Mediterranean salad with halloumi croutons

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this refreshing salad featuring delicious halloumi croutons. A perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of lettuce
• 2 large carrots
• 3 small Persian cucumbers
• 2 large marinated artichokes
• 1 roasted red pepper
• 6-8 slices of halloumi cheese
• 2-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Clean and roughly chop the lettuce before adding to a serving bowl.
2. Cut the carrots and cucumbers into thin slices, then add to the serving bowl.
3. Cut the artichokes lengthwise and add them to the serving bowl.
4. If you're using jarred roasted red peppers, take out a whole pepper or enough pieces to make a whole pepper. Chop them roughly and add to the serving bowl.
5. You have two options for cooking the halloumi: Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, or grill it. For the skillet method, preheat the pan over medium heat, then cook the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown. Once done, transfer to a cutting board, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them, and add to the serving bowl.
6. If you choose to grill the halloumi, place the slices on aluminum foil on a cooler section of the grill. Alternatively, on a gas grill, use a higher rack. Grilling may require a slightly longer cooking time, about 3-5 minutes per side, until the halloumi is deeply golden brown. After grilling, transfer to a cutting board, squeeze lemon juice over them, or let them cool on the foil before drizzling with lemon juice and adding to the serving bowl.
7. Finish by dressing with 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, the juice of the remaining half of lemon, and season with salt and pepper.

Summary:

• Calories: 1150 kcal
• Fat: 95 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Carbs: 52 g
• Potassium: 1524 mg
• Magnesium: 118 mg