When I was a child, my younger sister was the meat-lover of the family. She loved a classic Sunday roast lamb and mint sauce and would always shun the fish fingers or pizza on the child’s menu and push for a steak instead. Which is why the rest of us were absolutely astounded when, as a teenager, her love for animals won out over her love for meat and she announced that she was becoming a vegetarian. This lasted for seven years until finally the smell of bacon cooking became too much to bear and she joined the ranks of the carnivores once again.
As for me, I have a bit of a take-it-or-leave-it attitude towards meat. As a single person, I ate mostly vegetarian and fish-based meals with a little splash of meat here and there. But enter Mr. Scrummy, carnivore extraordinaire, and all that changed very quickly. I do attempt to sneak in some vegetarian meals, however, which sometimes goes down alright and sometimes doesn’t. I recently served up a veggie pasta, for instance, which was subjected to suspicious scrutiny followed by this declaration: ‘Isn’t there some chicken missing from this?’ Certainly when he cooks it’s steak, pork chops or a chicken stir-fry. Man-food if ever there was!
Now to me this minty halloumi & sundried tomato salad is proof, if you needed it, that some dishes just do not need meat. As I created it in my mind, it included a few slices of prosciutto and in fact I bought some to include but ended up peeling them off the salad as it just seemed so completely unnecessary. If you’ve ever tried halloumi cheese (a Cypriot cheese made with a mixture of sheep’s, goat’s & sometimes cow’s milk for anyone who’s interested), you’ll know that you buy it in a sort of log-shaped roll flecked with mint (it was apparently traditionally wrapped in mint leaves to preserve it, according to Mr. Wikipedia). It’s packaged in a little brine like mozzarella balls are, so you dry it off, slice it into one-centimetre or so thick slices and fry it on each side for a few minutes until crispy. The finished result is dense, milky, salty, warm of course and … now this is the best part, in my opinion … a little crispy. All this makes it feel very substantial, which is why I would say that it’s a great alternative to meat.
So this is how this salad was born. I spotted a nice fresh-looking bag of spinach at the supermarket which I decided to coat in a honey-balsamic dressing and arrange first on my two plates.
I then fried my halloumi slices, arranged them over the spinach and scattered on some chopped sundried tomatoes
Conclusion? For me, this salad is definitely a keeper. I love the mixture of tart, salty, fresh and sweet flavours, and hope you do too if you try it!
So which meals do you make that you feel just don’t need meat? And where do you fall on the meat appreciation scale? Do you find yourself feeling disappointed and wondering where the meat is if you’re served a veggie meal or are you as happy to eat vegetarian as you are meat-based meals? Or maybe you’re a vegetarian, vegan or paleo-only guy or gal? Whichever, feel free to invite me over for dinner because I’d happily accept. Don’t worry, vegetarians, I’ll leave Mr. Scrummy at home.
Minty halloumi & sundried tomato salad with honey-balsamic spinach
Ingredients
For the honey-balsamic dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/3 cup olive oil
For the minty yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- 2 good squeezes fresh lemon juice
For the salad
- 3.5 ounces fresh spinach washed & chopped
- 1 ‘log’ of halloumi cheese cut into 1-cm wide slices (8.8 ounces/250 grams)
- 4-5 sundried tomatoes chopped
- a few sprigs of fresh mint & a sprinkle of paprika hot or regular
To serve (optional)
- a slice of lemon & toasted pitta bread
Instructions
-
First of all, make the honey-balsamic dressing by whisking together the three ingredients. Toss 3 or 4 tablespoons of it with the washed spinach in a bowl, then turn it out onto two plates.
-
Now prepare your minty yoghurt by stirring the mint and lemon into the yoghurt. Set aside.
-
Heat up a large skillet/frying pan or griddle pan and dry fry the halloumi slices for a few minutes on each side or until nicely browned. Then arrange them in an overlapping line down the centre of your spinach.
-
Sprinkle the sundried tomatoes
Recipe Notes
I made this salad on two individual plates, but of course feel free to make one big salad on a large platter to share.
