Mediterranean Lentil & Halloumi Bowl
A vibrant and nourishing dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired lentil and rice salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a powerhouse meal.
Tender lentils and fluffy rice form the hearty base, creating a complete protein source with all nine essential amino acids—perfect for a satisfying and balanced plate. Juicy tomatoes add a burst of freshness along with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its health benefits. Zucchini brings a light crunch and a boost of fiber, supporting digestion and overall wellness.
The salad is topped with golden, pan-seared halloumi cheese, adding a touch of salty goodness and a rich, savory bite. Beyond its flavor, halloumi also provides calcium, supporting strong bones and overall vitality.
This dish is a perfect balance of textures and tastes—nutty, fresh, savory, and satisfying. Whether served warm or chilled, it makes a wholesome main course or a vibrant side dish for any occasion.
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Mediterranean Lentil & Halloumi Bowl
Description
A vibrant, nourishing salad that brings together hearty lentils, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and golden-seared halloumi cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome meal on its own.
- Complete Protein: Lentils and rice together provide all nine essential amino acids, making this salad a plant-powered protein source.
- Nutrient Boost: Tomatoes add lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while zucchini contributes fiber for digestive health.
- Calcium & Flavor: Halloumi cheese adds a salty, savory bite while delivering a dose of calcium.
- Balanced & Satisfying: With protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this salad is both filling and energizing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils.
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups ribboned zucchinis
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 package halloumi cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lentils according to the package.
- Cook rice according to the package.
- Wash zucchini and tomatoes.
- Ribbon zucchini with a vegetable peeler or thinly slice.
- Cut tomatoes in half
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat.
- Open a package of halloumi cheese and slice it into eight slices. Cook in the preheated pan for 2-3 mins per side until golden and crispy.
- Add olive oil to the pan, then add the tomatoes, zucchini, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Assemble bowl with rice, lentils, zucchini, and tomatoes.
- Add halloumi cheese and sprinkle fresh basil over top.
OR
- Cook lentils according to the package.
- Cook rice according to the package.
- Wash zucchini and tomatoes.
- Ribbon zucchini with a vegetable peeler or thinly slice.
- Cut the tomatoes in half
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat.
- Open a package of halloumi cheese and slice it into eight slices. Cook in the preheated pan for 2-3 mins per side until golden and crispy.
- Mix olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble bowl with rice, lentils, fresh zucchini, and tomatoes.
- Drizzle basil dressing over and add fried halloumi cheese.
Notes
- Can substitute canned lentils, rinsed and drained.
- Can substitute quinoa, farro, or any grain you prefer.
- Add sauteed or fresh mushrooms for an extra punch of nutrients and vitamin D.
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