Super Fresh Grilled Halloumi with Fluffy Rice, Creamy Herb Yogurt & Greek-Style Salad

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🌿 Introduction:

This dish brings together the savory, salty goodness of grilled halloumi with light and fluffy basmati rice, a cooling and tangy herb yogurt, and a zesty Greek-style salad. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors: creamy, crunchy, juicy, smoky, and herbaceous. Ready in under 40 minutes, this meal is both impressive and easy to pull off — ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast.

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🛒 Ingredients:

For the Halloumi:

• 250g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1cm thick pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional: a pinch of dried oregano or chili flakes

For the Fluffy Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil or a knob of butter (optional)

For the Creamy Herb Yogurt:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Greek-Style Salad:

• 1 cucumber, chopped into small chunks
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced or cherry tomatoes halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• A handful of Kalamata olives
• ½ green or red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• Feta cheese (optional for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

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🍳 Instructions & Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
4. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Yogurt

1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped herbs.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld while everything else cooks.

Step 3: Toss the Greek Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and bell pepper.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice), sprinkle with oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently and top with crumbled feta if using.

Step 4: Grill the Halloumi

1. Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the halloumi slices lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper (and optional oregano or chili flakes).
3. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred.

Step 5: Plate & Serve

1. On each plate, add a generous scoop of fluffy rice.
2. Add a few slices of grilled halloumi on top or to the side.
3. Spoon a big dollop of herb yogurt on the plate.
4. Pile on a generous portion of the Greek-style salad.
5. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of olive oil.

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👨‍🍳 Tips & Variations:

• Add chickpeas or grilled vegetables for a heartier version.
• Use bulgur or couscous instead of rice for a twist.
• For a spicy kick, add harissa or chili oil to the yogurt.

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🥗 Serving Suggestions:

Serve this dish warm with pita bread or flatbread on the side. It pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.