Store any remaining dressing and yoghurt covered in the fridge to use over the following few days.
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Eva says
Tu viens de me faire connaitre quelque chose de nouveau! Je connais pas le fromage halloumi, mais il faut que je le trouve, il pareil très intéressant pour faire des salades gourmandes !
En fait, nous on ne cuisine pas beaucoup de viande à la maison. On préfère le poisson, les pâtes, salades….par contre qu’on y va au restaurant on aime bien mangé une bon entrecôte ou une autre type de viande! Ton plat me parait très appétissante 🙂
Helen says
Je suis ravie que tu aime la salade, Eva, et que maintenant tu as envie d’essayer le halloumi! Je crois que tu pourrais le trouver a Carrefour, mais si tu ne peux pas, tu pourrais mettre du mozzarella a la salade au lieu du halloumi.
C’est tres bien d’etre presque vegetarien a la maison et de manger la viande seulement quand vous sortez a un restaurant. Beaucoup mieux pour la sante, je dirais. 🙂
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I have a very canivorous Oh as well but he does very well with salads such as these and with ones containing chickpeas.
Helen says
Interesting, Bintu … chickpeas are something veggie that I would consider to be ‘meaty’ as well (I suppose I mean ‘substantial). 🙂
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
What a nice salad, Helen. I need to get some Haloumi cheese so I can make this salad. Delish!
Helen says
Thanks so much, Norma. So glad you like it! 🙂
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
I so jealous of all these fresh ingredients, just mouth watering pop o flavor.
Meat + my husband = true love always
Basically, if he doesn’t eat meat with a meal, he complains he’s still hungry afterward and goes and pounds a jar of peanut butter and chocolate.
But this meal looks satisfying! I love the mint in this meal and am wondering how this is gonna taste!!!
Helen says
Please do give this a go, Laura. Maybe even your husband won’t miss the meat? It’s worth a try at least!
Joanne says
I’m probably biased, being a vegetarian, but I never feel like any meals need meat lol! But especially not deliciously cheesy salads like this! I LOVE halloumi!
Helen says
Yay, a vegetarian! I always forget that you’re veggie, Joanne, for some reason. I know that I’m always impressed by your recipes, anyhow. So glad that you like the salad (and that you know what halloumi is!) 😉
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
What a beautiful and hearty dish! Can’t wait to try 🙂
Helen says
This is a pretty hearty salad – and truly delicious. Please do try it! 🙂
Skye says
Halloumi is one of my favourite foods so I love the look of this recipe.
But most of all, I’m excited by the sound of the honey and balsamic dressing – have got to try that! Bet it’s great with lots of salads… Xx
Helen says
You’re right, Skye, the honey-balsamic dressing really makes all the difference and would be lovely with pretty much any salad, actually. So glad you like it (and that you even know what halloumi is!) 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a gorgeous looking salad, Helen! I have never tried halloumi cheese before, but now you’ve intrigued me! I definitely think that a lot of salads don’t need meat, and this is the perfect example.Love the flavor combinations!
Helen says
So happy to have intrigued you, Gayle! Do try halloumi some time and, if you do, let me know what you think. 🙂
Pam says
I have a secret…. I’ve never had halloumi. This recipe makes me definitely want to try it!
Helen says
Oh, do try it, Pam! It’s delicious. 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
This sounds delicious Helen! Perfect for summer. I’ve gotta try some halloumi! Never had it before. Must change that asap : )
Helen says
So glad you like it, Natalie! I’m just realising though that halloumi might not be so familiar to you guys over there in the US as it is over here in Europe. I think mozzarella would work in this salad too, but obviously raw not cooked! If you do spot some halloumi, though, do go ahead and try it (try Wholefoods). I hope you like it!
