Description
This easy Fried Halloumi recipe features crispy, golden slices of halloumi cheese served with a vibrant tomato and olive salad. The fresh herbs, tangy olives, and sweet cherry tomatoes bring a Mediterranean flair to this simple yet flavorful dish. Perfect as a light appetizer or a satisfying snack, it pairs beautifully with crusty baguette for a delightful eating experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Halloumi
- 16 oz halloumi, sliced into ½ inch thick pieces
- Olive oil, for frying (a few tablespoons)
Tomato & Olive Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Castelvetrano olives, halved
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the salad dressing: In a bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and the fresh oregano and parsley until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice and dry halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into ½ inch thick slices. Pat each slice dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better frying.
- Fry halloumi: Heat a medium pan over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the halloumi slices in a single layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip carefully and cook the other side similarly.
- Serve: Transfer the fried halloumi to a serving plate and top with the prepared tomato and olive salad. Serve immediately, optionally with sliced baguette for a complete dish.
Notes
- Patting the halloumi dry before frying helps achieve a better golden crust.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, you can soak halloumi slices in water for 30 minutes to reduce saltiness before cooking.
- This dish is best served warm to enjoy the contrast between crispy cheese and fresh salad.
- Feel free to add fresh lemon juice to the salad dressing for an added citrus zing.
- Suitable to be served as an appetizer or a light meal alongside crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Fried halloumi, halloumi cheese, tomato olive salad, Mediterranean appetizer, vegetarian recipe, easy snack
