Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad combining grilled corn, toasted walnuts, and fregola pasta with chunks of grilled halloumi cheese, fresh herbs, and a bright citrus dressing. Perfect for summer entertaining.

6 servings
50 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup fregola
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 4 ears corn
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 8 ounces Halloumi cheese
  • 3 whole scallions
  • ½ cup parsley
  • ¼ cup basil
  • ¼ cup mint
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Cook fregola in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain (do not rinse) and spread out on a baking sheet to let cool.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Rub corn with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let cool.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Meanwhile, brush cheese with 1 tablespoon oil and grill, turning once, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to platter with corn; let cool.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Cut kernels from cobs and place in a large bowl. Add scallions, parsley, basil, mint, walnuts, and fregola. Using your hands, tear Halloumi into bite-size pieces; add to bowl and toss to combine. Add lemon juice, vinegar, and remaining 1/4 cup oil. Toss to coat; season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.

    10 min