Roasted Vegetable Salad with Halloumi

By Suzanne Anderson April 12, 2023 31 mins read 84 Views

This roasted vegetable salad is the perfect balance of light and healthy. For a little savory delight, roast fresh summer vegetables and chickpeas in the oven.

Photo credit to Andrea Gralow

My Roasted Vegetable Salad takes on the traditional Ratatouille. It has my extra-Mediterranean twist. The classic poached egg is replaced by a zippy lemon-garlic Ladolemono Greek dressing and tangy halloumi cheese. This can be served as a main dish for vegetarians or alongside Whole Roasted Chicken, Pork Chops with Bay Leaf, and Lemon.

This vegetable salad, like Ratatouille is great both warm or cold. It's a perfect meal to make ahead! This salad is also gluten-free, and can be used in many different ways. This dish is a favorite of mine, with a mixture of eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and chickpeas. However, you can substitute any vegetable you have for it.

You can apply the same principle to cheese. You can substitute halloumi for the cheese by skipping the frying step and topping the dish with fresh feta cheese. You can also use the whole cheese if you are vegan or don't want dairy. I don't know what it is about me, but I love recipes that I can easily adapt to suit the tastes of my family and friends.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Roast Vegetable Salad
How to make Roast Vegetable Salad
What is Halloumi?
Tips For Cooking Roast Vegetable Salad
What to serve with Roasted Vegetable Salad?
More healthy and hearty vegetarian recipes
Roasted Vegetable Salad With Halloumi Recipe

Ingredients to Roast Vegetable Salad

This vegetarian dinner recipe makes use of a variety of fresh vegetables that can be found all year. But, I wait until summer and early autumn when tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers and zucchini are at their best.

Eggplant: The best varieties are Japanese or small-sized globe eggplants. You should only use large eggplants. If you have them, cut them into 1-inch pieces. Roasting large pieces of eggplant will take longer than other vegetables, and can be difficult.
Zucchini Also known as summer squash, courgette or courgette. Brings that sweet summer taste.
Tomato Any ripe tomato that has been cut into small pieces will work here. You can also substitute cherry tomatoes or grapes halved.
Bell Pepper Any color will work here, depending on what you prefer. The sweetest bell peppers are red, followed by yellow, orange, and green.
Chickpeas - Chickpeas provide a great source of vegan protein and a delicious texture to your salad.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper:Seasoning makes the difference between a great meal and a bad one. All that Mediterranean flavor is enhanced by salt and pepper.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:EVOO can be used in almost every step of this recipe. For a spicy kick, use a high-quality olive oil such as Spanish Hojiblanca or smooth Italian Nocellara.
Halloumi A semi-hard goat's or sheep's milk cheese, which is usually found next to the mozzarella in the grocery store. Instead of using feta, you can add some feta. You can also leave out the halloumi to make it a vegan meal.
Ladolemono Greek dressing: This simple Greek dressing uses lemon, oregano and garlic.

How To Make Roast Vegetable Salsa

Start with the eggplant to make this Roast Vegetable Salad. Pre-heat the oven, then cut and salt the eggplant. Once the eggplant is cooked, the rest will be done.

Prepare: Place a rack in middle of oven. Heat oven to 400°F.
Prepare the eggplant. Cut 1 small eggplant into 1-inch pieces. Drain it and season it with a large pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients together and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Prepare the rest of the ingredients. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Spread the chickpeas on a kitchen towel to dry. Cut 1 zucchini into 1/2 -inch half moons. Cut 1 large tomato into wedges. Slice 1 large bell pepper into pieces of 1/2-inch.
Make the Ladolemono recipe : Combine 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 minced garlic clove with 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. To emulsify, slowly add 3/4 cup olive oil. Set aside.
Mix Pat the eggplant dry with a towel. This will remove any salt or moisture that was released during salting. Add the eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, chickpeas, and tomato to a large bowl. Toss in a large pinch of black pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix to coat. Toss to coat.
Roast vegetables. Transfer the vegetables to a large sheet of parchment paper and arrange them in a single layer. Bake the vegetables for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and lightly charred around the edges.
Prepare the salad.Remove the vegetables from the oven. Mix 1/2 cup of the dressing into the bowl and gently mix with a wooden spoon. Let the vegetables cool down slightly before you adjust the seasoning. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, or until you are ready.
Fry the Halloumi. Once you are ready to serve the salad cut about 4-6 ounces (or more) of halloumi into quarter-inch-thick squares. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small, nonstick skillet on medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the halloumi. Fry the halloumi until golden brown on both sides for about one minute.
Serve: Divide the salad between your plates and place the fried halloumi on the top. Enjoy!

What's Halloumi?

Halloumi, pronounced huh-loo'me, is a semi-hard goat's and sheep's milk cheese that comes from Cyprus. It's quite bland and rubbery when raw and it doesn't look very appealing. You can't really praise it unless you fry it. You can transform halloumi in seconds by adding heat.

