Greek Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 8 oz Halloumi cheese
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 2 medium Tomato
• 1/4 cup Red onion
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 medium Green bell pepper
• 4 oz Feta cheese
• 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Place the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool completely.
2. 2Slice the 8 oz of Halloumi cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the halloumi slices in a single layer on a plate and brush both sides with 1 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. 3Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F or 200°C). Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and have grill marks. The cheese should be slightly softened but not melted. Remove from the grill and set aside.
4. 4While the halloumi is grilling or cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the 1 medium cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice the 2 medium tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Thinly slice the 1/4 cup of red onion. Halve and slice the 1/2 medium green bell pepper into thin strips. Drain and rinse the 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives.
5. 5In a large bowl, combine the cooled 1 cup of quinoa, the diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, sliced green bell pepper, and 4 oz of feta cheese.
6. 6In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until well combined.
7. 7Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
8. 8Arrange the grilled halloumi slices on top of the Greek salad. Serve immediately.

Substitutions

Related Guides