Fresh and Crunchy Quinoa Salad with Halloumi Croutons

Adina Markowitz Adina Markowitz
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This salad has all the flavors — crunchy, creamy, salty, fresh, and bright — exactly the kind of bold, balanced profile that works for party salads.

1h 6
Easy Vegetarian Pescatarian Gluten Free No Refined Sugar Dairy

Contains: Dairy, Tree nuts

Directions

Roast the Walnuts

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

  2. Place walnuts on a small baking tray. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, and olive oil. Toss to coat and spread into a single layer. Roast for about five minutes – watch closely, walnuts burn quickly. Remove and cool.

Prepare the Quinoa

  1. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, one cup of water, and salt.

  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.

Sear the Halloumi

  1. Heat one to two teaspoons olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the cubed halloumi in a single layer and fry for two to three minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside to cool slightly.

  3. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until smooth and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cooled quinoa, cucumber, olives, fried halloumi, roasted walnuts.

  2. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.

About

Notes:
Meat Version – Use chicken “croutons” instead of haloumi. Cube chicken breast into very small pieces. Sauté in olive oil with salt, pepper, and paprika until golden and cooked through. Sprinkle over the salad.

Vegan Version – Use crispy chickpeas. Rinse and drain one can of chickpeas. Pat completely dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20–25 minutes, shaking once, until crisp. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle over the salad.

Notes:
Sponsored by Beleaves

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