Hey there, friends! I hope you’re all having a fabulous day. Today, I want to share with you a dish that has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during those sunny afternoons when you want something light yet satisfying. Let me introduce you to my COLORFUL HALLOUMI PASTA SALAD! This dish isn’t just a feast for the belly; it’s like a party on a plate. With its sunny hues and vibrant flavors, it captures the spirit of the Mediterranean and transforms any meal into a joyful celebration.

Picture this: you’re lounging outside, the sun is gently warming your skin, and you take a bite of this delightful salad. The crispy, golden halloumi pairs perfectly with colorful veggies and al dente pasta, creating a taste sensation that’s oh-so-refreshing. This recipe brings me back to my travels through Greece, where the food is as vibrant as the people. I can almost hear the sound of waves lapping against the shore as I toss this delightful mix of ingredients together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip it up in under 30 minutes!
• Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: A blend of savory halloumi and fresh vegetables.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Pack it for lunch or enjoy it for days!
• Customizable: Easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You will need:

• 200g pasta (preferably fusilli or penne)
• 250g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Note: Fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered, so if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to toss in a minced clove or two in the dressing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining!
2. Prep the Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, chop the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. The more colorful, the better!
3. Brown the Halloumi: In a frying pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the halloumi slices. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the halloumi and set it aside on a plate.
4. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding garlic, shred or mince it into the dressing for an added kick.
5. Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped veggies, and the dressing. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
6. Final Touch: Add the crispy halloumi to the salad and give it a gentle toss. You want the cheese to stay lovely and golden!
7. Garnish: Toss in some fresh basil leaves for that extra pop of flavor and color!

Pro Tip: Be careful not to overmix once you add the halloumi; you want to preserve that beautiful crispy texture!

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists and variations to make this colorful halloumi pasta salad your own:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of zing!
• Add Nuts: Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Swap the Cheese: If halloumi isn’t your thing, feta makes a fantastic alternative!
• Go Vegan: Try using grilled zucchini or eggplant in place of halloumi.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served fresh, but it’s versatile enough to go along with almost anything. You could pair it with a crusty loaf of sourdough for a lovely alfresco meal, or enjoy it straight out of the bowl while you binge-watch your favorite show. It also makes a great side dish at barbecues or picnics; it’s colorful enough to tempt even the pickiest of eaters!

As a bonus, a chilled glass of white wine or homemade lemonade complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so delicious!), fear not! Here’s how to keep it tasty:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious!
• Freeze: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the consistency will change, but if you must, separate the halloumi and the veggies/pasta before freezing.
• Reheat: If you do have pasta left, simply warm it up gently in the microwave or a skillet, though, the halloumi is best enjoyed fresh!

FAQs

Can I add some protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent protein options. Just toss them in with the other ingredients!

What other veggies can I use?

You can use any veggies you love! Spinach, arugula, or olives would add a nice touch. It’s all about what you enjoy and what’s in season.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add the halloumi fresh when you’re ready to eat!

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Substitute with your preferred gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free version of this salad!

How can I make this dish more filling?

For a heartier salad, consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or even avocado to the mix.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited about trying this COLORFUL HALLOUMI PASTA SALAD as I am! It’s the perfect complement to sunny days and warm evenings, making every bite a little piece of the Mediterranean. Please feel free to share your thoughts, twists, and any variations you enjoy in the comments below! I love hearing how you make recipes your own. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!

Colorful Halloumi Pasta Salad: A Vibrant Meditteranean Delight

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a vibrant med twist with this colorful halloumi pasta salad, bursting with flavors & fresh ingredients perfect for any meal. 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

200 grams of pasta (preferably fusilli or penne)

250 grams of halloumi cheese, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh basil, for garnish

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Prep the veggies: Chop the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Brown the halloumi: In a frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add minced garlic if desired.

Toss it all together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, veggies, and dressing. Stir until evenly coated.

Final touch: Add crispy halloumi and gently toss.

Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves.

Notes

A light yet satisfying Mediterranean-themed salad featuring crispy halloumi, colorful fresh vegetables, and al dente pasta. Perfect for sunny days and meal prep!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Keywords: halloumi pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, easy dinner, meal prep, colorful salad