Arugula is one of my favorite greens to put in a salad or sandwich. It has a mild peppery taste without being overpowering, has the slightest crunch and is vibrant green and that makes it the perfect background to build a salad on. You can go with the usual suspects and add tomatoes, onions and olives or you can make it with a twist and add eggplants and tahini sauce or maybe some avocados. Today I decided to go with what I had in the fridge and use grilled halloumi and apples with orange vinaigrette dressing which is a slightly modified version of the dressing in the avocado orange salad.
Before I get to the recipe I would like to thank Fati from Fati’s recipes for tagging me to answer 10 questions, you will find my answers at the end of the post. I would also like to thank Ann from sumptuous spoonfuls and Kathyrn from Kiwsparks for the honor of passing awards to me.
I am humbled when such talented bloggers who inspire me with their every post pass an award to me.Thank you so much ladies.If you have not already, do pass by both blogs. Kathyrn will enchant you with her photography, poems and her posts will make you stop and think. Ann will inspire you with creative recipes that range from comfort food to exotic to simply must try ones.
Arugula apple and grilled halloumi salad with orange vinaigrette
Ingredients
2 cups arugula
2 apples
halloumi cheese
2 – 3 Tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
Arrange the arugula leaves in your serving plate.
Cut the halloumi into slices and in a pan that you have sprayed with some oil, grill them on both sides until they are golden brown
Cut the apples into slices and toss them in the dressing to prevent them from browning.
Arrange the apple and halloumi slices on top of the arugula and drizzle with the dressing just before serving
Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Orange vinaigrette dressing
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh orange juice ( one to two oranges)
2 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoon vinegar
2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Method:
mix all ingredients in a bowl, transfer to a container with lid. Store remaining dressing in the refrigerator, good for 5 to 7 days
Describe yourself in 7 words…
Thinker, listener, dreamer,photographer,creative, passionate, perfectionist
What keeps you up at night?
Let’s start with the simple ones. A good book, editing pictures, writing posts, visiting blogs. If however you mean what worries me at night is the feeling that I could have done something better, be it a case at work or a situation with the kids. I am very hard on myself and I read too much into people’s actions and reactions and that keeps me up too.
Who would you like to be?
Me.
What scares you?
Failure. Be at work or at parenting or any other aspect in my life and I do set the bar very high.
What are the best and worst things about blogging?
I think the answer to this one is the same in every single blog I have read.The best part is getting to meet wonderfully talented, supportive and inspiring group of people who share your passion.The worst part is the time, blogging can seriously become a second job! The time it takes to make recipes, take pictures, write posts, follow the wonderful blogs you are interested in and leave meaningful comments is SO time consuming and I can never keep up with it all. So if I miss a few of your posts please do forgive me, I am trying my best .
What is the last website you looked at?
The daring kitchen checking out the daring bakers challenge
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
This one has to do with my one and only new year resolution. Stop expecting things from people, don’t wait for them to make you happy,be in charge of your own happiness. As I said before, I read too much into people’s actions and reactions and a single comment or gesture can make or ruin my day and that really needs to change.
Slankets, yes or no?
Had to google that one and the answer is no.
Tell us something about the person who tagged you…
The thing I love the most about Fati is the fact that she is a dreamer. She is determined on doing big things with her life and I think she will achieve them because she is so passionate. She shares a variety of arabic and middle eastern recipes along with international ones and the best part is she manages to work around missing ingredients and recipe problems brilliantly I’ll pass on this tag to the following 5 bloggers.. hope you haven’t been tagged before so the fun can spread around:
Ann from sumptuous spoonfuls
Mia from Mia’s domaine
Erin from dinners dishes and desserts
Tanja from Tanja’s cooking corner
Ally from Ally’s kitchen
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....RaeDi
/ February 19, 2012Beautiful my Friend, I have a post for tomorrow that is very similar! You should not be so hard on yourself… Thank you for your kind thoughts and words!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 19, 2012Looking forward to your post!
Good Cooks
/ February 16, 2012Nice to know you more my friend, and that make me more craving to meet you, I like your personality….
The salad is my favourite too, but I wish I could use the halomi, and thats what I’m planning to, I will buy it from Jordan and freeze it so I can carry it in the bags.
Thank you sonson….
