Name: Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw walnuts; 2 to 3 tablespoons honey; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 (8 ounce) block halloumi cheese, sliced; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil; 8 cups spring greens + arugula mix; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ⅔ cup pomegranate arils; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 ½ tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon freshly grated orange zest; 1 shallot, diced; 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ⅓ cup olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 145 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a salad that’s both fresh and bursting with flavors, I have to share my absolutely favorite Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. This vibrant salad has everything you want: crunchy greens, sweet and tangy pomegranate seeds, satisfyingly golden halloumi “croutons,” and a spiced orange vinaigrette that just ties it all together beautifully. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I promise this recipe will become your go-to for a lively, wholesome salad that your whole family will rave about.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combo of spiced orange vinaigrette with pomegranate sweetness and crispy halloumi croutons hits all the right notes.
Simple and Elegant: Minimal ingredients but packed with colors and textures that impress every time.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch, a light dinner, or a side at your holiday table, this salad fits the bill.
Nutty Crunch: Roasting the cinnamon-honey walnuts adds depth and a buttery crunch that elevates the salad.

A fresh mixed green salad is shown on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of different green leafy vegetables including light green lettuce and dark green arugula. The middle layer is bright red pomegranate seeds scattered evenly across the greens. The top layer features brown walnut pieces placed over the pomegranate seeds and greens. On one side of the plate, there is a small orange slice adding a bit of color contrast. In the background, two whole pomegranates are partially visible on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette, healthy vegan salad recipes, fresh fruit and cheese salad, easy citrus vinaigrette salad, vibrant winter green salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances fresh greens and bold flavors, which means choosing high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference. I always pick the freshest pomegranate I can find and a good block of halloumi—these really bring the salad to life.

Flat lay of fresh spring greens and arugula leaves in vibrant shades of green, jewel-like ruby red pomegranate arils scattered around, golden roasted walnuts with a glossy honey-cinnamon coating, creamy white halloumi cheese slices with a crisp golden-brown sear, bright orange wedges with a textured peel, finely diced shallot pieces in soft purple hues, fresh garlic cloves in smooth white tones, and a sprig of fresh oregano with delicate green leaves, all arranged naturally with some ingredients overlapping, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette, healthy vegan salad recipes, fresh fruit and cheese salad, easy citrus vinaigrette salad, vibrant winter green salad

Raw walnuts: Look for fresh, plump walnuts; roasting them with honey and cinnamon adds a warm, sweet crunch.
Honey: Use a mild honey to avoid overpowering the walnuts – I love a light wildflower honey here.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch to warm up the walnut flavor — don’t skip it!
Halloumi cheese: This salty, squeaky cheese is perfect for pan-frying into “croutons” that add texture and a lovely golden crust.
Olive oil: Extra virgin works best for that fresh, fruity quality in the dressing and for frying the halloumi.
Spring greens + arugula mix: I like a peppery mix — arugula gives a nice bite while spring greens keep it fresh and soft.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the greens and dressing to taste.
Pomegranate arils: Aim for plump, juicy seeds that pop with sweetness and brightness.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: The base of the vinaigrette, adding citrus brightness.
Red wine vinegar: Adds tang and depth to the spiced orange vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle sharpness.
Fresh orange zest: Enhances the orange flavor with a fragrant, citrusy kick.
Shallot: Provides a mild onion flavor in the dressing.
Garlic: A little goes a long way to add savory depth.
Allspice: Just a hint for warmth and complexity in the vinaigrette.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste or what’s in your fridge. Here are some fun ways I’ve customized it over time — don’t be afraid to get creative!

Nut-Free Version: If you’re avoiding nuts, swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or roasted chickpeas for that crunch I adore.
Adding Protein: Sometimes, I’ll add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more substantial for lunch — it still works beautifully with the dressing!
Different Greens: Using baby spinach or mixed baby lettuces gives a milder base, perfect if you find arugula too peppery.
Fruit Twists: Toss in some sliced pears or apple for a different sweetness that pairs well with the vinaigrette.

