Gone are the days of bland and boring salads! This pumpkin, halloumi and avocado salad makes for a perfect weeknight dinner - minimal effort, maximum taste.
It's hard to play favourites with recipes, but if I *had* to, this Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado salad wins. And given that it's been the most popular recipe on the blog since I first posted in over a year ago, it seems to be your favourite too.
This doesn't really surprise me. Whether you're an avid salad eater or a notorious salad avoider, this is the salad for you.
It's filled with three of the most universally loved ingredients.
It's really easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
AND it's a salad that you can really get excited about.
I know what you're thinking right now - how exactly can I get excited about a salad? By putting halloumi cheese in it of course!
WHAT IS HALLOUMI?
Halloumi is a salty cheese from Cyprus that is made commonly from either cow's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a high melting point which allows it to be pan-fried or even deep fried. Although it can be eaten raw, it is most commonly enjoyed cooked.
WHERE TO FIND HALLOUMI?
Halloumi generally comes in prepacked blocks. In Australia, NZ and the UK, halloumi is found in all major supermarkets. In America it can generally be found in Whole Foods and Trader Joes. If you are struggling to find it, you can always try a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern deli.
HOW TO COOK HALLOUMI?
Halloumi can be cooked in many ways, including pan-fried, grilled, barbecued and baked. I opt for pan-fried halloumi when making this salad. It's quick and easy:
- Cut the halloumi into slices 1cm thick.
- Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan on medium heat
- Place slices in pan with a little space in between.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until brown and slightly crispy, then turn and cook the other side.
If you want to cook the halloumi on a BBQ, I've listed full instructions and photo guides in my How To Cook Halloumi post. It also has some great meal ideas for using up any leftover halloumi.
PUMPKIN, HALLOUMI AND AVOCADO SALAD INGREDIENTS:
When I said this salad was easy to put together I wasn't joking. Aside from possibly tracking down a block of halloumi I bet you have most of these ingredients already.
- Roasted Pumpkin - any good roasting pumpkin or squash would work for this recipe.
- Halloumi
- Avocado
- Lettuce
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Salt + Pepper
Throw it all together in a bowl and dig in!
TOP TIP: Meal prep some roasted pumpkin at the start of the week and you'll have this salad on the table each night in ten minutes flat.
This recipe uses half a standard block of halloumi. Find easy ways to use the rest of the block by looking through these 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes!
MORE SCRUMPTIOUS SALAD RECIPES:
- Roast Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad
- Mexican Chicken Salad
- Mango Avocado Salad
- Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad
- Crunchy Kale Salad with Lemon Tamari Dressing
- Roasted Sweet Potato, Avocado and Feta Salad
- 35 Easy and Yummy Salad Recipes
- OR see all Salad Recipes
If you’ve tried this Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.
Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad
Gone are the days of bland and boring salads! This pumpkin, halloumi and avocado salad makes for a perfect weeknight dinner - minimal effort, maximum taste.
Ingredients
- ¼ pumpkin, see notes
- 90 grams / 3 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1cm thick
- ½ avocado, diced
- mixed lettuce, I used a 4 leaf mix but you can just use rocket
- salt + pepper
- 1 & ½ Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Optional
- pine nuts, sprinkle on top of finished salad
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C / 350F
- Chop pumpkin into bite size pieces, place on a baking tray and drizzle with 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Mix together, then separate out. Cook for 30 – 40 minutes, until browned, flipping pieces’ half way through.
- Mix 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar in small jar and shake to combine to make a basic balsamic vinaigrette.
- Heat a frypan on medium-low and add ½ tbsp. olive oil. Fry halloumi pieces for approximately 2 minutes each side, or until browned. Be careful not to burn – they cook fast!
- Add lettuce to bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix well with your hands.
- Add in avocado, pumpkin and halloumi on top of lettuce, drizzle with dressing and serve immediately!
