Low Calorie Lunch: Greek Salad with Grilled Halloumi Recipe

Golden grilled halloumi on a Greek salad adds salty, squeaky protein to the bowl. A low calorie lunch that's anything but boring.

Cook 20 min Difficulty EASY 265 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian #low carb #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • halloumi cheese 6 oz
  • English cucumber 1 cup
  • cherry tomatoes 1 cup
  • red onion 0.25 cup
  • kalamata olives 0.25 cup
  • romaine lettuce 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 1.5 tbsp
  • red wine vinegar 1 tbsp
  • dried oregano 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 16 g 24%
Protein 15 g 23%
Fat 16 g 53%
Serving size 225g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the halloumi cheese dry and slice into 1/2-inch thick slabs to ensure even browning.

  2. 2

    Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add 0.5 tbsp olive oil and grill halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy but still tender inside.

  3. 3

    While grilling the cheese, chop the romaine lettuce and dice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a crisp texture.

  4. 4

    Toss the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives in a large salad bowl.

  5. 5

    Whisk together the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and black pepper to create a tangy dressing, then drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

  6. 6

    Top the salad evenly with warm grilled halloumi slices and serve immediately for best textural contrast.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The hallmark of this dish is halloumi cheese, which brings a rich, salty flavor and satisfying chewy texture, setting this Greek salad apart from ordinary versions.
Q. How do I prevent halloumi from becoming rubbery or overcooked?
Grill halloumi over medium-high heat for just 2–3 minutes per side until golden; avoid overcooking to maintain its signature squeaky tenderness. Watch closely—removing as it turns crisp and lightly browned is key.
Q. What gives this salad its classic Mediterranean taste?
Besides the halloumi, a blend of ripe cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, crisp cucumber, and a dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano infuse the dish with signature Mediterranean brightness and herbaceousness.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are there per serving?
Each 225g serving contains 265 kcal, 16g carbohydrates (24%), 15g protein (23%), and 16g fat (53%), offering a balanced, low-calorie profile with plenty of protein and heart-healthy fats.
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