Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of freshness in every bite! This Orange Kale Salad with Grilled Halloumi is a celebration of vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. With the wholesome goodness of kale, the zing of fresh oranges, and the indulgence of grilled halloumi, this salad is a true delight for the senses. Let’s dive into this kale orange salad recipe and create a masterpiece on your plate!

For the vinaigrette in this salad, I used my go-to simple Lemon & Basil Vinaigrette. You can find the recipe for that here.

Ingredients for this Kale Orange Salad

  • 1 block of halloumi cheese
  • 1 large orange, sliced
  • 5 cups of raw kale
  • 1/2 cup Lemon & Basil Vinaigrette or your favourite citrus vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, optional

How to Make This Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Toast Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds

    • Begin by toasting the pumpkin seeds. In a small pan over medium-high heat, add the pumpkin seeds.
    • Toast them for about 6-7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Remove from heat when they turn a beautiful golden brown. Set them aside to cool.

      Preparing the Kale

      • In a spacious mixing bowl, place the freshly washed and roughly chopped kale leaves.
      • Drizzle generously with the Lemon & Basil Vinaigrette. Now, it’s time for a little kitchen love – use your hands to gently mix and massage the kale. This step is crucial to tenderize the leaves and infuse them with the vinaigrette’s flavors.

        Slicing the Orange

        • Take the large orange and slice it into rounds, aiming for slices about 1/3 inch thick.
        • With a sharp knife, carefully remove the peel. Depending on your orange’s size, cut the slices into halves or quarters for easy consumption.

          Grilling the Halloumi

          • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil.
          • Grill the halloumi cheese for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until you see beautiful grill marks and the cheese turns slightly golden.

            Assembling the Salad

            • Place the grilled halloumi slices and orange segments atop the prepared kale leaves.
            • Sprinkle the toasted almonds and pumpkin seeds generously over the salad.

              A Final Touch

              • For an extra layer of creaminess and tanginess, consider adding crumbled goat cheese if desired.

                Your masterpiece, the Orange, Kale, and Grilled Halloumi Salad, is ready to dazzle your senses! With each forkful, you’ll experience the vibrant freshness of oranges, the wholesome heartiness of kale, the savory notes of halloumi, and the delightful crunch of almonds and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with a bit more vinaigrette if you wish.

                Serve this kale salad with

                Serve this kale salad with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a satisfying and wholesome meal. This salad is quite versatile so you can also add in any fresh herbs you might have around (like mint, basil and parsley) or any other veggies (like cucumber or peppers). You can even add one cup of cooked quinoa for some extra fibre!

    Final Thoughts

    This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s quick, easy, and a healthy choice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy your delicious bowl of freshness and share the love!

    Similar Posts