Notes
WHERE TO FIND HALOUMI:
- If you can't find halloumi cheese in major supermarkets near you, try a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern deli.
PUMPKIN - Any good roasting pumpkin or squash would work in this recipe. For aussies - my favourites are jap or kent.
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
- Try adding toasted pine nuts on top for additional crunch factor.
STORAGE
- I wouldn't recommend making this salad ahead due to the fact it uses avocado and halloumi which are best served immediately. If you want to cut down prep time, try roasting a batch of pumpkin at the beginning of the week. You can then either reheat or enjoy cold when putting together the salad.
UPDATES - First Published October 30, 2017. Last Updated December 8, 2018. No changes to the recipe, just updated photos & tips.
NUTRITION - Nutrition information is an estimate and is based on one serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 469
Punjabicurry says
Wow, amazing. I wish I could try them all.
Cassie says
Thanks 🙂
flavorofindia12 says
Awesome recipes. Awesome pics
A really marvellous effort at sharing tried and tested recipes
Cassie says
Thanks!
mounteverest says
Brilliant and so easy. Very tasty too
Cassie says
Glad you enjoyed!
Haveliharrispark says
Brilliant and so easy. Very tasty too
Cassie says
So glad you enjoyed!
maharaja says
Omg It looks so good, I would love to try it
Cassie says
Hope you get to!
theindianhut says
Awesome recipes. Awesome pics😋
Cassie says
Thanks!
Barb says
What size/weight is a "block" of haloumi?
It comes in all different sizes
Cassie says
Hi Barb! Great question - in supermarkets here in Australia the standard size is 180grams (approx 6ounces) but that might not be everywhere - so I'll update the recipe now.
Thanks 🙂
Ariasmith says
Oh this pumpkin salad looks so yummy and delicious too,
Thanks for all of your hard work cassie!!
https://m.ozfoodhunter.com.au/
Cassie says
Thank you Aria 🙂
Sophie James says
Waw
Its looking so yummy
thanks for sharing this PUMPKIN, HALOUMI AND AVOCADO SALAD
Cassie says
Thanks Sophie
CAFFAHOLIC says
yummilicious!!! Thanks for sharing this...i made this and my husband loves it 🙂
Cassie says
Awesome to hear! So glad you enjoyed! And hubby too!
Mica says
Oh yum, this looks so good! I'll have to try get some pumpkin for roast veggies, we haven't had it in a while and every now and then when I make too much roast veggies for dinner I add it to my salad the next day - pumpkin would be a yummy addition! 🙂
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Cassie says
I can't stop adding it to salads now haha!
Andreya says
oh!!! I didn't get an idea that pumpkins can be used in salads. This looks perfect. had to try once :). Thanks for sharing
Cassie says
Thanks Andreya!
HilLesha O'Nan says
I have never tried anything with Haloumi cheese in it, but this recipe looks delicious in every sense of the word! I'll have to try it someday.
Cassie says
It gets two thumbs up in our household!
TColeman says
I have never thought to put pumpkin into a salad. This is something I would definitely give a try.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy!
Heather says
This looks delicious and like a great way to use our pumpkins! I never would have thought to put pumpkin in a salad but am definitely trying this week!
Cassie says
It goes so well with salad!
jill conyers says
The flavors in your recipe sound wonderful. I'm loving pumpkin season!
Cassie says
Pumpkin everything is great in my books!
Brittany says
Pumpkin is such a versatile ingredient. I know that I don't use it to its full potential. I can't wait to try this recipe!
Cassie says
Thanks Brittany!
Cindy Ingalls says
I don't know if I've had Haloumi cheese before but it looks good. I do love cheese in my salad, especially when it's mixed with avocado and pumpkin.
Cassie says
Love a good cheese in a salad!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
This looks so fabulous! I love the combo of flavors here...can't wait to make it!
Cassie says
Enjoy Angela!
Nicole Kamai says
This looks so good and easy to make. I'm always looking for quick and easy lunch ideas!