Kaylee @ Lemons and Basil says
I have not heard of Halloumi before, but will definitely keep my eyes open for it, salad looks yummy, as your stuff always does!! 🙂
Helen says
I was wondering whether you all would have heard of halloumi over there in the USA! If you liked, you could substitute the halloumi for mozzarella. I’ve heard that you can get it at Wholefoods, though. If you find it, do give it a try! Oh, and thanks so much for the general compliment … you’ve put a big smile on my face! 🙂 🙂
Isadora @ she likes food says
Bacon seems to corrupt a lot of people! I’m the same way, if it weren’t for the husband I would probably eat a primarily vegetarian diet, but he needs his protein so I try to cook more of it for him. This dish sounds so good, I’ve never heard of halloumi cheese before, but fried cheese is always a winner in my book!
Helen says
I suppose you could look at this as a type of grilled cheese, Isadora. Except it doesn’t run everywhere but just goes beautiful and crispy. Do try some fried halloumi if you can, and let me know what you think!
Fish Fingers for tea says
Our Mr’s sound near on identical! Mine is a dedicated carnivore but surprisingly took very well to halloumi. I thought he would reject it on sight but even went as far as to say that he’d eat it again. I was vegetarian for a while when I was a teenager but my downfall was a burger. Your salad looks gorgeous, definitely one to try!
Helen says
I’m so glad that you like the sound of the salad, Sian! I’ve never been much of a burger girl, but I think the one thing I’d miss if I was a vegetarian would be chicken as it’s just so versatile and something that most (carnivores) like.
cheri says
Hi Helen, saw halloumi cheese at Trader Joe’s last week, and remember Nigella making something with it. Now this salad, which is perfect by the way. Love all the different components. Wondering…are you back and settled yet in the UK? There are many meals that I make that do not have meat, I try and only prepare meat a couple of times a week, so my husband does not get too upset.
Helen says
I am indeed back in the UK now, but after ‘extolling the virtues’ of settling in this post, it looks like we may be on the move again soon for a short while. Grrrr! Anyway, good to know that you can get halloumi at Trader Joe’s. It’s lovely with beetroot as well. It’s that tart-salty combination again that does it.
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
Carnivore extraordinaire – we have some of those! I love how you got the spinach and tomato in this recipe, and we don’t even need the meat! The key to any good vegetarian recipe is the seasoning and you’ve got us covered in this recipe. Gorgeous and delicious, as usual, Helen!
Helen says
Hmm, I think you’re right about seasoning and veggie recipes. In fact, I suppose that can be true of meat recipes, too. So happy to have impressed you, Mary Frances!
Ashley says
This is sooo my kind of meal! It looks amazing! I can take or leave meat – I eat mostly vegetarian but every now and then will crave a burger (or something like that) : ) So I eat it! haha We probably eat meat once or twice a week though (largely because of my meat-loving husband!)
Helen says
Yes, what is it about men and meat? Although I have met a few male vegetarians … haha! Glad you like the salad 🙂
Lail | With A Spin says
Mr. Scrummy sounds a lot like my husband. I am trying to enforce once a week vegetarian dinner and it doesn’t go very well every week. I’ll have to try this salad sometimes. Looks and sounds delicious.
Helen says
So glad you like the salad, Lail. I’d be interested to know if your husband does miss there being no meat in it or not! 🙂
Tina | Mademoiselle Gourmande says
I feel the same way. There are so many dishes where you don’t need any meat… It should contain wuite a few spices though. Sundreid tomatoes are always a winner with meatless meals. 🙂
I love this recipe.
Helen says
So happy that this is a winner with you, Tina. I agree that you need some strong tastes in meatless meals. This has not only the sundried tomatoes but also the balsamic and honey to balance out the saltiness of the cheese.
Karla says
I totally agree with you: some dishes do not need meat at all! Although I love meat, I always try to eat it not more than 2 times a week or so. I´m sure this salad tastes amazing, I love minty salads =)
Helen says
Yes, the mint really did balance out this salad nicely, Karla. Do give it a try some time!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Sounds like my hubby. We could never be vegetarians with the man and the 2 boys in the house. It’s like “Give me meat or give me death!”
Well, I can usually sneak one once a week or so.
This is utterly gorgeous! I love sundried tomatoes. I can wait until I fresh to use form the garden.
Have a beautiful weekend Helen!