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 18, 2012Looking forward to seeing you here Samah
Charles
/ February 12, 2012Hi Sawsan – I’ve never been able to find halloumi for sale in France! I have to stock up every time I go back to England, but I agree that it makes the best salad with a bit of arugula. I don’t use much apple in salads… not really sure why. It provides really the best crunch and juiciness I know! Beautiful salad
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 12, 2012Hello Charles. Glad you liked the salad. I love halloumi,in salads, sandwiches or on its own with some cucumbers and tomatoes. Too bad about it not being available at a reasonable price in France. Maybe you should look for a recipe to make it at home, I know I would if it waasn’t readily available
mariscallahan
/ February 9, 2012Really fun to get to know you better! Great salad!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 13, 2012Thank you so much Maris
Linda
/ February 8, 2012Congrats on your well deserved recognition! So nice to learn a bit more about you and to hear of some new sites to check out! Love this salad, so refreshing and pretty!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 16, 2012Thank you Linda, You are too kind
Stefanie
/ February 8, 2012Congrats on your awards! And always a pleasure to learn more about fellow bloggers!!
Great looking salad, too. I’ve come to love arugula and adding the grilled cheese and apples looks just delicious!!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 13, 2012Thank you Stefanie, I love arugula too. You can do so much with it
Shumaila
/ February 8, 2012Loved reading the post. Its always fun to get to know more about one of your favorite bloggers! The salad with the orange vinaigrette dressing sounds lovely!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 13, 2012Thank you kindly Shumaila.
kitchenbelleicious
/ February 8, 2012I am usually not a fruit in my salad girl but i love the hints of apple in it along with that dressing!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 13, 2012The apple is not really overwhelming, it is a hint as you put it. It adds crunch and juiceness..give it a go and I hope you’ll enjoy it
Purely.. Kay
/ February 8, 2012I usually don’t add too much fruit in my salads, but this salad looks absolutely scrumptious. Very nice. And Congrats on winning these awards, you definitely deserve it
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you so much Kay. Glad you liked the salad
shaheen
/ February 7, 2012Its so nice to have found your blog. I love haloumi and enjoy it simpy panfried, but i have to admit I am liking this salad more. I am hoping to grow some rocket – aragula in the U.K and then I will try it for sure.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you for stopping by my blog
I grow mint, basil and rosemary on my window. I will be adding arugula this year. I hope you’ll manage to grow it too and give this salad a go
spree
/ February 7, 2012Ahhh, a perfectionist! No wonder everything looks so beautiful here…lose no sleep over that one! Thanks for sharing about yourself Sawsan! Lovely getting to know you. And thank you for a gorgeous looking salad!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012Thank you for your sweet comment Spree
Ally's Kitchen
/ February 7, 2012Sawsan! I’m always mystified at how you do all you do! Orthodontist by day, blogger by night…children…you amaze me!! Trust me, if I needed orthodontics, I would be in your chair knowing what a detail person you are…your food, your pictures…everything is gorgeous! xoxo Ally
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012I would be honored to have you come to my clinic Ally. I deeply appreciate your sweet comment but believe me it is not easy and sometimes even down right exhausting but if it introduces me to great people like you and teaches me something new every day then it is worth the effort
cummimozz
/ February 7, 2012Wow Sawsan.. Congrats for your award
Salad is really good for our health. Nice to try~
Thanks :9
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you
I am trying to add more healthy and flavorful salads to the family’s menu
ChgoJohn
/ February 7, 2012Your salad looks delicious, made even more so by that dressing! Congratulations, Sawsan, on receiving some much-deserved awards. I’ve got some new blogs to check out now.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012Thank you kindly John.I am trying to add more salads to the menu, glad you like this one
sweetlab
/ February 7, 2012This salad looks amazingly fresh and colorful! I completely agree with what you said about how time consuming blogging can be. However, finding such beautiful and inspiring blogs like yours, makes it all worth it.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012The same applies to your blog. I loved taking a tour in it yesterday. You are very talented and creative
Maureen
/ February 7, 2012I enjoy learning more about my favorite bloggers through things like this, thanks.