Cassie says
Same!
Jeanine says
This is a unique spin on a salad and the flavors are probably great together! I've never tried this cheese before. I'll have to try it on a salad too!!
Cassie says
It's life changing cheese!
Cassie Tucker says
This salad sounds so good and healthy! This would be perfect for a week of meatless meals that I'm trying to talk my hubs into.
Cassie says
Absolutely! A week of meatless meals sounds like fun! So many delicious veggie ideas out there!
Candy Rachelle says
This pumpkin haloumi avocado salad looks so delicious and healthy. I really love any salad that has a twist of avocado.
Cassie says
Thanks Candy 🙂
Preet says
The salad looks so healthy and delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe and pictures, I am definitely adding this to my list of salads.
Cassie says
Thanks Preet 🙂
Brandi says
This looks healthy and delicious. So perfect for fall weather!
Cassie says
Thanks Brandi!
Kristyn says
Wow! Pumpkin in a salad. I never thought that they would go good together. But this looks really good. Looks like a good Fall salad.
Cassie says
I can't stop putting it in salads now!
Glenda says
Mmm, this pumpkin, Haloumi and Avocado salad look so tasty. I love adding avocado to a lot of my dishes.
Cassie says
Me too!
Debbie Savage says
This recipe looks like something my tummy would enjoy very much! I love anything with avocado in it. Going to see if I have all the ingredients tonight!
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Debbie!
Ayana Pitterson says
This looks amazing! Now, to be honest with you, I have never had haloumi cheese, nor do I know where I would get it. But, pinning this to try. Who doesn't love a quick easy and non boring salad.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Cassie says
Thanks Ayana 🙂 If you can't find it in a supermarket you may need to try a Greek deli! Or just try it at a Greek restaurant - they make it as an awesome appetiser!
Barbara Hunter says
Aldi sell a delicious haloumi.
Cassie says
I'll have to try it!
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries says
I've never tried Haloumi but I am a big fan of pumpkin and avocado. This looks like something I would definitely try putting together!
Cassie says
It's so good!
reesa says
I have never heard of this cheese before, I need to be on the look out for it. It sounds good!
Cassie says
It's absolutely delicious! If you can't find it at a supermarket you might need to try a Greek deli 🙂
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Yum! This looks so delicious!! I think my family will love this so much.
Cassie says
Thanks Angela!
Kaity | With Kids and Coffee says
I'm literally drooling over this salad. It has so many of my very favorite foods in it. I will definitely be trying before fall is over!! 🙂
Cassie says
Yay! Hope you enjoy!
AnnMarie John says
The spelling is always different, sometimes I think it's because of the brand, lol. Anyway, this recipe sounds really good and cheese is always a lovely addition to salads! I wouldn't mind giving this recipe a try and have it as often.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy AnnMarie! 🙂
nicki says
I would have never even thought about putting pumpkin in salad. Now I am addicted to it !! Love your recipe
Cassie says
I can't stop putting it in salads haha
Brandi H says
How have I never heard of haloumi before?! I love cheese! I'm on a salad and avocado kick right now so I need to check into this for sure!
Cassie says
I can't get enough salads at the moment!! Haloumi is delicious! Definitely worth a hunt for!
Ana De- Jesus says
I thought that haloumi couldn't get any better and then I saw you added pumpkin and avocado. This to me literally sounds like the best salad ever!
Cassie says
Thanks lovely! I'm pretty dang happy with it!
Terri Steffes says
I have had pumpkin and the H cheese (ha!) as a combo and they dressed it with a light lemon viniagrette that was amazing! I think the avocado was a good addition.
Cassie says
Haha the H cheese - love it Terri! Lemon vinaigrette with it sounds fantastic - now I wanna try!!!
Rebecca says
Wow, this looks incredible! Weird about the spelling though! x
Cassie says
Haha I think it's just one of those things!
