Halloumi & Poached Pear Salad

Halloumi & Poached Pear Salad is a delightful dish that combines the savory saltiness of halloumi cheese with the sweet and tender flavors of poached pears, all atop a bed of fresh greens. Here's a recipe to make this delicious salad:

Ingredients:

For the Poached Pears:

- 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored

- 2 cups water

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Salad:

- 1 package halloumi cheese, sliced

- Mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or lettuce)

- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped

- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

- Olive oil, for frying halloumi

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. To poach the pears, in a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Add the pear halves to the saucepan, cut side down. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Remove the poached pears from the saucepan and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, slice the pears into thin wedges.

4. While the pears are poaching, prepare the halloumi. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.

5. To assemble the salad, arrange the mixed salad greens on a serving platter or individual plates.

6. Top the greens with the sliced poached pears, fried halloumi slices, chopped toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or raisins.

7. Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and a little extra olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve the Halloumi & Poached Pear Salad immediately, while the halloumi is still warm.

This salad makes for a delicious and elegant appetizer or light meal. The combination of flavors and textures creates a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch. Enjoy!