Tired of mundane salads that leave you uninspired? It’s time to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with a vibrant dish that promises minimal effort and maximum flavor. Introducing the sensational Pumpkin, Halloumi, and Avocado Salad – a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. This isn’t just a salad; it’s an experience designed to delight your palate and nourish your body.
While choosing a single favorite recipe can be challenging for any food enthusiast, if I absolutely had to pick just one, this Pumpkin, Halloumi, and Avocado Salad would undoubtedly take the crown. Its consistent popularity on our blog since its initial posting over a year ago suggests it’s a resounding favorite among our readers, too. And honestly, I’m not surprised in the slightest. Whether you’re a seasoned salad connoisseur or someone who typically shies away from leafy greens, this recipe is crafted specifically with you in mind. It’s the salad that will convert even the most skeptical eaters.
What makes this particular salad so irresistibly good? It’s built upon three globally adored ingredients, each bringing its unique contribution to create a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring very little hands-on time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet satisfying. But perhaps its greatest appeal is that it’s a salad you can genuinely get excited about – a phrase rarely associated with salads, I know. How exactly does one inject excitement into a bowl of greens? By adding golden-fried halloumi cheese, of course!
Unveiling Halloumi: The Star of This Salad
If you’re new to the world of halloumi, prepare to be amazed. This unique, salty cheese hails from the beautiful island of Cyprus, a culinary gem of the Mediterranean. Traditionally, halloumi is crafted from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk, though cow’s milk versions are also widely available today. What truly sets halloumi apart is its remarkably high melting point. Unlike most cheeses that melt into a gooey puddle when heated, halloumi retains its shape, developing a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, slightly chewy interior when cooked. While it can be enjoyed raw, its true magic unfolds when pan-fried, grilled, or even baked, transforming it into a delightful, savory treat that adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture to any dish.
Where to Discover Halloumi Cheese
Finding halloumi cheese is becoming increasingly easy as its popularity grows worldwide. It typically comes in pre-packaged blocks, ready for you to slice and cook. In countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, you’ll find halloumi readily available in the dairy or specialty cheese sections of all major supermarkets. For our friends in North America, Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s are excellent places to start your search. If you’re still struggling to locate it, don’t despair! Many Mediterranean or Middle Eastern delis and specialty food stores will almost certainly stock this delicious cheese. It’s worth the hunt, I promise!
Mastering the Art of Cooking Halloumi
The versatility of halloumi extends to its cooking methods. It can be pan-fried, grilled, barbecued, or baked, each method bringing out slightly different nuances in its flavor and texture. For this particular salad, I highly recommend pan-frying your halloumi. It’s incredibly quick, straightforward, and results in perfectly golden, crispy slices that are simply divine. Here’s how to achieve perfection:
- Begin by slicing your block of halloumi into pieces approximately 1cm (about ½ inch) thick. Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
- Heat a dash of your preferred cooking oil (olive oil works wonderfully) in a frying pan over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
- Carefully place the halloumi slices into the hot pan, ensuring there’s a little space between each piece to allow for proper browning. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the halloumi develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and becomes slightly crispy. Watch it closely, as it cooks quite quickly!
Beyond pan-frying, grilling halloumi on a BBQ adds a smoky dimension and those coveted char marks. For comprehensive instructions and photo guides on various cooking methods, including grilling, and a plethora of meal ideas to utilize any leftover halloumi, be sure to check out my dedicated guide: How To Cook Halloumi.
The Core Ingredients for Your Pumpkin, Halloumi, and Avocado Salad
When I emphasized the simplicity of assembling this salad, I wasn’t exaggerating. Apart from potentially locating that special block of halloumi, you likely have most of these essential ingredients already stocked in your pantry or refrigerator. This minimal ingredient list proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require a complex shopping trip.
- Roasted Pumpkin: The backbone of this hearty salad, roasted pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and comforting earthiness. Any good roasting pumpkin or winter squash variety will work beautifully. Butternut squash, acorn squash, or even Japanese pumpkin (Kabocha) are excellent choices, offering a delightful caramelized texture when roasted.
- Halloumi Cheese: Our star savory component, pan-fried to golden perfection, bringing its unique salty, chewy texture.
- Avocado: Creamy, rich, and packed with healthy fats, diced avocado provides a luxurious counterpoint to the other ingredients and adds essential nutrients.
- Fresh Lettuce: A crisp, refreshing base is key. A mixed leaf salad, a peppery rocket (arugula), or even tender spinach leaves will provide the perfect foundation.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The sweet and tangy heart of our simple dressing, enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Essential for roasting the pumpkin and forming the base of our vinaigrette, adding a fruity depth.
- Salt + Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to elevate and balance every component.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re just moments away from a truly satisfying meal!
