Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush

Bring the vibrant flavors of the Levant to your table with this stunning Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush. This recipe reimagines the classic bread salad by pairing salty, golden-fried halloumi with the jewel-toned sweetness of blood oranges, all tied together by a zesty sumac and pomegranate dressing.

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While traditional Fattoush typically utilizes pita bread, the use of sourdough in this version provides a more robust crunch that stands up beautifully to the juicy blood oranges and fresh cucumber. The inclusion of sumac and pomegranate molasses ensures the salad maintains its authentic Middle Eastern character.

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

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Instructions

1. Bake the Sourdough 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. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, pomegranate molasses, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

3. Fry the Halloumi Cheese

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. Toss the Greens

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

5. Assemble the Salad

Add the blood orange slices, warm fried halloumi, and sourdough croutons to the bowl.

6. Dress and Serve

Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm cheese and crisp greens.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To keep the halloumi at its best, fry it just before you are ready to serve the salad, as it is most delicious when warm and flexible. Make sure to pat the halloumi dry before frying to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without it sticking to the pan.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can add pitted olives or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture. If blood oranges are unavailable, regular oranges or grapefruit work well as a substitute. For a vegan option, replace halloumi with grilled tofu or vegan feta cheese.

Serviervorschläge

This Fattoush is hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main dish for four. Alternatively, it makes a spectacular side dish for grilled lamb or chicken. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl to display the beautiful layers of ingredients.

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This Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush is more than just a salad; it is a celebration of seasonal citrus and Mediterranean tradition. With its vibrant colors and balanced nutrition, it is certain to become a favorite for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.

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Common Questions

→ What makes fattoush different from other salads?

Fattoush is a Levantine salad distinguished by its use of crispy croutons and sumac. Traditional versions feature toasted or fried bread pieces that add crunch, while sumac provides a tangy, citrusy flavor essential to the dish's authentic taste profile.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

You can prepare the dressing and croutons up to 2 days in advance. Store croutons in an airtight container and dressing in the refrigerator. Halloumi is best fried just before serving for optimal texture, though it can be fried several hours ahead and served at room temperature.

→ What can I use instead of blood oranges?

Regular navel oranges work perfectly as a substitute. For similar color, consider adding a few slices of cara cara or ruby red grapefruit. The citrus component provides essential acidity and sweetness that balances the salty halloumi.

→ How do I prevent halloumi from becoming rubbery?

Fry halloumi quickly over medium-high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the temperature. The cheese should develop a golden crust while remaining soft inside. Don't overcook, as extended heat causes halloumi to become tough and chewy.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be adapted for meal prep. Store components separately: dressing in a small container, croutons in a bag, and prepped vegetables in another container. Assemble just before eating to maintain the contrast between warm halloumi, crisp croutons, and fresh greens.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Consider adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or sliced hard-boiled eggs. For vegetarian options, toasted walnuts or almonds complement the Middle Eastern flavors beautifully. The halloumi already provides substantial protein at 14g per serving.