Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush Salad

Bring a burst of Middle Eastern flavor to your table with this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush. This vibrant Levantine-inspired salad combines the salty, savory crunch of golden-fried halloumi with the sweet-tart juice of seasonal blood oranges. At approximately 370 calories per serving, it is a wholesome vegetarian meal that balances fresh greens, crisp sourdough croutons, and a zesty sumac vinaigrette.

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The beauty of this Fattoush lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. By using sourdough for the croutons and frying the halloumi just before serving, you ensure every bite is packed with both flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

• 200 g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 200 g mixed salad greens (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
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided for dressing, croutons, and frying)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp ground sumac
• 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
• 1/2 tsp salt (plus a pinch for croutons)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Crisp 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 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp ground sumac, 1 tsp pomegranate molasses, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp 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: Mix the Base

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

Step 5: Assemble

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

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle with the sumac dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, fry the halloumi immediately before serving so it remains soft and warm inside. If the blood oranges are particularly juicy, you can whisk some of the excess juice into the dressing for extra depth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can customize this salad by adding pitted olives or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture. If blood oranges are unavailable, regular oranges or grapefruit are excellent substitutes. For a vegan option, replace the halloumi with grilled tofu or vegan feta.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Fattoush immediately while the croutons are at their crispiest. It works perfectly as a light main course or as a side dish alongside grilled Mediterranean proteins.

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This Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the unique combination of warm cheese and vibrant citrus in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes fattoush different from regular salad?

Fattoush is a Levantine salad characterized by crispy fried or toasted bread pieces (croutons) mixed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sumac dressing. The combination of warm croutons and zesty vinaigrette creates distinctive textures and flavors not found in typical green salads.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and croutons up to a day in advance. Store croutons in an airtight container and dressing refrigerated. Assemble with fresh halloumi and oranges just before serving to maintain optimal texture—warm cheese and crisp croutons are essential to this dish.

→ What can I substitute for halloumi?

Paneer, firm feta, or grilled tofu work well as alternatives. For a similar salty bite, try panel or queso fresco. If using tofu, press it first and season generously before pan-frying to mimic halloumi's texture and flavor profile.

→ Why use blood oranges instead of regular ones?

Blood oranges offer a beautiful deep red color and slightly sweeter, less acidic flavor compared to navel oranges. Their unique berry-like notes complement the salty halloumi and tangy sumac dressing perfectly. Regular oranges work fine when blood oranges aren't in season.

→ What is sumac and where can I find it?

Sumac is a reddish-purple spice made from dried berries, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It adds a tangy, lemony flavor without acidity. Look for it in the spice aisle of well-stocked grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets, or specialty food shops.

→ How do I prevent the croutons from getting soggy?

Bake croutons until completely golden and crisp throughout. Let them cool fully before storing in an airtight container. Add croutons to the salad just before serving and toss gently with dressing to maintain their satisfying crunch.