Once upon a time I was the editor of a small newspaper in a small town. The small town had several cafes, but I frequented just one – the one that had a roast pumpkin and haloumi salad on its extensive menu. I never once deviated from this choice in all the times I went there – which is incredibly strange, as I love to try new things. I just couldn’t stray. If I was to meet someone for lunch, it was to this cafe I’d go, and to my beloved haloumi I would remain loyal.
One particular day, I was racing to get the paper finished by my 1pm deadline. Deadline days didn’t usually leave me much time to eat, save whatever snacks I had stashed in a drawer, or whatever lunch I brought from home, microwaved in fits and starts, and mouthfuls eaten sporadically between work. It usually went cold and I would sadly poke at it at about 1.02pm. This day though was hectic. I drank about nineteen cups of tea and tried to forget I was hungry. As soon as that deadline hit, and I saw the last page disappear into the printing ether, I raced out the door and flew down the street in record time. Which hard to do in small towns. People want to stop you and chat. Particularly when you’re the editor of the very popular (and slightly controversial) paper. I am sure I may have made a few more enemies that day, but I didn’t care, all I wanted was the pumpkin and haloumi salad, and ain’t nothing was going to stand in my way.
I don’t even remember eating it. But I’ve no doubt it was good.
As is this one – the salty crispness of the haloumi pairs so well with the smooth, sweet pumpkin and the lemon dressing really adds another dimension of deliciousness. Very easy to throw together, and you can add whatever you fancy to flesh it out – this recipe should just be a guide.
Ingredients:
4 cups chopped pumpkin
Several handfuls lettuce
1 can lentils, rinsed and drained well
2 ripe tomatoes (cherry tomatoes would be even better), quartered
2 packets haloumi, sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
Directions:
1. Roast the pumpkin and tomatoes in a 220C oven 15-20 minutes until soft and just starting to brown, turning once. I dusted mine with cinnamon, chili and sea salt.
2. Arrange the lettuce, lentils, tomatoes and/or whatever else you’re using on plates.
3. Mix the lemon juice, honey and olive oil.
4. Fry the haloumi over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, a couple of minutes.
5. Top the salad with haloumi and dressing.
I only had sad little iceberg lettuce today (thanks so much, Brisbane floods/Queensland cyclone!) but I would totally recommend a nicer lettuce.
I have never served my kids (or self) lentils. I am going to give this a try this weekend. It looks so yummy. Will let you know how it goes down!
I used to be terrifed of lentils. Then I ate them and was all like “you idiot”… nothing to be afraid of! They sort of don’t taste like anything in this salad.
This looks so good – going to try it this week!
I love it when people try my recipes! Hope you like it x
Yummmmm!
I know, right? Can’t go wrong with this one.
I love all the ingredients in this salad. Can’t wait to try it! We are growing our own lettuce and herbs to save money … the prices are extortionate in the shops! It’s amazing how quickly you go through it though.
One day, when my stomach isn’t the size of a house, I’m totally growing my own too 🙂
oh my lordy – was salivating as soon as i read the title…oh and then the picture – YUM!! can’t wait to make this one xx
You will have to tell me how you go!
These are a few of my favourite things …!!! Thanx for another great recipe – I’ve been following for a while, but haven’t left many comments! Just want you to know your readers appreciate you!
Wow, that is a truly lovely thing to say! Thank you, how lucky I am to have such beautiful readers x
You saved me! I’m off to a dinner at a lovely, but very trendy, friend’s house tonight and I’ve been commissioned to do the salad! I’m not good with salads. But this looks devine! Thank you!
I’m living, breathing proof that this particular dish not only tastes incredible, but has superhuman strength empowering qualities.
Omg, that looks amazing! I love haloumi, and pumpkin…and everything else in this salad. I’m definitely going to make this sometime soon 🙂 By the way, you blog looks adorable!
Damn, I would pay top dollar to have that for my lunch today. I’ve never teamed haloumi with lentils before and am now convinced that I need to.
oh my! tonight green bean and haloumi salad, tomorrow night – this!! deliciousness!
I used to be terrifed of lentils. Then I ate them and was all like “you idiot”… nothing to be afraid of! They sort of don't taste like anything in this salad.
I have never served my kids (or self) lentils. I am going to give this a try this weekend. It looks so yummy. Will let you know how it goes down!
This looks so good – going to try it this week!
Yummmmm!
I love all the ingredients in this salad. Can't wait to try it! We are growing our own lettuce and herbs to save money … the prices are extortionate in the shops! It's amazing how quickly you go through it though.
oh my lordy – was salivating as soon as i read the title…oh and then the picture – YUM!! can't wait to make this one xx
These are a few of my favourite things …!!! Thanx for another great recipe – I've been following for a while, but haven't left many comments! Just want you to know your readers appreciate you!
Wow, that is a truly lovely thing to say! Thank you, how lucky I am to have such beautiful readers x
One day, when my stomach isn't the size of a house, I'm totally growing my own too 🙂
I love it when people try my recipes! Hope you like it x
You saved me! I'm off to a dinner at a lovely, but very trendy, friend's house tonight and I've been commissioned to do the salad! I'm not good with salads. But this looks devine! Thank you!
I'm living, breathing proof that this particular dish not only tastes incredible, but has superhuman strength empowering qualities.
Omg, that looks amazing! I love haloumi, and pumpkin…and everything else in this salad. I'm definitely going to make this sometime soon 🙂 By the way, you blog looks adorable!
Damn, I would pay top dollar to have that for my lunch today. I've never teamed haloumi with lentils before and am now convinced that I need to.
oh my! tonight green bean and haloumi salad, tomorrow night – this!! deliciousness!
For something so simple this was DELICIOUS! It was a great contrast with the cold lettuce & tomato & the warm pumpkin & halloumi. Yum!
Oh man, you’re making me want to eat it nooooooowwwww! Yum! Glad you liked it xo
For something so simple this was DELICIOUS! It was a great contrast with the cold lettuce & tomato & the warm pumpkin & halloumi. Yum!
Oh man, you're making me want to eat it nooooooowwwww! Yum! Glad you liked it xo
This looks great. Gonna try it tonight for no meat Monday.
This looks great. Gonna try it tonight for no meat Monday.