Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad

The grilled peach and halloumi salad is a true celebration of summer’s best flavors. With caramelized, juicy peaches and golden-seared halloumi set atop a bed of vibrant greens and green beans, this dish doesn’t just look stunning—it delivers big on taste too. Toss in pine nuts for buttery crunch and finish with a lemon-pesto dressing that’s herbaceous, zesty, and incredibly fresh. This salad is perfect for a light dinner, a garden party showstopper, or a luxe weekday lunch. The sweet-savory balance, the contrasting textures, and the bright pop of citrus make every bite a delight. It’s a wholesome, satisfying way to enjoy seasonal ingredients at their peak without spending hours in the kitchen.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ⅓ cup + 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 3 ripe peaches, pitted and halved

• 6 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced

• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed

• 4 cups mixed salad greens

• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together chopped basil, garlic, lemon juice, and rice vinegar. Slowly whisk in ⅓ cup olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain and set aside.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Brush the halved peaches and halloumi slices with the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Grill each for about 3 minutes per side until well charred and slightly softened.

4. On a large serving platter, arrange the mixed greens. Top with grilled peaches, halloumi slices, and blanched green beans.

5. Drizzle the basil-lemon dressing over the top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 696 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Story Behind Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad

Every great recipe starts with a story, and this one is no exception. The Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad brings together a medley of Mediterranean flavors and seasonal summer ingredients that celebrate both freshness and richness. Halloumi cheese, originally from Cyprus, is a semi-hard cheese made traditionally from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk. Its unique texture makes it one of the few cheeses that can be grilled or fried without melting into a gooey mess.

Pair this with ripe, juicy peaches—a hallmark of summer—and you have a dish that plays with contrasting textures and flavors: sweet and savory, juicy and crispy, creamy and tangy. The lemon-pesto dressing brings everything together with bright, herbal notes, adding an aromatic zing that lifts the entire salad to gourmet heights.

Why Grilled Peaches and Halloumi Are a Match Made in Heaven

The flavor pairing in this dish is intentional and carefully thought out. Peaches, when grilled, take on a deeper flavor. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly on the grill, enhancing their sweetness and adding subtle smokiness. This flavor contrasts beautifully with salty, chewy halloumi cheese.

While traditional salads rely heavily on raw vegetables and greens, this one introduces cooked elements, making it hearty enough for a main course. The peaches provide a sweet element, while the halloumi introduces umami and salt. Together, they balance each other perfectly and elevate this salad beyond the ordinary.

Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients

Let’s not forget—this salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also good for you. Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits of the key components:

Peaches:
Rich in vitamins A and C, peaches support healthy skin, boost your immune system, and provide antioxidants that fight free radicals. Their high fiber content helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

Halloumi Cheese:
While higher in fat than other salad ingredients, halloumi offers a satisfying protein punch. It contains calcium and is a good source of essential amino acids, which help maintain muscle mass and support metabolic function.

Basil and Lemon Pesto Dressing:
Basil is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin K, while lemon juice adds a good dose of vitamin C. Olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, is the base of the dressing and a staple of the Mediterranean diet, known for reducing the risk of heart disease and supporting cognitive function.

Green Beans and Mixed Greens:
These add crunch, fiber, and a variety of micronutrients, including iron, potassium, and magnesium. They help improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, and contribute to overall gut health.

Pine Nuts:
Small but mighty, pine nuts are a source of monounsaturated fats, protein, and magnesium. They offer a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy, salty halloumi.

Perfect for a Wide Range of Occasions

This salad isn’t just versatile in flavor—it’s also versatile in how you serve it. Hosting a backyard BBQ? This salad makes a stunning centerpiece. Need a weekday lunch that will keep you full and energized? It stores well and tastes just as good cold. Impressing guests at a dinner party? Serve it as a refined starter or a light main course.

Its elegant presentation—thanks to the colorful peaches, golden-brown halloumi, and green accents from the beans and basil—makes it Instagram-worthy without any extra effort.

Tips to Customize the Recipe

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to modify based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Vegan Version: Replace halloumi with marinated tofu or a plant-based grilling cheese.
• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Different Fruits: If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or plums make great substitutes.
• Change the Nuts: If pine nuts are hard to find or expensive, use slivered almonds or crushed pistachios.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to the dressing for a bit of heat.

The Secret Behind the Lemon-Pesto Dressing

While the salad ingredients are stellar on their own, the lemon-pesto dressing truly ties everything together. It’s a light, herby vinaigrette with just the right balance of citrus and richness. Unlike traditional pesto, which includes cheese and nuts, this one keeps things lighter and more refreshing—ideal for summer. The brightness of lemon juice cuts through the richness of the grilled cheese and complements the sweet peaches perfectly.

This dressing is so good, you might want to double the batch and keep it in the fridge for future use. It’s fantastic over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even tossed with pasta.

Why This Salad Stands Out from Other Summer Salads

Let’s face it—salads can be boring. But not this one. What sets it apart?

• Cooked Elements: Grilled peaches and seared halloumi add warmth and depth to an otherwise raw dish.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: Sweet, salty, tangy, fresh, and crunchy—it has everything you want in a bite.
• Filling Enough for Dinner: Unlike most salads that leave you hungry, the protein and fat content here make it satisfying.
• Visually Stunning: The contrast of golden cheese, charred fruit, and green beans atop vibrant greens is a feast for the eyes.
• Quick to Make: You can have this salad on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re planning ahead or want to meal prep, here’s how to best store and serve this salad:

• Prep in Stages: Grill the peaches and halloumi and store them in airtight containers. Make the dressing separately. Combine everything just before serving.
• Store the Dressing Separately: This prevents the greens from getting soggy.
• Keep Greens Crisp: Store the salad base in a salad spinner or lined container with a paper towel to keep them dry.
• Reheating Tip: Halloumi can be quickly re-seared in a pan or eaten cold—it retains its texture well either way.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

Want to round out your dinner party menu or family meal? Here are some ideas:

• Appetizers: Serve with hummus and grilled pita, or a platter of marinated olives and roasted red peppers.
• Main Course Pairing: This salad can be served alongside grilled meats, roasted fish, or even pasta primavera.
• Beverages: A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc), a sparkling rosé, or a lightly citrusy mocktail will complement the salad beautifully.
• Dessert: Keep it light with a lemon sorbet, fresh berries, or honey-drizzled Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

There are few dishes that highlight the bounty of summer quite like this one. It captures the peak sweetness of peaches, the creamy tang of halloumi, and the garden-fresh notes of herbs and greens. Whether you’re enjoying it al fresco in your backyard or packing it for a picnic in the park, this salad is a seasonal standout that you’ll return to again and again.