_Sips wine while typing_
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to a salad that’s about to become your dinner party’s MVP – trust me, this isn’t your basic grocery store mix! This Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece has earned me countless “Can I get the recipe?” texts at 11 PM, and honestly, I’m tired of typing it out every time (kidding, I love you all! 😘).
Picture this: crisp romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, perfectly seared garlic shrimp, and – wait for it – warm, honey-glazed halloumi cheese chunks that are literally to die for. I mean, who doesn’t love cheese that doesn’t melt but gets all golden and gooey?
Here’s what you’ll need (shopping list screenshot-worthy):
– 2 hearts of romaine, chopped
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 large avocado, diced
– 1 block halloumi cheese, cubed
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– Fresh basil leaves
– Honey for drizzling
For the dressing (and honey, this is where the magic happens):
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
(Quick pause! If you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for daily recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance! 💃)
Now, let’s get cooking (in style, of course):
1. Toast those pine nuts in a dry pan until golden – but watch them like a hawk! One minute you’re checking Instagram, the next they’re burnt. We’ve all been there!
1. In the same pan, sear your shrimp with garlic until pink and perfect (about 2-3 minutes per side). Set aside and try not to eat them all while preparing the rest!
1. Now for the star of the show – cut your halloumi into chunks and fry until golden brown. Drizzle with a touch of honey when they’re done. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds!
1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until they’re as smooth as your favorite silk pajamas.
1. Assembly time! Layer your romaine, tomatoes, and avocado. Add the warm shrimp and halloumi (this contrast of warm and cold is everything!), sprinkle with pine nuts and torn basil leaves.
1. Drizzle with that heavenly dressing and serve immediately!
Pro tip: Pair this with a crisp white wine, and you’ve got yourself a dinner worthy of a food magazine cover!
Y’all, I can’t even tell you how many marriage proposals this salad has sparked (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but only slightly! 😉). It’s the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and a little bit fancy – without being pretentious.
Don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more recipes that’ll make your kitchen the hottest reservation in town! Drop a comment below and let me know if this salad was as life-changing for you as it was for me. Seriously, I’m dying to hear your thoughts, and maybe even your tweaks – we’re all food artists here!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another glass of wine calling my name and leftovers of this salad in the fridge. XOXO! 🥗✨