How to Make Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Walnuts for That Perfect Crunch

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid any sticky situations later. Toss the raw walnuts in a bowl with honey and cinnamon — this little trick I discovered brings out their natural richness and adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully contrasts the salad’s tangy elements. Spread them evenly on the sheet, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, then roast for 10-15 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. Make sure to toss them once or twice during roasting so they crisp up evenly. Once done, set them aside to cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Pan-Fry Halloumi Croutons

I love the crispy texture halloumi gets when you pan-fry it — it almost reminds me of croutons! Dry the halloumi slices really well with a paper towel first to get a nice golden crust. Warm a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the halloumi slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once cooked, I like to cut them in half so they resemble bite-sized croutons that are perfect for mixing into the salad without overwhelming every forkful. If you want the cheese warm when serving, hold off on assembling the salad until the halloumi is done.

Step 3: Toss Greens and Prepare Your Spiced Orange Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, combine the spring greens and arugula mix. Add salt and pepper to season lightly — this helps flavors pop without overpowering. For the vinaigrette, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange zest, diced shallot, minced garlic, allspice, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. This homemade dressing stays fresh in the fridge for a few days if you want to prepare it ahead of time.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad Like a Pro

Now the fun part — toss your greens gently with the spiced orange vinaigrette, making sure every leaf is lightly coated. Fold in the cooled roasted walnuts, juicy pomegranate arils, and halloumi croutons for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give it a final gentle toss, taste, and add any last-minute seasoning if needed. Then dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying Halloumi: Patting the cheese dry before frying helps it crisp up beautifully instead of steaming.
Toast Walnuts in Batches: Roasting walnuts in a single layer ensures they roast evenly and get that perfect golden crunch.
Make the Vinaigrette Ahead: The dressing tastes even better after a few hours, so prepare it in advance to let flavors meld.
Use Fresh Pomegranate Seeds: Frozen or old seeds can be lackluster; fresh seeds brighten the entire salad experience.

How to Serve Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

A white plate holds a fresh salad with multiple layers. The bottom layer is made of mixed green leaves including light green lettuce and darker arugula. On top of the greens, there are several pieces of golden brown, grilled cheese slices scattered around. Bright red pomegranate seeds are spread evenly across the salad, adding small shiny spots of color. There are also chunks of light brown walnuts mixed throughout. A wedge of orange with bright orange flesh and a rind sits on the side near the edge of the plate. A gold spoon handle peeks out from under the salad on the right side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a pomegranate fruit placed near the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette, healthy vegan salad recipes, fresh fruit and cheese salad, easy citrus vinaigrette salad, vibrant winter green salad

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra pomegranate arils and some roughly chopped walnuts on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and crunch. Sometimes a little fresh mint or parsley thrown over the top adds a lovely herbal brightness that complements the spiced orange dressing perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simply roasted chicken or grilled fish for a light meal. I’ve also served it alongside warm crusty bread or garlic flatbreads on casual nights, which helps soak up every drop of that delightful vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I love serving this salad in individual glass bowls so you can see all those gorgeous layers: bright red pomegranate seeds, vibrant greens, and golden halloumi croutons. It always feels so festive! Another fun idea is to use hollowed-out oranges as edible serving bowls — it makes a show-stopping presentation that’s perfect for spring or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare because everyone usually gobbles this up fast!), keep the salad components separate. Store the greens and vinaigrette in an airtight container, walnuts in a small jar, and halloumi wrapped in parchment or foil in the fridge. This helps keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh greens and the halloumi’s texture change too much upon thawing. However, the spiced orange vinaigrette freezes well if you want to prep it in advance—just thaw it gently and whisk before using.

Reheating

If you have leftover halloumi, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes on each side to regain that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make it rubbery. The greens and vinaigrette taste best fresh, so only add dressing when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make the spiced orange vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! The vinaigrette actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours because the flavors meld together beautifully. Just give it a good whisk before serving.
What can I substitute for halloumi if I can’t find it?

If halloumi isn’t available, try grilling firm tofu or paneer for a similar texture. While the flavor won’t be identical, these options provide the same satisfying chew and golden crust when fried.
How can I toast walnuts without an oven?

No oven? No problem! Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Just watch them closely to avoid burning.
Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes! For a vegan version, skip the halloumi and try crispy pan-fried tofu instead. Also, use maple syrup or agave in place of honey in both the walnuts and vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

This Pomegranate Greens Salad with Halloumi Croutons and Spiced Orange Vinaigrette Recipe is one of those dishes that always brings me joy when making and eating it. It’s fresh, colorful, packed with textures, and the flavors somehow dance on your palate without overwhelming. I especially love making this when I want to treat myself or impress friends without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—I think you’ll fall in love with those crisp halloumi croutons and that zingy spiced orange dressing just like I did!