Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Levant with this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush. This colorful salad combines the salty richness of golden-fried halloumi with the bright, citrusy notes of seasonal blood oranges, all grounded by the satisfying crunch of homemade sourdough croutons. It is a refreshing yet hearty dish that brings a Mediterranean flair to your table in just 30 minutes.

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The secret to this salad's addictive quality is the zesty sumac vinaigrette. By whisking together pomegranate molasses and ground sumac, you create a dressing that perfectly complements the savory halloumi and the tart sweetness of the blood orange slices.

Ingredients

• Salad Base: 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.
• Croutons: 2 thick slices sourdough bread, cut into cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; Pinch of sea salt.
• Dressing: 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; 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• For Frying: 1 tbsp olive oil.

Instructions

1. Prepare 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.

2. Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, pomegranate molasses, salt, and pepper). Set aside.

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.

4. Assemble the Base

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

5. Add Final Toppings

Layer the blood orange slices, warm halloumi, and sourdough croutons onto the salad base.

6. Dress and Serve

Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately while the halloumi and croutons are at their best.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the sourdough croutons stay crisp, make sure they are completely golden before removing them from the oven. When frying the halloumi, use a high-quality nonstick skillet to prevent the cheese from sticking, and only flip once the bottom has developed a distinct crust.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If blood oranges are unavailable, standard navel oranges or tangerines provide a similar sweetness. For a vegan-friendly version, replace the halloumi cheese with grilled tofu or a plant-based feta alternative, and verify that your sourdough is vegan. You can also add toasted nuts or pitted olives for additional texture and depth.

Serviervorschläge

This Fattoush is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of creamy hummus or warm pita bread. For the best experience, serve it immediately after tossing to enjoy the contrast between the warm cheese and the chilled, crisp vegetables.

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With its striking colors and bold Mediterranean flavors, this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush is sure to become a favorite in your salad rotation. Whether served as a light lunch or a vibrant dinner starter, it offers a sophisticated taste of the Levant in every bite.

Q&A About the Recipe

→ What makes fattoush different from regular salad?

Fattoush is a Levantine salad distinguished by its use of crispy croutons or fried bread, typically sumac-spiced dressing, and fresh herbs. The combination of warm, crunchy elements with crisp vegetables creates unique texture and flavor.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

You can make the dressing and bake croutons up to 2 days in advance. Slice vegetables and store separately. Fry halloumi just before serving to maintain its crispy texture and warm contrast against the cool salad.

→ What can I substitute for halloumi?

Grilled paneer, firm feta, or even thick-cut tofu work well. For a similar salty, squeaky texture, try paneer. Vegan feta provides crumbly tanginess without dairy.

→ Is blood orange essential?

While blood oranges add gorgeous color and mild berry notes, regular navel oranges or even grapefruit segments make excellent substitutes. The citrus sweetness balances the salty halloumi and tangy sumac beautifully.

→ How do I keep croutons crispy?

Bake croutons until completely golden and dry throughout. Store uncovered at room temperature. Add them to the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess from the dressing and vegetables.

→ What does sumac taste like?

Sumac is a tart, lemony Middle Eastern spice with a deep red color. It adds bright acidity without liquid, making it perfect for dressings and finishing dishes.