1 Shares

There’s an unmistakable charm that comes from the delicate balance of flavors in a well-made salad, and this Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad is a perfect example. Imagine the sweetness of fresh figs, harmonizing with the luscious richness of grilled halloumi, all brought together with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of warm spices. This dish isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s visually stunning and makes an impressive statement at any dinner party.

As the vibrant colors of figs contrast with the golden halloumi, it’s hard not to feel a sense of joy at the sight. And the best part? This versatile recipe adapts beautifully for any occasion, from elegant canapés to a delightful starter. With its gluten-free and vegetarian profile, it’s a crowd-pleaser that won’t leave you scrambling in the kitchen. So, let’s delve into this easy, indulgent salad that promises to elevate your dining experience!

Why is Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad special?

Flavor Explosion: This salad is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will tickle your taste buds!

Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of fresh figs and golden halloumi create an eye-catching dish that impresses at any dinner party.

Quick Preparation: With minimal cooking involved, you can whip up this canape or starter in no time—perfect for busy hosts!

Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free and vegetarian, this recipe caters to various dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it at the table.

Endless Variations: Want to mix it up? Substitute the figs with pears or swap the prosciutto for a plant-based alternative for a new twist.

Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

Fresh Figs – Adds sweetness and a chewy texture; use ripe figs for best flavor.
Honey – Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the figs; maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
Ras el Hanout – A spice blend that adds warmth and depth; cumin and coriander can substitute if unavailable.
Olive Oil – Enhances flavor and helps grill halloumi; can use avocado oil for a lighter option.
Halloumi – Provides a rich, salty flavor and satisfying texture when grilled; substitute with firm tofu for a vegan version.
Sherry Vinegar – Adds acidity and brightness; red wine vinegar can be a substitute.
Rocket – Offers a peppery bite and freshness; arugula or spinach can be used instead.
Prosciutto – Adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the salad; for a vegetarian version, omit this ingredient or replace with a smoked nut mixture.
Flaked Almonds (Toasted) – Adds crunch and nuttiness; pine nuts or walnuts can replace almonds.

How to Make Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad

Preheat the grill to its highest setting. This ensures that your halloumi will achieve a beautiful sear, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Drizzle fig halves with half the honey on a baking sheet. This will allow the figs to caramelize, intensifying their natural sweetness as they grill.
Dry-fry the ras el hanout in a hot pan for 1 minute until fragrant. This step focuses the spice blend’s flavor, elevating your salad’s overall taste!
Mix the remaining honey, dry-fried ras el hanout, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then toss halloumi slices in this lovely mixture. This marinade infuses each slice with warmth and sweetness.
Arrange halloumi on the other half of the baking sheet, placing the figs aside; grill everything for 3 minutes. This timing perfectly melts the cheese while softening the figs.
Flip halloumi and grill for another 3 minutes until golden and the figs are softened. Look for that delectable golden-brown color on the halloumi before removing!
Whisk remaining olive oil with sherry vinegar, season to taste. This vibrant dressing adds a tangy lift—so delightful!
Arrange handfuls of rocket on individual plates and drizzle with the dressing. The peppery freshness of rocket brings everything together beautifully.
Top each plate with figs, halloumi, prosciutto, and finish with toasted almonds. This finishing touch adds crunch and nuttiness, perfectly complementing the bowl of flavors.

Optional: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad?

Complement this beautiful salad with delightful additions that elevate your dining experience and cater to every palate.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up the rich halloumi and figs. It adds a satisfying crunch and heartiness to your meal.
Roasted Baby Potatoes: Their crispy texture and subtle earthiness contrast beautifully with the salad’s sweetness. A comforting addition to a vibrant dish.
Herbed Quinoa: This protein-packed side brings an aromatic herbaceous note that blends wonderfully with the salad’s flavors. It’s nutritious and slightly nutty!
Chilled White Wine: Opt for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the sweetness of the figs and the salty halloumi. The bright acidity is refreshing!
Seasonal Vegetable Platter: Fresh, seasonal veggies like asparagus and radishes add a crisp bite and bring more color to your table, enhancing the salad visually.
Mixed Green Salad: A light, citrusy salad can cleanse the palate and complement the honey-glazed flavors beautifully. A zesty vinaigrette ties it all together.
Chocolate Mousse: To finish on a sweet note, a rich chocolate mousse provides a luxurious contrast to the salad’s flavors. A perfect indulgence!