Pro-Tip: Smart Meal Prep for Instant Dinners
To truly unlock the weeknight warrior potential of this salad, consider meal prepping your roasted pumpkin at the beginning of the week. Simply roast a larger batch of your preferred pumpkin or squash, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. With pre-roasted pumpkin on hand, you can have this exquisite salad on your table in under ten minutes flat, making healthy eating effortless and enjoyable every night.
This recipe utilizes half of a standard block of halloumi. Don’t let the other half go to waste! Explore creative and easy ways to use it up by browsing through our collection of 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes!
Elevate Your Salad: Customization and Serving Suggestions
While the classic Pumpkin, Halloumi, and Avocado Salad is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. For added crunch and a nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) over the finished salad. To boost the fiber and protein content, consider adding chickpeas or white beans. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can introduce a bright, fresh note, while a squeeze of lime juice might add an extra zing. You could also swap out the balsamic vinaigrette for a lemon-tahini dressing or a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar mix. This salad is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, especially for lunch or a light dinner. However, it also pairs beautifully as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or a warm bowl of soup, making it incredibly versatile for any meal plan.
More Delightful Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and ease of this Pumpkin, Halloumi, and Avocado Salad, you’re in for a treat! Our collection is brimming with other fresh, exciting, and easy-to-make salad recipes that promise to keep your meals interesting and delicious. Explore these other fantastic options:
- Roast Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad: A robust and satisfying vegetarian option.
- Mexican Chicken Salad: Zesty, flavorful, and packed with protein.
- Mango Avocado Salad: A tropical explosion of sweetness and creaminess.
- Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad: Another delightful pumpkin combination with a salty kick.
- Crunchy Kale Salad with Lemon Tamari Dressing: A super healthy and flavorful option for kale lovers.
- Roasted Sweet Potato, Avocado and Feta Salad: Sweet, savory, and wonderfully balanced.
- 35 Easy and Yummy Salad Recipes: A comprehensive guide to inspire countless healthy meals.
- Salmon Poke Bowl: A fresh, customizable, and trendy meal.
- Fruit Salad with Cool Whip: A delightful sweet treat or dessert option.
We hope these recipes inspire you to embrace healthy, flavorful eating every day!
If you’ve tried this delightful Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad, we’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to share your thoughts and a star rating below in the comments section. Your feedback helps us create even more delicious content for you!
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📋 RECIPE
Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad
2
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
Gone are the days of bland and boring salads! This pumpkin, halloumi and avocado salad makes for a perfect weeknight dinner – minimal effort, maximum taste.
Ingredients
- ¼ pumpkin, see notes
- 90 grams / 3 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1cm thick
- ½ avocado, diced
- mixed lettuce, I used a 4 leaf mix but you can just use rocket
- salt + pepper
- 1 & ½ Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Optional
- pine nuts, sprinkle on top of finished salad
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C / 350F.
- Chop pumpkin into bite-size pieces, place on a baking tray, and drizzle with 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Mix together, then spread out evenly. Cook for 30 – 40 minutes, until browned and tender, flipping pieces halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
- In a small jar, combine 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well combined to create a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette.
- Heat a frypan on medium-low heat and add ½ tbsp. olive oil. Carefully place the sliced halloumi pieces in the pan. Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy exterior. Be mindful not to burn them, as halloumi cooks quickly!
- Add the mixed lettuce to a large bowl. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then gently toss with your hands to evenly season the greens.
- Artfully arrange the diced avocado, roasted pumpkin, and golden halloumi on top of the seasoned lettuce. Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette generously over the entire salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor!
Notes
WHERE TO FIND HALLOUMI:
- If you’re having trouble locating halloumi cheese in your local major supermarkets, expand your search to Mediterranean or Middle Eastern delis and specialty food stores.
PUMPKIN VARIETIES: Any robust roasting pumpkin or winter squash will work perfectly for this recipe. For our Australian readers, popular choices like Jap or Kent pumpkin are excellent, while butternut squash or acorn squash are great alternatives globally.
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
- For an added layer of texture and a nutty flavor, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts over the finished salad just before serving.
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation due to the fresh avocado and the warm, crispy halloumi. These ingredients are at their peak when freshly assembled.
- To minimize prep time for future meals, we highly recommend roasting a batch of pumpkin at the beginning of the week. The roasted pumpkin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and either reheated or enjoyed cold when you’re ready to assemble your salad.
ARTICLE UPDATES: This recipe was first published on October 30, 2017. It was last updated on December 8, 2018, with refreshed photos and additional helpful tips, but the core recipe remains unchanged and as delicious as ever.
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Please note that the nutrition information provided is an estimate based on one serving of this recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 469