Helen says
I really hope you have a wonderful weekend, too. So so glad that you like the look of the salad!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I’m loving this salad! I’m like you…I could take or leave meat. Once in a while I’ll want it (or chicken).
I’ve never heard of halloumi cheese. I wonder if I’ll find it in my local grocery store. It sounds like I can substitute with mozarella or similar.
Helen says
Yes, you could definitely substitute with another milky white cheese like mozzarella, but I’m hearing that you can buy halloumi in either Wholefoods or Trader Joe’s in the US. I really hope you do find some, Tina. Halloumi is so delicious when you fry it in a pan like I describe.
Jess says
This salad looks perfect and great for Summer! Love halloumi- my fav food ever! Definitely going to try this, Helen! 🙂
Helen says
It always makes me feel like I succeeded with a recipe when someone tells me they’re going to make it, Jessica! So glad that you like it! 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
This salad looks perfect for the warmer summer months! Or really, anytime. That dressing sounds so delicious, too. Definitely making this one, Helen! 🙂
Helen says
So glad I’ve inspired you to try making this, Alyssa. Please do (and let me know what you think). I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 🙂
tahnycooks says
It is 7am and I just drooled over this picture! This dish looks so tasty, I love the flavor combos great recipe!
Helen says
Hello, Tahny – what a pretty name you have! Sorry to have made you drool (well, OK then, I’m not sorry at all, I’m actually quite pleased). 🙂
Allison @ Clean Wellness says
What a great idea for a salad. I love the flavour combinations going on here. And I looooove sundried tomatoes. They’re like candy!
Helen says
Hi, Allison, and thanks so much for paying me a visit. So glad you like the salad and … I totally agree about the sundried tomatoes. They certainly add a huge burst of flavour here.
lori @ thehealthminded.com says
The Mediterranean diet should not even be called a diet. It is just delicious in every way? This salad with the mint looks like a new favorite. So glad I found your site. I will have fun looking around!
Helen says
Hello, Lori. So glad you found my site, too, and I really hope you do give this salad a go and enjoy it. I’ll definitely be making it again. 🙂
Monet says
I have never liked meat much, but I’ve grown to appreciate it more as I’ve gotten older. This looks just delicious. Such a wonderful mix of flavors. Thank you for sharing it!
Helen says
So glad you like it and I hope you try it some time. 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe it’s funny that you say that because my sister is the same. She loves meat and doesn’t really care or like vegetables whereas I like both. Halloumi is a favourite in this household 😀
Helen says
🙂
Sofia // Papaya Pieces says
This looks delicious Helen! So funny his way of saying I want some meat: is the chicken missing from here? haha
Helen says
Yes, subtle, right? 😉 So glad you like it!
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
You are making me miss Greece so much! I loved all the halloumi cheese we had there. This looks like the perfect entree salad for a meatless night. Hearty, healthy, and delicious!
Helen says
I’ve actually only had this for lunch so far, but I think I will consider making it for dinner some time. So glad you approve … but sorry to make you miss Greece so badly. 🙁
Aimee / WallflowerGirl.co.uk says
I LOVE halloumi and it’s definitely one of those things that fills the “meat void” in a dish. This looks so good!
Helen says
Thanks, Aimee. This one was definitely a keeper! 🙂
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
This is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!!!!!!!!! The perfect dinner salad, if you will! I loveeeeeee the crisp brownness of the Haloumi and those sun dried tomatoes!!!!!! *-*. Although I do eat non vegetarian, I louuuuveeeee a good vegetarian meal and this, for one, certainly is! <3
Helen says
Aw, so glad you love this so much, Samina! I aim to please … hehe. Please do have a go at it and let me know what you think. I loved it!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Helen, I used to always think I was not a chicken or fish lover – but this last month, I gave up both and I must say I have missed them terribly!
I do so enjoy tart, salty, fresh and sweet flavors combined in one meal, so this salad is simply scrumptious to me!
Helen says
Oh, this salad is perfect if you’re going through a veggie phase! Do try it, Shashi, and let me know what you think!