How to Make a Delicious Pasta Salad with Crispy Halloumi

I love pasta and I love halloumi, so I am not sure how I have never combined the two before, but I am so glad that I did because this pasta salad with crispy halloumi is a combination to die for.

Served warm or cold, this pasta salad combines crunchy vegetables with a lemony garlic dressing and crispy, salty halloumi for the perfect bite to get you through that after lunch slump or even full and satisfied until morning.

My pasta salad with crispy halloumi does it all; it’s a great lunch, a perfect side dish for a barbecue or picnic, or a simple dinner for any night of the week. So next time you are not quite sure what to make, but want something delicious and satisfying, look no further than my pasta salad with crispy halloumi.

Serves 6

Pasta Salad with Crispy Halloumi Ingredients:

16 ounces of whole wheat penne

8 ounces of halloumi, cut into cubes

1 bell pepper, diced

4 ounces of arugula

10 ounces of cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 of a red onion, diced

1/2 cup of sliced black olives

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup of olive oil

1 head of roasted garlic

1 teaspoon of coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon of oregano

1 teaspoon of black pepper

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In salted pot of water, cook the pasta until just aldente, potentially a minute or so less than the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water, drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a saute pan over medium heat, begin to crisp up that halloumi by frying it on each side for 3-5 minutes or until just browned.
3. To make the dressing, start by making a garlic paste with the roasted garlic. Remove the garlic cloves from the husk and then sprinkle with coarse salt. Using the back of the knife, create a paste of the garlic. Add this to a jar or mixing bowl. Add the cooking water, juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, oregano, black pepper, more salt to taste and shake well.
4. In a large bowl combine arugula, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and penne pasta. Pour the dressing over the top and mix well. Top with crispy halloumi and enjoy.

If you like his, be sure to try my hasselbeck chicken and halloumi or my pasta salad with smoked mozzarella.