Save to Pinterest Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this stunning Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush. This recipe reimagines the classic Levantine salad by pairing the salty, golden richness of pan-fried halloumi with the striking sweetness of seasonal blood oranges. Crisp sourdough croutons and a tangy sumac dressing provide the perfect textural and flavor balance for a refreshing yet satisfying meal.
Save to Pinterest What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
The secret to a great Fattoush lies in the freshness of the greens and the zing of the dressing. In this version, the addition of blood oranges adds a sophisticated depth, while the pomegranate molasses in the vinaigrette provides a sweet-tart finish that elevates the whole dish.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Salad Base: 200 g halloumi cheese (sliced), 2 blood oranges (peeled and sliced into rounds), 200 g mixed salad greens, 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 (cubed), 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.
Instructions
- 1. Toast the Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the sourdough cubes with 2 tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp, turning once halfway through.
- 2. Whisk the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, ground sumac, pomegranate molasses, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
- 3. Fry the Halloumi
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the halloumi slices and fry for 1–2 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. Transfer to a plate.
- 4. Toss the Greens
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced radish, and red onion.
- 5. Assemble
- Gently add the blood orange rounds, the warm fried halloumi, and the crisp sourdough croutons to the bowl.
- 6. Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the zesty sumac vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your halloumi achieves a perfect crust, pat the slices dry with a paper towel before placing them in the hot skillet. If you want even crispier croutons, ensure the sourdough cubes are not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If blood oranges are not in season, regular Navel or Cara Cara oranges are excellent substitutes. For a vegan version of this salad, replace the halloumi with grilled firm tofu seasoned with a bit of nutritional yeast and salt, or use a vegan-style feta cheese.
Serviervorschläge
This Fattoush is best served fresh to keep the croutons crunchy and the halloumi soft. It makes a fantastic standalone vegetarian main course, but also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken skewers or a side of creamy hummus and warm pita bread.
Save to Pinterest With its combination of fresh vegetables, citrus, and savory cheese, this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush is a celebration of Middle Eastern culinary traditions. It’s a nutritious, delicious, and visually stunning dish that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes fattoush different from other salads?
Fattoush is a Levantine salad distinguished by its use of fried or toasted bread pieces that add crunch and soak up the tangy dressing. This version adds halloumi for extra protein and richness.
- → Can I make the croutons ahead of time?
Yes, bake the sourdough croutons up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay perfectly crisp until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- → What can I substitute for blood oranges?
Regular navel oranges work beautifully, or try Cara Cara oranges for similar color. Grapefruit or even segmented mandarins can provide different but equally delicious citrus notes.
- → Is halloumi difficult to fry?
Halloumi is actually one of the easiest cheeses to cook because its high melting point means it holds its shape beautifully. Just fry 1-2 minutes per side until golden—no sticking or crumbling to worry about.
- → Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely. Replace the halloumi with grilled tofu slabs, vegan feta, or even thick slices of roasted eggplant. The sumac dressing is already plant-based and provides plenty of flavor on its own.
- → What does sumac taste like?
Sumac is a tart, lemony spice with a deep red color and subtle fruity notes. It's commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine to add acidity without liquid, making it perfect for dressings and sprinkling over finished dishes.
