Zesty Asparagus and Halloumi Salad with Pine Nuts
This vibrant and flavorful salad combines the earthy taste of asparagus with the salty, chewy texture of halloumi cheese. Enhanced by the nutty crunch of pine nuts and a zesty lemon-parsley dressing, it makes for a refreshing side dish or a light main course, perfect for any occasion.
6
Servings
358
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
1 lb (trimmed)
halloumi cheese
1 lb (sliced into eight pieces)
seasoned flour
2 tablespoons (well seasoned)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
pine nuts
1/2 cup (toasted if desired)
parsley
1 cup (chopped)
olive oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
lemon juice
from 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough, woody ends, leaving you with tender, green spears.
2
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for around 3 to 4 minutes, until just tender but still crisp.
3
Drain the asparagus and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, maintaining its vibrant green color. Then, drain and set aside.
4
Unwrap the halloumi cheese and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Cut the halloumi into eight even slices.
5
In a shallow dish, combine the seasoned flour and lightly press each slice of halloumi into the flour, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
6
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the halloumi slices and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until they achieve a golden brown crust. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, fresh parsley, and the juice of one lemon to create the dressing.
8
On a serving platter, lay out the asparagus and place the warm halloumi slices on top.
9
Drizzle the prepared lemon-parsley dressing over the asparagus and halloumi.
10
Finish by scattering the pine nuts over the top for a nutty crunch.
Nutrition Information
32g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
17.2g
Protein
3g
Fiber
1.7g
Sugar
617mg
Sodium
43mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Asparagus and Halloumi Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring tender asparagus, salty fried halloumi cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in a zesty lemon-parsley dressing.
Is this asparagus and halloumi salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses cheese and vegetables as its primary components.
How long should I blanch the asparagus?
The asparagus should be blanched in boiling salted water for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Why do I need to put the asparagus in ice water?
Plunging the asparagus into ice water stops the cooking process immediately, which helps maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
How do I prepare the halloumi cheese for this recipe?
Pat the halloumi dry to remove excess moisture, cut it into eight even slices, and then lightly press each slice into seasoned flour.
How long does it take to cook the halloumi?
The halloumi should be fried in olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side until it develops a golden brown crust.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of 1/2 cup of olive oil, fresh chopped parsley, and the juice from one freshly squeezed lemon.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 358 calories.
How much protein is in this salad?
There are 17.2 grams of protein per serving, largely thanks to the halloumi cheese.
Is this salad low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only 7.5 grams per serving.
How many pine nuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pine nuts, which can be toasted for extra flavor.
What part of the asparagus should I remove?
You should snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus before cooking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice for the dressing?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for frying the halloumi.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 32 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil and halloumi.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
The sodium content is 617mg per serving.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
The recipe suggests toasting the pine nuts if desired to enhance their nutty flavor.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fiber in each serving.
Is there a lot of sugar in this salad?
No, the salad is very low in sugar, containing only 1.7 grams per serving.
How much halloumi cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of halloumi cheese.
What is the cholesterol count?
The salad contains 43mg of cholesterol per serving.
Can I use regular flour if I don't have seasoned flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour and add your own salt and pepper to season it.
How much parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
The salad is typically served with warm halloumi over blanched asparagus for a contrast in temperatures.
Is this a good side dish for summer?
Yes, with its fresh lemon and asparagus components, it is an excellent summer side dish.
How much asparagus is needed?
You will need 1 lb of trimmed asparagus.
Does this recipe include parmesan?
While mentioned in the tags, parmesan is not listed in the ingredients; however, it could be added as an optional garnish.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Lay the asparagus on a platter, top with warm halloumi slices, drizzle with dressing, and scatter pine nuts over the top.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.