It's not summer if there isn't massive amounts of zucchini everywhere. You're probably experiencing this too. You go to the grocery store and the zucchini is marked down so cheap that you can't say no. And so you don't, but then you don't know what to do with it. One can only have grilled zucchini so many times, you know?
Also, I think it's weird that zucchini is literally everywhere but its flower - the zucchini flower - is kinda this rare, expensive little bird that people oooo and ahhhh at. Why aren't there more? Doesn't each zucchini get a flower too? Is this how this works? Nature confuses me.
This salad is ribboned, which I'm obsessed with because it's soooo pretty. And it being ribboned means you can eat the zucchini raw like it ain't no thang. Also, I love ribbons. It's my dream to have big organized drawers in my home full of ribbons. What I would do with them? Who cares. I love ribbons!
Can we agree that the only thing better than normal cheese is SEARED GOOEY CHEESE! This is a fact. Haloumi cooks, sears on both sides without just melting in a big globby mess. I love it.
Haloumi is a salty cheese that when uncooked tastes a little rubbery. I actually still like it uncooked. But when it's seared, the outside is nice and crispy and the center is warm and cheesy.
This salad only gets better with toasted pine nuts, fresh Italian parsley, capers and a simple shallot vinaigrette.
This is dinner that can literally be made in like 15 minutes. It's all so super simple.
I got all of the ingredients together and then seared the cheese. Tossing the salad with the seared cheese actually warms the rest of the salad to the perfect temperature - not too hot and not too cold.
Now, umm…can you please make this for dinner?
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot from about ½ of a large shallot
- Salt
- Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or rice wine vinegar
Salad:
- 1 ½ pounds zucchini ends trimmed and ribboned
- 1 cup Italian parsley stems discarded
- 3 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 6 ounces haloumi cubed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the shallot, pinch of salt and pepper, crushed red pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. Whisking the entire time, add the vinegar and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
- To a large bowl, add the zucchini, parsley and capers. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, shaking the pan every so often, for 1 to 2 minutes and until lightly golden brown. Pour the pine nuts into the zucchini/parsley bowl.
- Using the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cubed haloumi and sear on its first side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip, using a pair of tongs, searing the cheese on its opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Immediately add the haloumi to the salad bowl, add half of the dressing and gently toss. Add more dressing to your liking, tossing once more. Serve immediately.
kickpleat says
Haloumi is great - so salty and I love the chewy, squeaky texture! I'll have to try this since it's always a chore to get me & my husband to eat zucchini, but cheese is the great motivator!
michelle says
oooh, i love haloumi!!! i cannot get enough of it and i tell myself because it is not gooey cheese, it is not as fattening. i know.. sounds weird too, when i say it out loud!
thanks for this, another recipe to try!
Nicole Klein says
This is my go to recipe for zucchini! Also a great way to get a daily dose of greens without having to taste them.
http://www.marthastewart.com/851872/zucchini-banana-and-flaxseed-muffins
Also- thanks for posting our pic on your july post! 🙂
Adrianna Adarme says
Oh YAY! Thank you for coming! And those muffins look awesome. I need to make something breakfasty with muffins soon!
misskimberlynn says
OH. WOW. This salad is right up my alley (especially the haloumi)! I have the same issue with an abundance of zucchini this summer because we planted zucchini in the community garden and they went bonkers. I use your zucchini fries recipe a lot! (I guess I could have worse problems haha)
dervla says
making it tonight, off i go to trader joe's right now! Thanks for the inspiration. I have your recipes permanently on my phone to refer to in trader joe's 🙂
Adrianna Adarme says
Ahh! YAY! Hope you like it! P.S.You might have trouble finding haloumi at TJ's. I looked at my local one and they didn't have it. Whole Foods or a cheese shop will have haloumi.
Tracy | Peanut Butter and Onion says
I usually don't like zucchini raw....and I have never heard of haloumi before.
You can learn and eat something new everyday
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
THIS. is freaking fabulous.
Tammela says
Yum -- I love zucchini and halloumi. I've made a similar salad but grilled the zucchini as well as the cheese: http://taplatt.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/recipe-zucchini-hazelnut-salad-with-grilled-haloumi/
Jamie G says
Haloumi cheese has been my summer obsession. What a perfect and tasty way to use up the prolific zucchini harvest.
Tieghan says
I love zucchini ribbons and anything with warm cheese is always a winner in my books! Such a pretty salad!
kelley {mountain mama cooks} says
This is gorgeous and the flavors are wonderful!!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
So fun! I love interesting salads like this. Yum!
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
Such a pretty salad! The capers are a perfect finishing touch!
Belinda @themoonblushbaker says
I have a weakness for all cheese and grilled veggie combos but especially with haloumi. Zingy and fresh, just what i need in the middle of winter.
I think zucchini flower was too over priced for what they are worth. My grandmother used to give us loads for free as she grew them. I guess you can say they became the new foodie it food which means higher prices....
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Haloumi looks like paneer cheese! Love this salad and can't wait to try it