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Hey there, food lovers! If you’re looking for a salad that’s got it all creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and packed with flavor this Easy, Breezy & Cheesy Halloumi Pasta Salad is just the thing you need. The crispy halloumi pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies and a tangy, zesty dressing. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Let’s dive into how to make this refreshing and delicious pasta salad.
Method
Make the Dressing
Start by preparing the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1/2 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness and one clove of grated garlic to give it a nice, aromatic kick. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of za’atar, which will bring a herby, earthy flavor to the dressing. Season with red pepper flakes for a little heat, and add salt and pepper to taste. Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, whisk them together until everything is thoroughly combined. Take a moment to taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or a pinch more salt if needed. Set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Next, it’s time to prepare the pasta salad ingredients. Begin by cooking 1/2 lb of rigatoni according to the package instructions, and then set it aside to cool. In the meantime, chop up your vegetables. Dice 1 cup of cucumber, chop 1 cup of roasted red pepper, and cut 1 cup of artichoke hearts into small pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and slice 1/3 cup of red onion. Add all these ingredients to the large mixing bowl with the dressing. Then, slice 1/3 cup of olives and toss them in as well. Finally, sear and dice 8 oz of halloumi until it’s golden and crispy on the outside. Add the halloumi to the bowl with all the other ingredients. Mix everything gently to combine and coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
Add the Kale
The last step before serving is to add the kale. Wait until just before you serve the salad to add a couple handfuls of baby kale, ensuring that it stays fresh and crisp. Toss the salad gently one more time to incorporate the kale without wilting it.
Serve & Enjoy
Now, it’s time to enjoy your Halloumi Pasta Salad! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and tangy flavors that will make everyone ask for seconds. Serve it as a side at your next BBQ or enjoy it as a light meal on its own!
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Frying pan (for searing the halloumi)
- Spoon for tossing
Halloumi Pasta Salad
Cuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
10
minutesTotal time
25
minutesIngredients
1/2 lb cooked rigatoni
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup chopped roasted red pepper
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup sliced olives
8 oz halloumi, seared and diced
A handful of chopped cilantro
A couple handfuls of baby kale
For the Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, grated
2 tsp za’atar
Red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the Dressing In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, grated garlic, za’atar, and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients Add all the pasta salad ingredients to the bowl, except the kale. Toss everything gently to mix the flavors together.
- Add the Kale Just before serving, toss in the baby kale and give everything another good mix. This will keep the kale fresh and crisp.
- Serve & Enjoy Enjoy your cheesy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious Halloumi Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for a light lunch or a BBQ side dish.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the halloumi! It’s best to sear it just until it’s golden and crispy on the outside. Overcooking can make it tough.
- Wait until the last minute to add the kale. You don’t want it to wilt before you’re ready to serve.
- If you like your salad extra creamy, feel free to add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing for an extra smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Pair it with some garlic bread to soak up that yummy dressing.
- You can also enjoy it as a main dish if you’re feeling like a lighter meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that halloumi is known as the “grilling cheese”? It holds up so well on the grill or in the pan, which is why it’s perfect for this pasta salad. Plus, it has a wonderful salty flavor that pairs so well with fresh veggies!
Conclusion
This Easy, Breezy & Cheesy Halloumi Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to any picnic, BBQ, or family dinner. It’s quick, full of vibrant flavors, and just plain delicious! Whether you’re a cheese lover or a veggie fan, this salad has something for everyone. Enjoy!