That’s a gorgeous salad and the syling is first rate.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you kindly Maureen
I deeply appreciate your sweet comment
Bam's Kitchen
/ February 7, 2012Perfectionist! I could tell because of your attention to detail. Wonderful colorful salad.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you Bam, I do my best and I really appreciate it when someone notices
Deeps @ Naughty Curry
/ February 7, 2012that looks so cheerful, love the colours! congrats on the award, the q &a was fun to read
Ruby
/ February 7, 2012Salad looks lovely – I love halloumi in just about anything. I had a halloumi and tabbouleh wrap the other day that was fabulous and I’m planning to blog a deconstructed, low-carb, version soon. As for slankets… I’m with you. I do, however, really want a grown-up version of those pyjamas with feet that babies get to wear.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012That would be fun! pijamas with feet
a halloumi and tabbouleh wrap sounds heavenly! I am looking forward to your low carb version. In the meantime I may try it out as such, it is too tempting
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
/ February 7, 2012These are so fun to read and this salad looks phenomenal.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012Thank you Greg
thedrivencook
/ February 7, 2012What a beautiful, colorful salad! Helps brighten up a dreary winter day.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012Exactly, with all the grey and gloomy days we have been having, a little color is more than welcome
Barb Bamber
/ February 7, 2012Congratulations on your well-deserved awards:) I loved reading your responses to the questions and am not surprised to find you are a bit of a perfectionist.. it shows in the detailed blogs you post, the beautiful photographs you take and the lovely descriptions you write… xo Smidge
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012Thank you so much Babara.. I am really glad you enjoy my posts and pictures, coming from someone as talented as you are that is a comment I deeply appreciate
Courtney
/ February 7, 2012So fun to learn more about you, Sawsan.
This salad looks so light and refreshing! And I have to ask, do you actually have a studio where you take your amazing photos? The light is always so perfect and your settings are amazing.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you Courtney, glad you enjoyed the salad and my answers.
I don’t have a studio “I wish I did”! I usually take my pictures next to the biggest window it the house. I have a white sheet hanged there to difuse light.
As for the setting, I try to look at pictures with styles I like and “study” what makes them work, what props do they use? what backgrounds? what color combinations? how do they arrange the elements?
Food gawker, pinterest and tastespotting are great places to look and above all keep practicing, if you look back at my very early posts you will see that my pictures and setting changed quite a bet
I hope this helps and if there is anything if you have any other questions I can help with please let me know
Courtney
/ February 15, 2012Thanks, Sawsan!
You are so helpful!
fati's recipes
/ February 7, 2012Woow! That salad is amazing! I was just telling my sister yesterday that I love the combination of apple + vegetable/green… it’s so delicious! My grandparents have a few pomegranate trees in their garden and tell me to go picking when I want, so I’d definitely love to make this salad
I really enjoyed reading your answers and love your ‘new year resolution’… thanks for the link back and kind words, I’m touched
♥
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank YOU for tagging me Fati, and you deserve every single word
apples in salads are a favorite here, they are not too sweet and crunchy..the perfect addition
Thebigfatnoodle
/ February 7, 2012I love halloumi! We always grill it on the BBQ and eat it with fresh mangos so I can already imagine hoe awesome this would taste.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012I love grilled halloumi but never tried it with mangos..now I must
saffronandhoney
/ February 7, 2012Oh this looks so colorful and absolutely fantastic! I often do a version of this salad too – great combination of ingredients.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012They do work so well together, the crunch, the sweet and the salty..glad you like it
Chica Andaluza
/ February 6, 2012Lovely to have a little glimpse of the chef without the disguise! And a gorgeous recipe. I don´t actually know if we can get halloumi here, but now you´ve got me thinking about it I am going to start searching!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 7, 2012Thank you Tanya
Halloumi is a firm cheese that is GREAT for grilling, it holds its shape well with heat and gets that smoky flavor that makes it irresistable. I hope you can find some
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
/ February 6, 2012That salad is a stunner Sawsun. I Love the pomegranate seeds…it add so much pizazz. And that cheese makes me crazy (in a good way). I have never made an orange vinaigrette and that sounds so lovely and refreshing that I wonder why I have not. I enjoyed reading this post and getting to know so much about you. Thanks for sharing.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 8, 2012Thank you Geni
I love pomegranate seeds too. When they are in season I freeze them in little bags to have them ready to add to salads or garnish dishes.
The orange vinaigrette is really refreshing and full of flavor. I hope you’ll like it when you give it a try