Make Ahead Options

These Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad components are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights. You can prepare the honey and ras el hanout mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, slice the halloumi and figs ahead of time, keeping them separated (to prevent the figs from browning), and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, grill the halloumi and figs just before plating, ensuring they’re warm and flavorful. Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving for the freshest taste. With these prep strategies, you’ll enjoy a delightful salad with minimal effort on the day of your dinner party!

Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad Variations

Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing this delectable salad with unforgettable twists!

Nuts Galore: Swap flaked almonds for toasted hazelnuts for a rich, nutty depth of flavor that beautifully complements the figs. The sweet crunch of hazelnuts will make each bite a delightful surprise.
Seasonal Switch: Replace figs with pears for a juicy, seasonal alternative that adds a fresh dimension to your salad. Slices of ripe pears will introduce a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with halloumi.
Plant-Based Delight: For a fully vegetarian option, omit prosciutto or use a vegan bacon alternative. You’ll still achieve that savory kick that makes this salad so satisfying.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil into your salad for an aromatic twist. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.
Citrus Burst: Incorporate orange zest into the dressing for an added zing. This splash of citrus will brighten up the salad and tie together the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
Sizzling Heat: Craving some spice? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or halloumi marinade for a warm kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the figs.
Veggie Additions: Consider adding roasted beets for an earthy, sweet twist. The juicy bites of beetroot will add both color and flavor, making your salad truly unforgettable.
Grainy Goodness: Serve alongside a scoop of quinoa or farro for a heartier dish. These grains add a delightful texture and fill you up, making this salad perfect for a cozy meal.

Storage Tips for Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad

Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day. This ensures the freshness of the figs and halloumi while preventing them from drying out.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy the leftovers, briefly reheat the halloumi in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side to regain its delightful texture.

Separation: To maintain the best flavors, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Serving Fresh: Remember, this Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad is best enjoyed fresh for that perfect balance of textures.

Tips for the Best Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad

Choose Ripe Figs: Ripe figs are essential for sweetness and texture; under-ripe figs can lead to a less satisfying dish.
Avoid Overcrowding: When grilling, make sure the halloumi isn’t overcrowded. This ensures that each piece gets a perfect sear and remains beautifully golden.
Monitor Grilling Time: Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of the halloumi to avoid rubbery or undercooked results.
Serve Fresh: For optimal texture, serve the Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad immediately. It’s at its best just off the grill!
Experiment with Dressings: Feel free to experiment with herbs or citrus in your dressing for an added layer of flavor that complements the complex spices.

Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting fresh figs?
Choose figs that are slightly soft to the touch, which indicates ripeness. Look for figs with smooth skin and no dark spots all over. The more aromatic the figs, the better! If you find any signs of mold or drying up, steer clear of those.

How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day. It’s best eaten fresh, as the figs and halloumi can lose their delightful textures. To enjoy leftovers, reheat the halloumi in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side for that just-grilled taste.

Can I freeze the Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad?
I don’t recommend freezing the salad as it contains fresh ingredients that don’t freeze well, particularly the figs and halloumi. If you have leftovers, consider freezing any prepared halloumi for later use (up to 3 months) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer bag. Just defrost and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

What if my halloumi isn’t grilling well?
If the halloumi sticks to the grill, it could be due to overcrowding or not using enough oil. Make sure the grill is well preheated and lightly oiled, allowing for enough space between each piece for the best sear. If the cheese seems rubbery, check the grilling time; further adjust it based on its thickness.

Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
The Spiced Honey-Glazed Halloumi & Fig Salad contains dairy (halloumi) and nuts (almonds). If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, feel free to substitute halloumi with firm tofu for a vegan alternative and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower in place of the nuts for crunch.

How can I modify this recipe for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, substitute halloumi with firm tofu marinated in the same honey and ras el hanout mixture. Omit the prosciutto or replace it with a delicious smoked nut mixture for depth of flavor. Also, replace honey with maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly!