Are you tired of boring, predictable salads that leave you unsatisfied? Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with our All Seasons Orzo Halloumi and Olive Salad – a vibrant, mouth-watering dish that promises to revolutionize your dining experience! This Mediterranean-inspired creation combines the crispy, golden halloumi cheese, tender orzo pasta, and a burst of fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched coastal paradise.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 200g halloumi cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the orzo pasta, halloumi cheese, black olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper are ready for use.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced halloumi cheese to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the halloumi is golden brown on all sides and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help to prevent the orzo from sticking together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, golden-brown halloumi, sliced black olives, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to mix the ingredients without breaking the halloumi.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and add the chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it at room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold salad.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your All Seasons Orzo Halloumi and Olive Salad!
Tips
- For the best texture, ensure you cook the orzo al dente and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- When cooking halloumi, use a non-stick skillet and watch carefully – it browns quickly and can burn if left unattended.
- Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- For extra flavor, toast the halloumi until it has beautiful golden-brown crispy edges.
- This salad can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and red wine vinegar for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Feel free to customize by adding additional herbs like mint or oregano for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg
