Description
Picture this: ruby-red pomegranate seeds sprinkled over fresh green spinach, with golden squares of warm, salty halloumi cheese stealing the show. A vegetarian, gluten-free salad that’s a feast for your eyes and taste buds, packed with antioxidants and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Pomegranate (1 whole or 1 cup seeds)
- Baby Spinach (4 cups)
- Halloumi Cheese (1 block, ~200g/7oz)
- English Cucumber (1/2 or 2 Persian cucumbers)
- Avocado (1 medium-large)
- Pecans (1/2 cup)
- Salt & Pepper
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup)
- Balsamic Vinegar (2 Tbsp)
- Lemon Juice (1/2 lemon)
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Honey (1 tsp)
Instructions
- Fill a bowl with cold water, cut the pomegranate into quarters, then break it apart underwater. Scoop out the floaters, drain and pat dry the seeds.
- Chop cucumber into bite-sized chunks, prep avocado, and toast pecans lightly.
- Shake olive oil, balsamic, lemon juice, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar until thickened.
- Pat halloumi slabs dry, then slice into ¼-inch thick pieces.
- Heat a dry non-stick pan over medium and cook halloumi slices for about 2 minutes per side.
- Rest cooked halloumi for 1-2 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange spinach on a platter and top with cucumber, avocado, pomegranate seeds, and pecans.
- Scatter halloumi pieces across the top.
- Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad before serving.
- Add a final pinch of salt and pepper, then serve.
Notes
- Pomegranate without the drama: Always deseed underwater to avoid stains.
- The halloumi secret: Cook without oil to achieve a golden crust.
- Timing with avocados: Save till the last minute or use lemon juice to keep green.
- Stress-free entertaining: Prep most ingredients the day before.
- If dressing separates, give it a shake or add Dijon mustard to thicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pomegranate, Halloumi, Spinach, Salad, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Quick, Healthy, Mediterranean