Try This Zesty Nectarine and Chickpea Salad with Halloumi Recipe

Nectarine and chickpea salad bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Summer’s golden stone fruit brings vibrant sweetness to this delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Fresh ingredients mingle in a playful culinary symphony, creating textures that surprise and delight.

Crisp chickpeas provide substantial protein while ripe nectarines add natural sugary brightness to every bite.

Salty halloumi cheese crafts this simple salad into a memorable experience that feels both elegant and approachable.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of colors, tastes, and nutritional balance.

Bold yet refined, this recipe challenges traditional salad expectations with its clever composition.

Nectarine and Chickpea Salad with Halloumi That Satisfies

• Elevate Summer Freshness: This salad bursts with vibrant, seasonal ingredients that capture the essence of warm-weather dining, combining sweet nectarines with salty halloumi for a perfect flavor balance.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes, making sophisticated cooking accessible to home chefs of all skill levels.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful mix of crispy roasted chickpeas, golden-grilled halloumi, juicy nectarines, and burst cherry tomatoes that create an exciting multi-textural eating adventure.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein from chickpeas and halloumi, fresh fruits, and vegetables, this salad offers a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on incredible taste and visual appeal.

Ingredients for a Protein-Packed, Fruity Delight

Main Ingredients:

Chickpeas: Protein-packed legume that provides a hearty base for the salad, with a nutty and creamy texture.

Nectarines: Sweet summer fruit that adds a juicy and caramelized flavor when grilled, bringing brightness to the dish.

Halloumi: Firm, salty cheese that grills beautifully and provides a rich, satisfying protein component.

Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that roast to intensify their natural sweetness and add vibrant color.

Seasonings and Oils:

Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil that helps with grilling and adds a smooth, rich flavor.

Paprika: Warm spice that gives a subtle smoky taste to the roasted chickpeas.

Fleur de Sel: Delicate sea salt that provides a light, clean seasoning with subtle mineral notes.

Pepper: Freshly ground pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Herbs and Finishing Touches:

Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that helps balance the richness of the cheese and adds freshness.

Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings a final layer of herbal, peppery notes to the salad.

Step-by-Step for Building the Ultimate Halloumi Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F).

Step 2: Season Chickpeas and Tomatoes

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Cherry tomatoes
• Remaining olive oil
• Pinch of fleur de sel

Step 3: Roast Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.

Step 4: Grill Nectarine Quarters

While chickpeas are roasting, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan.

Grill nectarine quarters for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Grill Halloumi Slices

Using the same pan, grill halloumi slices for about 1 minute per side until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

• Roasted chickpeas
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Grilled nectarine quarters
• Grilled halloumi slices

• Drizzling with lemon juice
• Sprinkling freshly ground black pepper
• Garnishing with fresh basil leaves

Tips for Getting Halloumi Golden and Crisp

• Roast Chickpeas Perfectly: Pat chickpeas completely dry before roasting to ensure they become crispy and not soggy.
• Grill Nectarines Strategically: Use a hot, non-stick pan and avoid moving the fruit too much to create beautiful caramelized grill marks.
• Slice Halloumi Evenly: Cut halloumi into uniform thickness to guarantee consistent golden-brown grilling on each slice.
• Balance Flavors Masterfully: Squeeze fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the entire dish and enhance the natural sweetness of nectarines.
• Prep Ahead Wisely: Chop herbs and slice ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and make assembly quick and stress-free.

Best Storage Methods to Keep Everything Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, and nectarines in different sealed containers to maintain their individual textures. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
• Reheating: Warm chickpeas and halloumi in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Gently reheat nectarines in the microwave for 30 seconds to prevent mushiness. Avoid reheating fresh basil to preserve its vibrant flavor.
• Serving Tip: For the freshest taste, add new basil leaves and a splash of lemon juice after reheating to revive the salad's brightness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Great Combos to Serve with This Hearty Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salad's fresh and tangy flavors with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of halloumi and highlighting the sweet nectarines.
• Match with Light Summer Beverage: Enhance the dish's vibrant profile with a chilled rosé or a refreshing elderflower spritzer, balancing the grilled elements and creating a perfect warm-weather dining experience.
• Serve alongside Rustic Bread: Add crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious juices from roasted chickpeas and grilled nectarines, transforming the salad into a more substantial meal.
• Complement with Mediterranean Mezze: Create a fuller spread by adding small plates like hummus, tzatziki, or marinated olives that echo the salad's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and cooking techniques.

Flavored Variations with Herbs or Dressings

• Mediterranean Remix: Skip the nectarines and add grilled peaches or apricots for a tangy stone fruit alternative that brings summer vibes to your plate.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Sprinkle chili flakes on the chickpeas and halloumi, introducing a warming heat that complements the sweet fruit and salty cheese.
• Herb Garden Style: Replace basil with fresh mint or oregano, creating a different aromatic profile that enhances the Mediterranean character of the salad.
• Protein Power Version: Add grilled chicken or crispy pancetta alongside the halloumi for extra protein and a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.

Nectarine And Chickpea Salad With Halloumi Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s most enticing salad mixes sweet nectarines with salty halloumi and hearty chickpeas. Mediterranean flavors dance through crisp greens, offering refreshing moments of pure culinary pleasure that will delight palates craving bright, balanced refreshment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, quartered (peeled if desired)
• 8–10 slices of halloumi
• 1 can chickpeas (265 grams / 9.3 ounces drained weight)
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:

• Fresh basil, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of fleur de sel
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Oils and Additional Flavors:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 drizzle of olive oil
• Lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 190°C (374°F), preparing a roasting environment for the chickpeas and tomatoes.
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and paprika, ensuring each legume is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
3. Scatter cherry tomatoes across the same dish, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle a delicate pinch of fleur de sel for enhanced flavor.
4. Roast the chickpea and tomato mixture in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, allowing the ingredients to caramelize and intensify their natural sweetness.
5. While the roasting occurs, heat a light drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Grill nectarine quarters for 1-2 minutes on each side, creating beautiful caramelized marks and releasing their natural sugars.
7. Remove nectarines and set aside on a serving plate.
8. Using the same skillet, grill halloumi slices for about 1 minute per side until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.
9. Assemble the salad by artfully arranging the roasted chickpeas, caramelized cherry tomatoes, grilled nectarine quarters, and golden halloumi slices.
10. Finish the dish by drizzling fresh lemon juice, cracking black pepper over the top, and garnishing with torn fresh basil leaves.

Notes

• Roast chickpeas and tomatoes at high heat to develop caramelized, deep flavors that enhance the overall taste profile of the salad.
• Grilling nectarines brings out their natural sweetness and creates beautiful caramelized marks, adding a delightful smoky-sweet dimension.
• Halloumi cheese provides a satisfying salty, crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft fruits and tender chickpeas.
• Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish with its fragrant herbal notes.
• Use ripe, in-season nectarines for the most intense and juicy flavor in this summer-inspired salad.
• Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the warm, crispy halloumi and charred nectarines at their peak deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting, Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 532 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg