If you’ve never tossed crispy halloumi into a Baby Gem salad – this is your sign! Halloumi is one of those magical ingredients that turns the ordinary into something unforgettable. It doesn’t melt like other cheeses, instead, it sizzles up into golden, caramelized perfection on the outside while staying perfectly chewy on the inside. Salty, savory, and seriously addictive, it brings that “wow” factor with almost no effort.
This salad has become one of my ride-or-die lunch staples. It’s fast, fresh, and packed with big flavor and satisfying texture. You’ve got that crisp lettuce base, refreshing cucumber, a pop of sharp red onion, and the unexpected crunch of sweet nuts – all tossed in a bright, bold Uber Lemony Dressing that pulls every bite together.
The warm halloumi on top? That’s the moment. It softens ever so slightly over the dressed greens and adds this rich, indulgent bite that makes the whole bowl feel special. And while it tastes like something you’d be served at your favorite café, it comes together in your own kitchen in under 15 minutes.
It’s light but filling, clean but cozy, and endlessly flexible. Add extra veggies, throw in some grains, or top it with grilled chicken or salmon if you’re looking to bulk it up. However you spin it, this salad is proof that simple can be seriously delicious.
Baby Gem Salad with Crispy Halloumi
Ingredients
- Oil spray extra virgin
- Halloumi chopped into bite-sized chunks
- Gem Lettuce (or any kind you love)
- Cucumber sliced
- Red onion thinly sliced, pickled for a few minutes in vinegar and sugar if time allows
- Mixed sweet nuts chopped or whole
- Uber Lemony Dressing or Spicy Lemony Aioli (depending on your mood!)
Instructions
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Spray a pan lightly with oil and heat it over medium.
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Add the halloumi chunks, spacing them out so they can get nice and golden. Let them cook undisturbed on each side until perfectly crisp - don’t rush it and don’t overcrowd the pan!
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While the cheese is cooking, add lettuce and cucumber to a big salad bowl. Toss with a generous drizzle of Uber Lemony Dressing to coat everything.
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Layer in some sliced red onion for a little zing.
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Once the halloumi is golden on all sides, transfer it straight into the salad bowl while it’s still warm.
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Top it all off with a sprinkle of walnuts for crunch, and finish with one more drizzle of dressing over the top.
Baby Gem salad with crispy halloumi on a plate
