Grilled Halloumi with Berry Salsa Recipe

Halloumi cheese: A semi-hard cheese that is perfect for grilling due to its high melting point.

Strawberries: Fresh, diced strawberries add a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the salsa.

Blueberries: These small, juicy berries contribute a burst of sweetness and color.

Mint: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing and aromatic element to the salsa.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy and zesty flavor.

Honey: A touch of honey balances the tartness of the lime juice and enhances the sweetness of the berries.

When grilling halloumi cheese, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel before placing it on the grill. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the cheese to achieve a better sear and develop those desirable grill marks. Additionally, avoid moving the cheese too much while it's on the grill; let it sit undisturbed for the full 2-3 minutes on each side to ensure it gets that perfect golden brown color.

• halloumi cheese - Substitute with paneer: Paneer has a similar texture and grilling properties, making it a good alternative for halloumi.

• halloumi cheese - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be grilled and has a mild flavor that can complement the berry salsa.

• strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a good alternative for strawberries.

• strawberries - Substitute with diced mango: Mango adds a different but complementary sweetness and texture to the salsa.

• blueberries - Substitute with blackberries: Blackberries offer a similar burst of flavor and can be used interchangeably with blueberries.

• blueberries - Substitute with grapes: Halved grapes provide a similar juicy texture and sweetness.

• fresh mint - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a different but equally refreshing flavor that pairs well with berries.

• fresh mint - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a unique, fresh flavor that can complement the berry salsa.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• lime juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice adds a slightly sweeter citrus flavor.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar offers a similar sweetness and is a good alternative for those avoiding honey.

• Allow the grilled halloumi to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the cheese soggy.
• Transfer the cooled halloumi slices into an airtight container. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice to avoid sticking.
• Store the berry salsa separately in another airtight container. This keeps the salsa fresh and prevents the halloumi from becoming overly moist.
• Place both containers in the refrigerator. The grilled halloumi can be stored for up to 3 days, while the berry salsa is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
• To freeze, wrap each slice of grilled halloumi individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains the cheese's texture.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time. Frozen halloumi can be kept for up to 2 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the halloumi in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the slices on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• The berry salsa is not ideal for freezing due to the high water content of the strawberries and blueberries, which can result in a mushy texture upon thawing. Instead, prepare fresh salsa when needed.
• For a quick refresh, add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh mint to the thawed halloumi before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled halloumi slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the halloumi with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is warmed through.
  5. Serve with the berry salsa on top.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the grilled halloumi slices in the skillet.
  4. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the cheese is heated through and slightly crispy.
  5. Top with the berry salsa and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the grilled halloumi slices on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure the cheese is heated through.
  4. Add the berry salsa on top before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the grilled halloumi slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Serve with the berry salsa on top.

• Grill: Used to cook the halloumi slices until they are golden brown and have grill marks.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the diced strawberries, blueberries, chopped mint, lime juice, and honey.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the halloumi slices on the grill.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the strawberries and chopping the fresh mint.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the strawberries and mint.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the strawberries and blueberries accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lime juice and honey precisely.

• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the grilled halloumi with the berry salsa on top.

Pre-cut the halloumi: Slice the halloumi cheese in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Make the salsa ahead: Prepare the berry salsa a few hours before and keep it refrigerated to let the flavors meld.

Use a grill pan: If you don't have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stove works just as well and saves setup time.

Quick marinade: Marinate the halloumi in olive oil and herbs for 10 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor quickly.