The firm, salty cheese turns golden brown on the outside and has a creamy, tangy center. Its texture is perfect for vegetarians, and its flavor makes it an excellent choice to meat. Fried halloumi can be enjoyed on its own or topped with salad. It can be made into a sweet and salty combination, such as this Easy Fried Halloumi Recipe With Warmed Honey.

Halloumi can be found in most grocery stores' cheese section. You will find it right next to the mozzarella. You can substitute halloumi with crumbled Feta, Fried Goat Cheese, with Za'atar, for a different flavor, or just skip it altogether.

Tips For Cooking Roast Vegetable Salad

This roast vegetable salad recipe can be made in a matter of minutes and is foolproof. You can jump right in and start cooking. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare the ingredients.

After cutting the eggplant, wash your hands with soap. You may find that eggplant can be bitter and stick to other vegetables.
Salting eggplant does a few things for the vegetable. Salt draws out excess moisture which can make the eggplant bitter and cause problems when it is roasted. After roasting, you can make the eggplant more tender and sweeter by wiping off the excess water. If you have a short time, skip this step. If you have 20 minutes spare, this step is worth it.
First, place the bell pepper on its "butt", with its stem facing upwards. Next, cut the pepper into small pieces. Then, cut down from the top to the bottom, making sure you don't cut the stem. You will now have a pepper hat, which is attached to the seeds, and a few seedless strips. The hat and seeds should be thrown out. Cut the strips into small pieces.
Dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Dry ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and legumes do a better job at getting nice and toasty.
Halloumi cheese should be served warm. Take it out just before serving.

What to serve with Roasted Vegetable Salad

The Roasted Vegetable Salsad is bursting with flavor. The crispy fried cheese and creamy roasted chickpeas make this a filling dish. Meanwhile, the vibrant and delicious medley of veggies is rich in flavor. The lemony garlic dressing gives the dish a vibrant, sharp kick to keep it fresh. You don't really need anything more to make a complete weeknight meal.

Mediterranean appetizers are a great way to serve a crowd. A Simple Crudites Platter, creamy Homemade Hummus, and fluffy fresh Pita Bread are all a big hit.

Healthy and hearty vegetarian recipes

Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew).
Fatteh: Spicy Chickpeas with Crispy Pitta and Garlicky Yogurt
Curry Cauliflower Shawarma
Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Beans)

View all Mediterranean Recipes .

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Roasted Vegetable Salad With Halloumi

This simple vegetarian main dish is filling, healthy, and hearty. Salting the eggplant will make them a little more tender and less bitter. You can either skip the halloumi altogether or substitute feta for it. Fry the feta if you are using it.

Course Side Dish

Diet Vegetarian

Prep time minutes

Cook Time 20 Minutes

Total time minutes

Servers

Calories 186.7 kcal

Author Suzy Kardsheh

Ingredients

1 small eggplant Cut into 1-inch cubes
1 zucchini. cut in half and cut into 1/2-inch halves
1 large tomato, cut into wedges
1 Large Bell Pepper, Any Color, Cored and Cut into 1/2-inch Squares or Pieces
1 15 ounces can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4-6 ounces Halloumi Cheese (optional), Cut into 1/4-inch thick squares or torn into pieces
1/3 cup Ladolemono dressing

Instructions

Prepare:
Salt the eggplant: Place the eggplant in a colander. Season with a large pinch of salt. While you prepare the other vegetables, let them rest for 20 minutes. To remove any salt, wipe the eggplant with a paper towel.
Prepare the dressing: As your eggplant is removing its water, make the Ladolemono Greek Saladdressing. Put aside.
Mix the ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chickpeas, zucchini, tomato and bell pepper to a large bowl. Season with kosher salt. Toss in a generous amount of olive oil. Mix well. Toss to coat. )
Bake the vegetables:
Dress the salad. Remove the vegetables from the oven. Toss the salad with 1/2 cup of Ladoloemono dressing. Let the vegetables cool down slightly before you adjust the seasoning. You can serve the salad cold by covering the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least half an hour until ready to serve.
Fry the halloumi. When the salad is ready, fry the cheese. 2 tablespoons olive oil can be added to a small, nonstick skillet on medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the halloumi. Fry the halloumi until golden brown on both sides for about one minute.
Enjoy! Place the salad on a few plates. Add the fried halloumi to the top. Serve.

Notes

You can substitute halloumi by adding fresh feta to the salad right before you serve it.
You can use any Greek dressing left over for salads, vegetables, or this Broiled Salmon recipe. Keep the dressing in the refrigerator in a mason jar sealed tightly for up to one week. Before using, give the dressing a gentle stir or whisk.
To browse high-quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oils, honey and jams, visit the shop

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 18.8g

The first appearance of Roasted Vegetable Salad With Halloumi was on The Mediterranean Dish.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: Roasted Vegetable Salad with Halloumi
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/roasted-vegetable-salad/
Published Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main dishes in a Mediterranean food plan?

