Cauliflower rice has become a favorite alternative to traditional rice for its versatility and nutritional benefits, and pairing it with grilled halloumi seemed like a natural fit. This recipe is delicious and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
This Mediterranean-inspired Cauliflower Rice with Grilled Halloumi is a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the week!
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Ingredients for Cauliflower Rice with Halloumi
- 14 oz (400 g) cauliflower rice
- 7 oz (200 g) halloumi
- 3,5 oz (100 g) any kind of nuts (such as cashew, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts)
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon liquid honey
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs and spices of your choice
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Grill the Halloumi: Cut the halloumi into slices/cubes. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush halloumi slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown grill marks appear. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toast the Nuts: In a separate pan, toast the nuts over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, liquid honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, grilled halloumi, toasted nuts, and thinly sliced green onion. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the cauliflower rice and halloumi mixture to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Course: Accompany it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors.
- Side Dish with Protein: Pair it with Grilled Chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and balanced meal.
- In a Buddha Bowl: Include the Cauliflower Rice with Grilled Halloumi in a Buddha bowl alongside other colorful vegetables, grains, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a nourishing and vibrant meal.
- Wrap it Up: Stuff the cauliflower rice mixture into whole-grain wraps or pita bread, along with some fresh greens and a dollop of Tzatziki Sauce for a delicious and portable lunch option.
- As a Topping: Use the Cauliflower Rice as a flavorful topping for baked sweet potatoes or Stuffed Bell Peppers.
- With a Fresh Salsa: Top the cauliflower rice and halloumi with a homemade salsa made from diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs for a burst of freshness and color. Or serve it with a Special Hot Sauce Adjika to give the dish a spicy kick.
- With a Creamy Sauce: Drizzle a Creamy Tahini-Orange Dressing or yogurt-based sauce over the cauliflower rice.
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Variations and Customizations
- Vegan Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the halloumi and increase the quantity of nuts or add grilled tofu, tempeh or grilled portobello mushrooms for protein.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze some fresh lime or orange juice over the cauliflower rice and halloumi before serving.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers to the dish.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Rice: Stir in some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess.
- Grain Addition: Mix cooked quinoa, bulgur wheat, or couscous with the cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
- Sweet and Savory: Add diced dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries to the dish for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- Herb-infused Cauliflower Rice: Mix chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil into the cauliflower rice for added freshness and flavor ⇓⇓⇓
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FAQ
Q1 Can I use frozen cauliflower rice instead of fresh? Yes. Simply follow the package instructions to cook or thaw it before using in the recipe.
Q2 I don’t have access to halloumi. What can I use as a substitute? You can substitute halloumi with a firm cheese that can withstand grilling, such as paneer or haloumy. Alternatively, grilled tofu or tempeh can be used for a vegan option.
Q3 How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q4 Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Q5 How can I make this dish more kid-friendly? To make this dish more appealing to kids, you can try cutting the halloumi into fun shapes or incorporating their favorite veggies into the cauliflower rice. Adding grilled sweet corn is an option.
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Cauliflower Rice with Grilled Halloumi and Nutty Crunch
Equipment
- 1 cooking pan
Ingredients
- 14 oz cauliflower rice 400 g
- 7 oz halloumi 200 g
- 3,5 oz any kind of nuts (such as cashew, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts) 100 g
- 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp liquid honey or maple syrup/agave syrup
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Herbs and spices of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Cut the halloumi into slices/cubes. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush halloumi slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown grill marks appear. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate pan, toast the nuts over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, liquid honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, grilled halloumi, toasted nuts, and thinly sliced green onion. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the cauliflower rice and halloumi mixture to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!