Add halved cherry tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion to the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice and Dry Halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into ½ inch thick slices and pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better frying.
- Fry Halloumi: Heat a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, place the halloumi slices in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until equally golden and crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the fried halloumi slices to a serving plate and top with the prepared tomato and olive salad. Serve immediately as is or accompanied with sliced baguette for a delicious Mediterranean appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Patting the halloumi dry before frying helps achieve a better golden crust.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned frying pan to prevent sticking.
- The salad can be made in advance and chilled to deepen the flavors.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful dressing.
- For a vegetarian option, this recipe is naturally meat-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Halloumi, Fried Halloumi, Tomato Salad, Olive Salad, Mediterranean Appetizer, Quick Recipe, Vegetarian