Mediterranean food includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil and olives. When possible, it is best to eat fresh ingredients rather than pre-packaged processed food. Use herbs to enhance your meals. It is essential to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine in order to reap all the benefits of this diet. This diet is more enjoyable when you are able to share mindful eating techniques and food sharing with friends and family.

Can the Mediterranean Diet even be vegetarian?

Yes, it is possible to adapt the Mediterranean Diet so that you are vegetarian. This eating style can be followed by vegetarians who omit meats such as red meat, poultry, fish, and other animal proteins. Vegetarians can opt for a variety plant-based protein source, including legumes, nuts, seeds and other staples of the Mediterranean Diet. Healthy fats such as olive oils, olives, or avocados can help to replace the protein source. Additionally, incorporating alternative dairy sources such as tofu or soy yogurt is also an option to gain vitamins and minerals while following a vegetarian lifestyle within this diet. For dessert, you can substitute ice cream by frozen banana slices or mashing beans on toast.

What can I eat on a Mediterranean diet in one day?

Healthy fats, healthy proteins, plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the foundation of a Mediterranean diet. A healthy Mediterranean diet should include about seven to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily and two to four 3-ounce servings of lean protein such as fish or chicken. In moderate quantities, nuts and olive oil are good sources of healthy fats. To ensure a balanced diet, aim for three portions of whole grains each day, such as quinoa or barley.

Limiting foods that can be harmful when consumed regularly is crucial. This includes all processed foods, sugar, unhealthy oils, starches, sweetened drinks like soda or juices, and red meats that contain saturated fats or nitrates. Consuming dairy should be limited. Those who do choose to include dairy should consume low-fat versions whenever possible. Avoid eating fish more than three times per week due to potential mercury contamination. This can affect its nutritional value and cause it to be less nutritious if it is not planned for.

You can get the most out of your Mediterranean diet by planning meals. Make sure to pay attention to what ingredients are included in the dishes you choose.

Mediterranean food is delicious and rich in nutrients. It can be a fun way to eat. To ensure your healthiest meals, you should choose high-quality proteins, such as wild-caught seafood, grass-fed beef, and organic eggs. Also, include healthy fats like coconut oil, nuts, olives, avocados and extra-virgin olive oil. Make sure to include plenty of fresh and/or frozen fruits and vegetables in your meals and whole grains such as quinoa, barley, and oats. Avoid unhealthy fats, added salt, processed foods and starches as well as red meat and processed meats.

What foods are not permitted on a Mediterranean-style diet?

The Mediterranean diet does not include certain food groups such as processed foods and unhealthy fats. To maintain the health benefits of this diet, certain foods should not be consumed. These foods can be eaten occasionally, but they can have a negative impact on the health benefits of Mediterranean-style eating.

On a Mediterranean diet, whole-grain breads and starches like white bread, sugary grains, and other highly processed baked goods are prohibited. These items are rapidly absorbed into the body as sugars and can cause weight gain. These items are also less nutritious than whole grain options such as millet or quinoa.

Other sugars also fall within this category. You should limit your intake of sweetened drinks, including soda, teas with added sugars, juices, and other sugary beverages. They won't support weight loss or healthy nutritional profiles.

It is best to avoid red meats and processed foods in Mediterranean-style meal plans. Red meats and processed foods are high in saturated fats, which raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of developing heart disease. Because nitrates are associated with cell damage responses in the cells, processed lunchmeat products can increase cancer risk. Avoid eating dairy products as they can contain high amounts of saturated fats.

According to nutrition experts, fish shouldn't be consumed more than three times per day.

Statistics

The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

How To

How to Plan a Week Of Delicious and Nutritious Mediterranean Meals

Mediterranean eating is a good way to improve your overall health, and quality of living. This nutritious eating plan emphasizes healthy oils, whole grains and legumes, as well fresh fruits and veggies. The benefits of eating this way include better blood cholesterol, improved glucose control as well as reduced risk of developing certain types or cancers.

Following these tips can make it easy to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet: swapping out high-calorie snacks like chips with nutrient-dense vegetable appetizers or other traditional greens or beans dishes; learning how to increase variety with spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables; integrating more whole grains, legumes, and high fiber items that can enhance satiety after meals; adding moderate amounts of dairy products like yogurt cheese and milk throughout the day for added nutrition; using olive oil as the primary cooking fat instead of traditional oils; occasionally enjoying a glass of red wine to complete the Mediterranean experience.

Plan a week of nutritious and delicious meals that are within the Mediterranean diet guidelines. Begin by focusing your attention on specific components. ; fruits for desserts snacks smoothies, etc. Seasonings herbs, sauces and optional dairy yogurt cheese Kefir. Mixing up different combinations will allow you to get the right amount of nutrients and maintain flavor balance. This is a key element in a Mediterranean lifestyle. Combining the meal in combination with regular exercise will result in even greater short-term gains and long-term benefits on your overall health and body composition.