Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Crispy Halloumi Croutons
This Mediterranean chicken salad is one of my favorite ways to turn leftover roasted or baked chicken breasts into something fresh, satisfying, and anything but boring. Instead of feta or bread croutons, it’s topped with crispy air-fried halloumi “croutons” that add salty crunch without the carbs. A simple lemony dressing brings everything together for an easy, protein-packed meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: 391kcal
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 7 oz. (200 gm.) Halloumi cubed to the size of a crouton
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, or 1 regular tomato, diced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes thinly sliced
- 1 English cucumber diced
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved, add more to taste
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 2 cups chicken breast cooked and cubed
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or dried oregano
- 1 small garlic clove minced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Pat the halloumi very dry with paper towels and cut it into ¾-inch cubes. Arrange the halloumi in a single layer and air fry for about 8 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy on the edges. (Optional: During the last 1 minute of air frying, add the chicken to the air fryer basket to gently warm it.7 oz. (200 gm.) Halloumi
- While the halloumi cooks, slice and prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and cilantro.1 cup cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 English cucumber, ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, ¼ red onion, ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried basil or oregano, and garlic, until well combined.3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon dried basil, 1 small garlic clove
- Remove the halloumi from the air fryer and scatter it over the salad. Add the chicken.2 cups chicken breast
- Pour the dressing in the salad and gently toss to coat. Add more salt, to taste, if required.
Notes
- Pat the halloumi very dry before air frying to help it crisp properly.
- Cook the halloumi in a single layer so the cubes get golden and crispy instead of steaming.
- If you prefer the chicken slightly warm, add it to the air fryer during the last 1 minute of cooking to take the chill off without drying it out.
- Allow the halloumi to sit for a minute or two after air frying. This crisps up even more as it cools.
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 872mg | Potassium: 734mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 457IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 535mg | Iron: 2mg