This fried halloumi recipe is a perfect combination of salty cheese, burst cherry tomatoes and creamy white beans. Serve with crusty bread for a simple dinner.
Let's say goodbye to summer in the best way possible ☀️
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It's been too long since I shared a halloumi recipe. This one is so so delicious and, even better, it's just so easy. It would work as an appetizer at a dinner party, as part of a mezze platter or just as a main course with some crusty bread.
We've got some burst cherry tomatoes cooked with chilli for a little heat then the halloumi cheese is fried and tossed with the tomatoes. The combo of the roasted cherry tomatoes and halloumi kind of reminds me of this halloumi pasta which is one of my favourite recipes on the site.
I finish everything with white beans, nigella seeds, red onion and fresh mint. I like to add a handful of quartered fresh cherry tomatoes too, the contrast between the cooked and fresh tomatoes is so delicious and works amazingly with the fried cheese. It's so simple but everything works together perfectly.
Related: Try this delicious baked feta recipe for another summery cheesy dish!
Why we love this recipe...
It's an easy vegetarian main course which is packed with healthy ingredients and fresh flavours.
This would make a great quick and easy appetizer or dinner but would also work perfectly for a simple lunch.
It's really customisable depending on your preferences and what you have on hand.
It also makes great leftovers which last a couple of days in the fridge.
Related: This honey glazed halloumi is another one of my favourite summer recipes!
Ingredients
This section is here to provide further tips and ideas for alternative ingredients. The full recipe and instructions are included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Halloumi: I like to cube the halloumi for maximum crispy browned edges
Cherry Tomatoes: These are halved and cooked in a pan until saucey
Chilli: Adjust the amount of chilli depending on your spice preferences
Nigella Seeds: I love sprinkling these on top of pretty much anything - they're pretty and add a herby, slightly oniony flavour. Switch for sesame seeds if you prefer
White Beans: I added haricot beans but you could use any that you like
Red Onion: Keep this raw for a bit of bite and freshness
Mint: I love the freshness this adds to the dish but you could use pretty much any soft herb
If you're looking for another easy dish packed with tomato flavour try this pizza toast!
How to make fried halloumi
Fry the tomatoes: Put olive oil and tomatoes in a frying pan over a medium high heat with the chilli and cook until the tomatoes collapse.
Cook the halloumi: Pan fry the halloumi in the hot pan in the rest of the olive oil until golden brown on all sides.
Make the dish: Add the halloumi, tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients to a bowl and toss together. Serve immediately.
Variations
If you want to try something a little milder than halloumi then try another cheese with a high melting point like paneer.
Extra veggies would be great in this recipe if you're looking to bulk it out. Try some tenderstem broccoli pan fried with the halloumi or some chopped asparagus would be delicious too!
Serve this as a side dish to a steak or chicken breast for an extra hearty meal!
Storage
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I'd recommend gently reheating the leftovers before serving as cold halloumi tends to be a little rubbery. You can do this by putting into a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
FAQs
If you're using a nonstick pan then you shouldn't have too much trouble with the halloumi sticking but if you are concerned then you can use a little olive oil to help make sure it doesn't stick.
When you get a block of halloumi it will normally be in a small amount of brine so it's good to pat the halloumi dry before frying. If you're worried that the halloumi will be too salty then you can rinse it before cooking to reduce the saltiness.
You can buy halloumi at all good supermarkets.
Try these other halloumi recipes...
- Halloumi Breakfast Bowl with Salad
- Breakfast Muffin with Halloumi & Avocado Salsa
- Halloumi & Potato Cake with Fried Eggs
- Smoky Aubergine & Halloumi Bowls
- Roast Vegetable Salad with Halloumi
- Halloumi Skewers with Satay Sauce
Recipe
Fried Halloumi & Tomatoes with White Beans
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 400 g Halloumi cut into cubes
- 250 g Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 Chilli deseeded and sliced
- 1 teaspoon Nigella Seeds
- 1 400g tin White Beans
- ½ Red Onion thinly sliced
- Handful Cherry Tomatoes quartered
- 20 g Mint chopped
Instructions
- In a frying pan heat half the oil over a medium high heat and add the tomatoes and chilli. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes have released their juices.
- Put the tomatoes in a bowl and wipe out the pan. Heat the rest of the oil and fry the halloumi in batches until browned. Put in the bowl with the tomatoes along with the nigella seeds, white beans, onion, quartered fresh tomatoes and mint. Season to taste and tip onto a serving dish.
Notes
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Emily says
I’m obsessed with halloumi and this combo with tomatoes and white beans is delicious! So good!
Nathan says
I love halloumi, but I don't eat it nearly often enough! This recipe is so tasty and the flavors work so well together!
Teodora Grujic says
Cheese and tomatoes are my favorite combination, so I can't wait to try this. Thank you for sharing!
Michele says
We loved the combination of cheese, tomatoes and beans. Awesome flavor. Thanks for a great recipe.