Quinoa and Halloumi Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing

This vibrant and nutritious Quinoa and Halloumi Salad combines the rich, nutty flavor of quinoa with the salty, savory goodness of grilled halloumi cheese. Tossed with fresh, colorful vegetables and a tangy honey-lemon dressing, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, its mix of textures and flavors will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 block (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the halloumi slices with olive oil and grill each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop grill marks and are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
4. To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Top the salad with the grilled halloumi slices and serve immediately. Enjoy your Quinoa and Halloumi Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing!