Golden Halloumi and Tomato Christmas Skewers
Crispy golden halloumi cubes paired with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves on festive skewers. A simple yet impressive vegetarian appetiser that's perfect for Christmas gatherings.
A vibrant vegetarian salad featuring crispy za'atar roasted chickpeas, fresh Mediterranean vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and peppery spinach with a simple herb dressing.
This salad brings together roasted chickpeas with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese. The chickpeas get tossed with za'atar and roasted until they're golden and slightly crispy on the outside, which gives them a lovely texture that works well against the softer salad leaves.
The za'atar adds a herby, nutty flavour that pairs nicely with the Mediterranean vegetables. You get the sweetness from the cherry tomatoes, a bit of sharpness from the red onion, and the cucumber keeps everything fresh and crisp. The feta brings that salty, creamy element that ties it all together.
Serve while the chickpeas are still warm to gently wilt the spinach leaves without losing their texture.
The whole thing comes together in about 45 minutes, with most of that time being hands-off while the chickpeas roast in the oven. It's the sort of meal that feels substantial enough for lunch or dinner, but light enough that you don't feel overly full afterwards. The combination of protein from the chickpeas and cheese, along with all the vegetables, makes it quite satisfying.
You can prepare most of the vegetables while the chickpeas are in the oven, so the timing works out well. The salad is best eaten straight away, but the roasted chickpeas keep their texture for a while if you need to make it slightly ahead. The flavours are bright and clean, with enough going on to keep each bite interesting without being complicated.
Serve as a main course for lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled meat or fish.
Try adding sliced avocado or swap the feta for halloumi cubes. For extra protein, toss through some cooked quinoa.
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