Pan-Fried Halloumi and Chickpea Salad

Pan-Fried Halloumi and Chickpea Salad

Vegetarian • Gluten-FreeUnder 15 MinsHigh Protein • BalancedStovetop • 5 Ingredients or LessLunchMediterranean
Easy
15min
480kcal
1person

MACROS

per serving
gProtein
gFat
gCarbs
gSugar
gFiber
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A quick, satisfying, and bread-free Mediterranean salad featuring golden pan-fried halloumi, hearty chickpeas, and fresh, crunchy vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon-zaatar dressing.

If you are looking for a satisfying, nutrient-dense lunch that doesn't rely on bread, this Pan-Fried Halloumi and Chickpea Salad is an absolute game-changer. Mediterranean flavors truly shine when you combine the salty, savory crunch of warm, pan-toasted halloumi with the earthy bite of chickpeas. It is incredibly fresh, perfectly balanced, and acts as a fantastic vehicle to clear out your fridge's crisper drawer. The natural crispness of fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet red bell peppers provides a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy beans and chewy cheese. Because halloumi has such a high melting point, you can fry it right in a dry pan until it develops a gorgeous, golden-brown crust without losing its shape. Tossed together with a zesty, simple dressing made from your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic zaatar, this Pan-Fried Halloumi and Chickpea Salad comes together in less than 15 minutes. It is a fantastic, protein-packed lunch that will keep you completely full and energized all afternoon, all while making excellent use of your highly perishable spring onions and produce!

Ingredients

  • 130 g Canned Chickpeas (about ½ cup)
  • 80 g Halloumi Cheese (about 4-5 thick slices)
  • 1 medium Cucumbers
  • 100 g Cherry Tomato (about 1 cup)
  • 0.5 medium Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 stalk Spring Onion
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon (juice of ½ lemon)
  • 1 tsp Zaatar
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt

Instructions

  1. 1
    Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water.
  2. 2
    Dice the cucumbers and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the spring onion.
  3. 3
    Cut the halloumi cheese into bite-sized cubes. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat (no oil needed) and add the cheese. Toast for about 3 to 4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  4. 4
    In a large serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, zaatar, and a pinch of sea salt.
  5. 5
    Add the prepared cucumbers, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, spring onion, and canned chickpeas to the bowl. Toss well to coat the vegetables in the dressing.
  6. 6
    Top the salad with the warm, crispy halloumi cheese just before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Chef's Tips

  • Halloumi releases some of its own oils and moisture as it cooks, which is why you don't need to add any oil to the pan when frying it.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing if you like a bit of heat.

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