Grilled Halloumi and Peach Salad Recipe

Is anyone else’s dinner table a daily negotiation? I feel you. One kid is suspicious of anything green, another thinks all foods should be beige, and you’re just trying to get a decent meal on the table without a mutiny.

That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite: Grilled Halloumi and Peach Salad. I know, I know. “Salad” can be a scary word. But hear me out. This isn’t a sad bowl of lettuce. It’s a fun, colorful plate that feels like a treat, much like a refreshing summer berry and peach cheesecake. It’s got that magical mix of sweet and savory that can win over even the toughest critics.

Think of it as a gourmet food hack for busy families. It looks fancy but comes together in minutes. The best part? It’s a total team effort. Let’s make dinner fun again.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
• Category: Main Dish Salad
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

My kids were skeptical at first. Cheese and fruit? Together? But this dish is a masterclass in kid appeal. First, halloumi is a squeaky, salty grilled cheese that doesn’t melt into a mess. Kids love the texture and the fun “squeak.”

The peaches get sweet and caramelized on the grill. They taste like summer dessert. When you put the warm, salty cheese and sweet fruit together, it’s a flavor party. The greens are just a fresh, crunchy backdrop. It’s a win for everyone.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I keep things simple. You can find everything at a regular grocery store. No fancy hunting required.

• 1 block (8-9 oz) halloumi cheese
• 2-3 ripe but firm peaches
• 5 oz (about 5 big handfuls) baby spinach or arugula
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting little hands involved is my secret weapon. When they help make it, they’re way more likely to try it. Here are two perfect jobs.

Job 1: The Peach Washer and Pat-Dry Expert. Give them the peaches and let them wash and gently dry them with a clean towel. Supervised, of course!

Job 2: The Dressing Shaker. Put the honey, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil in a small jar with a tight lid. Let them shake it like crazy until it’s all mixed up. They’ll have a blast.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let the steps fool you. This is incredibly fast. I make this on our busiest weeknights, but when I want something more indulgent and comforting, I turn to a family favorite like this creamy beef and shells recipe.

1. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the halloumi block into 1/2-inch thick slices. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
3. Brush the peach halves and halloumi slices lightly with one tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Place the peaches and halloumi on the hot grill. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side until you get nice grill marks and it’s golden. Grill the peaches for 3-4 minutes per side until softened and charred.
5. Remove everything from the grill. Let the peaches cool slightly, then slice them into wedges.
6. Divide the baby spinach among four plates. Top with the grilled peach wedges and halloumi slices.
7. Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing you (or your helper!) made over each salad.
8. Sprinkle with sliced almonds, add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper, and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

Every family has different tastes. Here’s how to make this meal work for yours.

For super sensitive kids, serve it deconstructed. Put the spinach, grilled peaches, grilled halloumi, and dressing in separate little bowls. Let them build their own plate.

Got a protein lover? Add some grilled chicken strips or chickpeas on the side. For the adults, crispy chopped bacon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze is amazing.

Not a peach fan? Try this with nectarines or even thick slices of watermelon. The sweet and salty combo still works perfectly. Or, if you’re looking for another fantastic way to use ripe peaches, you have to try these delicious fresh peach fritters for dessert.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

This salad is best fresh, but you can prep parts ahead for a super fast assembly.

You can grill the halloumi and peaches ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for 1-2 days. The halloumi will firm up when cold.

To serve, just pop the cheese and peaches on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to warm through. Then assemble your salad. It’s a huge time-saver.

Nutrition Notes

As a parent, I love that this meal packs a good nutritional punch without a fight.

• High in Protein: Halloumi is a great source of protein to keep little bellies full.
• Full of Vitamins: Peaches and spinach give us vitamins A and C.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and almonds provide good fats for growing brains.
• Calcium Boost: Halloumi is also rich in calcium for strong bones.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I cook this without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove works great. No grill pan? Use a regular non-stick skillet. You won’t get the grill marks, but you’ll still get that delicious golden, squeaky cheese and softened peaches.

My store doesn’t have halloumi. What can I use instead?

This is a common hiccup! A good substitute is thick slices of paneer cheese. It has a similar firm texture that holds up to grilling. For a dairy-free option, extra-firm tofu pressed and marinated in a little soy sauce works in a pinch.

Is halloumi cheese really salty for kids?

It is a saltier cheese, which is why it’s so tasty. A little goes a long way. I serve thinner slices to my younger kids and pair it with the sweet peach and mild greens. The balance is just right. You can also soak the sliced halloumi in cold water for 10 minutes before grilling to remove some salt.

So there you have it. Our secret weapon for a happy, healthy, and surprisingly easy summer dinner. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a fun food experience that gets everyone involved.

I truly hope this recipe brings a little peace (and a lot of flavor) to your table. It’s been a game-changer for us.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids get a kick out of the squeaky cheese? Please leave a comment and rating below!