Blog 7 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Halloumi Cheese
14 May, 2024

7 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Halloumi Cheese

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When it comes to the world of cheese, halloumi cheese easily steals the show – it’s firm, it’s delicious, and it can be cooked in so many different ways. Whether you're in the mood for grilled cheese or raw cheese, halloumi is the perfect choice. And on top of all that, its salty flavor makes it a great addition to a variety of different side dishes. 



If you're looking to take your halloumi game to the next level, we've got your backs. Here are the top seven side dishes that go perfectly well with halloumi cheese: 



1. Tomato Zaatar Soup



Tomato Zaatar Soup is a delicious side dish that goes really well with halloumi cheese. This soup is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, including zaatar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that is made up of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. The zaatar's nutty flavor pairs well with fried bite-sized halloumi cheese. 



2. Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Mint



Pasta with cherry tomatoes and mint is the perfect side dish to pair with halloumi cheese. This delicious dish combines the salty, savory flavor of halloumi with the freshness of mint and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.



Simply cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions, and when it’s done, toss it with a mixture of cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve it alongside your grilled halloumi cheese and watch your taste buds go on an adventure!



3. Couscous Salad



Not only is couscous salad delicious and easy to make, but it also pairs perfectly with halloumi cheese. To start, boil one cup of couscous in two cups of water. Once cooked, toss in tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Top it off with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Serve it with grilled or fried halloumi on top or on the side. 



4. Rice Pilaf



Rice pilaf is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with halloumi cheese. It is made by cooking rice in a flavorful broth and a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables. To start, sauté some onions, garlic, and other veggies in a pan. Once soft, add the rice and cook until tender. Add a flavorful broth, herbs, and spices, and serve with fried or grilled halloumi.



5. Grilled Vegetables



Grilling vegetables is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. When served alongside halloumi cheese, grilled vegetables are an irresistible combination. Try grilling eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini to serve alongside halloumi cheese until they are tender and lightly charred. Grilled vegetables provide a great contrast in texture and their smokiness pairs perfectly with grilled halloumi cheese.



6. Roasted Potatoes



Roasted potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish to serve with halloumi cheese. To make, cut potatoes into wedges or cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, the perfect addition to fried halloumi cheese.



7. Sweet Chili Mayo



Nothing goes better with fried halloumi cheese than a delicious dipping sauce. Sweet chili mayo is a simple dipping sauce that will take your cheese platter to the next level. To make, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. The mayo provides the creamy texture, the sweet chili sauce adds a bit of sweetness and a hint of heat, and the lime juice brings it all together with a bright acidity.



Halloumi cheese is the salty partner you’ve been looking for



Halloumi cheese is a delicious addition to any meal, thanks to its salty and savory flavor. So wait no longer, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness of halloumi! 



Are you looking for premium dairy products? If so, Baladna is your best option. We are the leading dairy company in Qatar, offering an extensive range of products including fresh milk, cheese, yoghurt, and cream. Our dairy products have become staples in many households in Qatar due to their high quality and taste. Whether you are looking for halloumi, feta cheese, or any other cheese, we are the perfect choice. Browse through our list of cheeses today!


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Everyone knows food is essential for our health. Without nutritious food, we would not be able to maintain our health and energy levels needed for daily function. For this reason, we are all encouraged to eat healthy food and, as much as possible, avoid unhealthy options such as processed and fast food. Many foods are rich in nutrients, and yoghurt is no exception.Yoghurt is a product made from milk that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria. This process gives yoghurt its unique flavor and creamy texture. Additionally, the fermentation process helps increase the nutritional content of yoghurt. It is considered a healthier alternative to other sweet treats, particularly ice cream, and is packed with essential nutrients to keep the body running. However, many people do not know that eating yoghurt as part of a diet goes a long way, so we will discuss some of the benefits below:The health benefits of yoghurtYoghurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. It is full of essential amino acids and protein building blocks. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. Yoghurt is also high in calcium - which is great for healthy bones and teeth. Many yoghurts are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and B12, which are essential for various bodily functions.Yoghurt also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve digestion. Probiotics can help improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut and are believed to help reduce the risk of certain illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, yoghurt can help boost the immune system, as it contains beneficial bacteria and other compounds that can help fight off infections.Is there a right time for eating yoghurt?The great thing about yoghurt is that it can be eaten at any time. However, there are certain times that experts recommend consuming yoghurt, such as:Breakfast: Yoghurt is an excellent breakfast choice as it is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. It can be eaten on its own or topped with fruit and nuts for added flavor and nutrition.As a dessert after your meal: Yoghurt is a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth without all the calories and fat of regular desserts. Even if you're not a yoghurt fan, you can mix it with fruit, honey, and nuts to create a delicious and healthy after-meal treat.As a snack: Yoghurt makes for a great snack in between meals. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium and can help keep you full until your next meal.When traveling: Yoghurt is a great snack to take with you when traveling. It is lightweight and easy to store and can help prevent hunger pangs when you're on the go.Choosing the right yoghurtNot all yoghurts are created equal, and when it comes to choosing the right yoghurt for your diet, there are a few things to consider. To help you with this, here are some helpful tips:1. Know your yoghurt preferencesFirst, consider your preferences. Do you like plain or flavored yoghurt? Do you prefer Greek or Icelandic yoghurt? Do you want a low-fat or full-fat variant? Your choices matter when picking the right yoghurt, so choose wisely.2. Choose unsweetened or unflavored yoghurtYoghurt is a healthy snack, so choose unsweetened and unflavored varieties. Avoid yoghurts that contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners because these can be unhealthy and add unnecessary calories.3. Choose a yoghurt with just the right amount of proteinProteins are essential for muscle growth and repair and help keep you feeling full. Look for yoghurts that contain at least 10 to 15 grams of protein per serving to satisfy your appetite and provide you with essential nutrients.4. Look for live culturesLook for yoghurts that contain live cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. These cultures help break down lactose, a sugar variant found in dairy products. They also help keep your digestive system healthy.Fuel your body with the creamy goodness of yoghurt Yoghurt is an excellent choice for those leading a healthy lifestyle, so incorporating it into your diet is recommended. Many yoghurt variants are available, so it is only a matter of finding the one that best suits your taste. If you are looking for high quality yoghurt, Baladna has what you need! We offer various selections in different flavors as well as other dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and juices, for affordable prices. 

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