Winter Salad with Halloumi "Croutons"

(2)

Halloumi, a firm Greek cheese, softens but doesn't completely melt when heated. In this healthy recipe, halloumi is cubed, marinated and broiled, turning it into crouton-like bites to top this hearty vegetarian main-dish salad.

4027898.jpg
Cook Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 4 ounces halloumi cheese (see Tip), cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered

  • 3 cups trimmed green beans

  • ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes

  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar

  • 8 cups chopped escarole

  • ¼ cup toasted chopped hazelnuts

Directions

  1. Position racks in center and upper third of oven; preheat to 425 degrees F.

  2. Combine 1 tablespoon oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Add halloumi and stir to coat; set aside.

  3. Toss potatoes and green beans with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Spread in a single layer. Roast on the center rack for 10 minutes. Scatter tomatoes over the vegetables and continue roasting until the potatoes are tender and the tomatoes are wilted, 5 to 10 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl.

  4. Turn the broiler to high. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the reserved halloumi to the baking sheet (reserve the marinade). Broil, stirring once, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

  5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until the garlic begins to sizzle, then cook for 15 seconds. Remove from heat and whisk in vinegar, the reserved marinade and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt.

  6. Add escarole to the vegetables and gently toss with the warm dressing to combine. Serve topped with the halloumi and hazelnuts.

Tips

Tips: Semi-firm, brined halloumi cheese is great for cooking because it holds its shape when heated. It can be salty, though--some have up to 900 mg of sodium per ounce. Pick one with closer to 300 mg per ounce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

402 Calories
27g Fat
32g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 402
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 9g 32%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 13g 26%
Total Fat 27g 35%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Vitamin A 3321IU 66%
Vitamin C 41mg 45%
Folate 209mcg 52%
Sodium 498mg 22%
Calcium 117mg 9%
Iron 3mg 18%
Magnesium 81mg 19%
Potassium 1238mg 26%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles