There are salads…and then there are SALADS.

This grilled peach halloumi salad has quickly become one of my favorite summer lunches because it hits all the notes: sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, fresh, and surprisingly satisfying. If you’ve never grilled peaches before, this is your sign. They become caramelized, juicy, and pair perfectly with salty halloumi cheese.

As a registered dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make salads more filling, and this one delivers. Between the halloumi cheese and pumpkin seeds, you’ll get protein, healthy fats, and enough staying power to keep you full for hours.

Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or just trying to use up ripe peaches while they’re in season, this recipe is one you’ll come back to all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• High in protein to help keep you satisfied
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Perfect for summer entertaining
• Naturally vegetarian
• Packed with color, flavor, and texture
• Looks impressive but is incredibly simple to make

Why I Love Halloumi

If you’ve never cooked with halloumi, prepare to become obsessed. Halloumi is a firm cheese that holds its shape when heated instead of melting. That means you can grill or pan-sear it until the outside is golden and crispy while the inside stays soft and chewy. It’s one of my favorite ways to add protein to vegetarian meals without relying on beans or tofu every time.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• Mixed greens
• Fresh peaches, halved
• Halloumi cheese
• Fresh mint
• Pumpkin seeds

For the Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

How to Make Grilled Peach Halloumi Salad

Step 1

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.

Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the peaches begin to soften.

Step 2

Slice the halloumi into thick pieces and grill for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 3

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4

Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter.

Top with grilled peaches, grilled halloumi, mint, and pumpkin seeds.

Step 5

Drizzle with the dressing just before serving and enjoy immediately.

Dietitian Tips

One of the easiest ways to build a more satisfying salad is to make sure it contains all three of these:

• Protein
• Healthy fats
• Fiber

Many salads are mostly vegetables, which means you’re hungry again an hour later. Adding halloumi, peaches, and pumpkin seeds makes this a balanced meal that actually keeps you full.

If you want even more protein, pair it with grilled salmon, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein.

Recipe Variations

• Swap nectarines for peaches.
• Use arugula instead of mixed greens for a peppery bite.
• Add blueberries for extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle with fresh basil instead of mint.
• Top with grilled salmon for even more protein.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and wait to grill the peaches and halloumi until just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does halloumi taste like?

Halloumi is mild, slightly salty, and develops a delicious crispy exterior when grilled.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all of the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.

Can I use another cheese?

Absolutely. Burrata, fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese all work well, although they won’t have the same grilled texture as halloumi.

More High-Protein Summer Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for more easy, high-protein recipes, be sure to browse the rest of my summer collection. My goal is always to create recipes that taste amazing while helping you fuel your body, build muscle, and make healthy eating feel effortless.