Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush

Brighten up your table with this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush, a vibrant Levantine-inspired salad that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and tangy notes. Featuring golden-fried halloumi and juicy blood oranges, this dish is a refreshing twist on a classic Middle Eastern favorite, brought together with the crunch of homemade sourdough croutons and a zesty sumac vinaigrette.

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This salad isn't just a side dish; it's a celebration of textures. The mixed greens provide a fresh base for the warm elements, while the sumac in the dressing offers that characteristic tartness that makes Middle Eastern cuisine so distinctive. Every bite is designed to be a balance of earthy herbs and bright citrus.

Ingredients

• 200 g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 200 g mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, parsley, mint)
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 thick slices sourdough bread, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for croutons)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp ground sumac
• 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Croutons

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss sourdough cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp, turning once.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, pomegranate molasses, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Halloumi

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add halloumi slices and fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radish, and red onion.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the blood orange slices, warm halloumi, and sourdough croutons to the bowl.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately to maintain the textures.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a nonstick skillet is essential for getting that perfect golden-brown crust on the halloumi without it sticking. Ensure your sourdough cubes are tossed thoroughly in oil before baking to achieve maximum crunchiness throughout the salad.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If blood oranges are not available, regular navel oranges or even grapefruit can be used as a delicious substitute. For those following a vegan diet, replace the halloumi cheese with grilled firm tofu or a vegan-style feta for a similar salty profile.

Serviervorschläge

This fattoush is best served immediately while the halloumi is still warm. For extra depth of flavor, try adding some pitted olives or a handful of toasted pine nuts. It makes a wonderful vegetarian main meal or a stunning accompaniment to grilled proteins.

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With its 370 calories per serving and rich profile of healthy fats and protein, this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush is as nutritious as it is beautiful. Enjoy the harmony of fresh Levantine ingredients in every forkful.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and croutons in advance, but assemble just before serving. Halloumi is best when warm and croutons stay crispest when freshly added.

→ What can I substitute for halloumi?

Grilled tofu, vegan feta, or paneer work well. For a non-dairy option, try grilled eggplant slices or extra vegetables.

→ Is sumac necessary for the dressing?

Sumac provides the signature tangy flavor. Substitute with additional lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest if unavailable.

→ Can I use regular oranges?

Yes, navel or Valencia oranges work perfectly. Blood oranges add beautiful color and slightly berry-like sweetness, but the dish remains delicious with any citrus variety.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in the refrigerator. The halloumi can be gently reheated, and croutons stay fresh in an airtight container. Assemble individual portions as needed.