Laura says
I'm not a big fan of Haloumi, Avocado or Pumpkin haha but my partner is so I am definitely going to send this on to him!
Laura || http://www.thelifeoflaura.com.au
Cassie says
Haha - not this salad for you then!
Carol Cassara says
Oh wow, this looks totally amazing! I really appreciate you sharing your salad recipes, I'm all about following my diet and this is going to help. Can't wait to try it.
Cassie says
Awesome Carol ! Enjoy 🙂
Ananda says
looks amazing! the golden Haloumi cheese is making me hungry! =)
Cassie says
SAME!
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
Never heard of this salad mix before but I'd certainly love to have this for breakfast. I didn't think to mix pumpkin and haloumi at all but it looks great.
Cassie says
It's a great combo!
Melissa Chapman says
That salad looks different and worth trying. I have never used pumpkin or haloumi so this would be a new experience for me.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy!
Karen Morse says
I'm a huge fan of cheese and they're really nice for adding some more flavor and texture to your salad. I don't care what it's called, it's really good and this salad recipe is a must try!
Cassie says
I'm all for cheese too!! Thanks Karen!
Jen Temcio says
So... I have never heard of Haloumi or Halloumi! I love trying new foods though and I am excited to try your recipe.
Cassie says
It's such a tasty cheese!
Melissa says
Yum! I never thought of including pumpkin in a salad, but this one definitely look so so good.
Cassie says
Thanks Melissa!
Liz says
This sounds like the perfect Halloween lunch! I will be making this tomorrow 🙂
Cassie says
I'd love to see a Halloween in America - we don't really do it here!
Cindy's Travel Diaries says
mmmmh yummmyyy
Cassie says
Thanks Cindy
Jolina says
I have been on a haloumi/halloumi kick lately (both spelling are "wrong" according to my spell-checker BTW LOL!). It's the cheese of the moment it seems. And for good reason! It's so good. We will be making this salad for sure.
Cassie says
I love it! It's definitely so versatile and in salads it's such a hero ingredient!
Kay says
This looks delicious, and it's so festive! I've been looking for ways that incorporate pumpkins in a healthy way, thank you!
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy Kay!
Susan Minich says
I have never heard of Haloumi - but I'm all about pumpkin and avocado! Seriously, I want that salad!
Cassie says
Thank you!
Kristina says
This looks tasty! I love salad and always up for trying something new! Healthy eating is something I need to do more of too.
Cassie says
I find if I mix it up often I stick to it!
Andrea says
Three great things that taste great together - i admit i've never tried the haloumi...
Cassie says
It's so good!!
princy says
I just started my dieting today again, and this seems perfect!
Cassie says
You won't even feel like you are dieting!
serena says
So true! If you can eat a salad without dressing and it's good thats a great sign. This recipe looks delicious! Can't wait to try it
Cassie says
Thanks so much Serena 🙂
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
That salad screams pumpkin patches, apple cider, changing leaves, and cool breezes. I love the addition of pumpkin!
Cassie says
Thanks lovely!
Beth Davidson says
What an interesting combination, I would never have thought of it. I will give it a try though, salads are my lunch staple right now and I love switching it up!
Cassie says
I can't get enough!
Jessica Joachim says
I have never had this kind of cheese before, but it looks really good and I do love cheese. I also really love avocado so I will have to try this whole thing out soon!
Cassie says
Haloumi is seriously one of my favourite cheeses!! So good! Hope you enjoy!
robin rue says
Dang! This salad sounds phenomenal. I have never had a salad quite like this before, but I sure am looking forward to trying it.
Cassie says
Thanks Robin 🙂
Katrina says
I've never heard of pumpkin Haloumi before but it actually sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Cassie says
Two different things - Pumpkin and Haloumi - Haloumi is a type of cheese 🙂 Hope you enjoy
Aitza B says
I never thought to put pumpkin in a salad. This looks super healthy and like it would carry be through a busy work day.
Cassie says
Hope you enjoy!