Hot honey halloumi and pomegranate salad

HOT honey for a HOT summer

I say this because all I’m reading is that we’re going to hit record-breaking temps in the UK this summer, and for once in my life, it may actually be too hot for a Sunday roast…I know, I’m shocked too. We all know how much I live for a good roast dinner. 

So instead of my weekly ritual, I’m switching out the roasties and gravy for an absolutely delicious hot honey halloumi and pomegranate salad. It’s vibrant, zesty and most importantly…cheesy. A salad to me doesn’t consist of green leaves and a scattering of topics. I want fruit, nuts, creamy dressings, a bit of spice and a lot of pan-fried halloumi. Give me Greece vibes in the West Midlands, please. 

What’s actually in this salad? 

To me this is a fun salad because it’s bursting with all kinds of tastes and textures. It’s the kinda salad you don’t want to finish. And you’ll feel good about yourself whilst eating it because it’s got all the superfoods going on. 

The base includes cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, pomegranate, rocket, orange, red onion, pine nuts and crumbled feta. This is then topped with pan-fried halloumi coated in hot honey. Any orange segments leftover are great to throw on top too.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can, but I’d recommend keeping the halloumi separate until you’re ready to serve. You can prep the other bits a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Add the hot honey halloumi at the last minute so it stays warm and crispy. There’s nothing better than freshly cooked halloumi. 

What can I serve with hot honey halloumi salad?

If you’re cooking for more or want to make this dish a little more substantial, add in chickpeas or cous cous. Not only does this add another lovely texture, but it’s also a cost-effective way to stretch the dish a little. Perfect for people who need carbs in their life.

You could also serve this alongside grilled meats, prawns or roast chicken if you want some added protein with your evening meal. 

How can I make this vegan?

Swap the halloumi and feta for a vegan alternative or crispy tofu. Replace the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup mixed with chilli flakes to create a vegan version of hot honey. 

What if I don’t like halloumi?

You can swap the halloumi for grilled chicken, prawns, crispy chickpeas, roasted cauliflower or even extra chunks of feta. The sweet-spicy dressing works with all sorts of proteins and vegetables.

Is hot honey very spicy?

Not necessarily. I make my own hot honey so I can adjust the heat level to what I like. If making at home, simply add a small pinch of chilli flakes to runny honeny and add more to taste. If you prefer no heat at all, simply use regular honey.

What other nuts can I use?

Pine nuts add a lovely flavour, but toasted almonds, pistachios, walnuts or pecans would all work well. Just make sure that if you’re toasting them, keep your eye on them as they can burn super fast!

What can I use instead of pomegranate?

If pomegranates aren’t in season, try dried cranberries, chopped grapes, strawberries or even diced apple for a similar sweet contrast. You’ll want that bit of sweetness though. 

Can I use a different cheese?

Yesss. Crumbled goat’s cheese, whipped feta, mozzarella or grilled paneer would be so good. 

How do I stop halloumi becoming rubbery?

Halloumi is best served immediately after cooking. Make sure your pan is hot before adding it and cook just until golden on each side. Overcooking can make it a little chewy.

What vegetables can I add?

This recipe is very forgiving. Try sugar snap peas, red pepper, avocado, courgette, tenderstem broccoli or shredded red cabbage depending on what you have in the fridge.

Can I use shop-bought hot honey?

Of course. If you’ve got a bottle in the cupboard, use it. Homemade is great because you can control the spice level, but either works perfectly.

Is this salad good for entertaining?

It’s PERFECT. The colours are gorgeous, it looks impressive on a sharing platter, and most of the prep can be done in advance. Just cook the halloumi and drizzle over the hot honey right before serving.

What’s the best way to turn this into a main meal?

Add couscous, giant couscous, quinoa, chickpeas or butter beans to bulk it out. Warm flatbreads on the side also make it feel like a proper summer feast.