This vibrant Nectarine Salad with Chickpeas and Grilled Halloumi is a summer-perfect dish that balances sweet, salty, and smoky flavors beautifully. Juicy yellow nectarines and blistered cherry tomatoes mingle with crispy chickpeas and golden-seared halloumi, topped off with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for warm days when you want something light but hearty enough to be a meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

½ cup canned chickpeas, drained
2½ tbsp olive oil (divided)
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 yellow nectarine, sliced
3 slices of halloumi cheese
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh basil leaves, to garnish

Directions

Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas
In a bowl, toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt.
Heat a pan over high heat and roast chickpeas for 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Step 2: Grill Nectarine & Halloumi
Slice nectarine.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Grill nectarines and halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
On a plate or in a bowl, arrange crispy chickpeas, tomato halves, grilled nectarines, and halloumi.
Drizzle with remaining olive oil, season with salt and cracked black pepper, and garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrients: (Estimated per serving)

Calories: ~400–450 kcal
Protein: Moderate (from halloumi and chickpeas)
Fat: Healthy fats from olive oil and cheese
Carbs: Primarily from chickpeas and fruit
Fiber: High from chickpeas and tomatoes
Sugar: Natural sugar from nectarines and tomatoes

A Celebration of Seasonal Ingredients

At the heart of this dish are ripe yellow nectarines, which offer juicy sweetness and a firm texture that holds up well to grilling. Grilling the nectarines lightly caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their flavor and adding a smoky note that contrasts deliciously with the other ingredients. Summer stone fruits like nectarines or even peaches are perfect for this kind of application, especially when paired with savory counterparts.

Cherry tomatoes bring their characteristic brightness and acidity to the mix, balancing the sweetness of the nectarines and adding bursts of juiciness throughout the salad. Lightly blistered or left raw, they provide a pleasant contrast in both flavor and mouthfeel.

This salad is the perfect celebration of warm-weather produce—fresh, ripe, and naturally flavorful. It’s a reminder that with just a few quality ingredients, you can build a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

The Power of Chickpeas

While nectarines and tomatoes bring freshness and vibrancy, crispy chickpeas form the protein-packed, crunchy base that makes this salad hearty and filling. Roasted in a pan with a blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme, the chickpeas become golden and slightly crispy, transforming from soft legumes into savory, textured bites.

Chickpeas are more than just a plant-based protein—they’re also rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and important nutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium. In this salad, they provide not just nourishment but structure, making it feel grounded and complete. Their earthiness complements the creamy richness of the halloumi and the light sweetness of the fruit, contributing to the overall balance of the dish.

For those following a vegetarian or Mediterranean-style diet, chickpeas are an excellent go-to ingredient that delivers both versatility and sustenance.

Grilled Halloumi: The Star of the Plate

If you’ve never experienced grilled halloumi, this salad is the perfect introduction. Known as the “grillable cheese,” halloumi is a semi-firm, brined cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk (or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk). It has a high melting point, meaning it holds its shape when grilled or pan-seared, developing a gorgeous golden crust while staying soft and chewy inside.

In this recipe, halloumi adds a salty richness and meaty texture that make the salad feel indulgent without being heavy. Its distinct squeaky bite and umami flavor offer a luxurious contrast to the fresh fruits and vegetables, while its savory profile ties together the sweet and smoky notes from the chickpeas and nectarines.

Halloumi is also a great source of protein and calcium, making it an ideal cheese choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to boost the nutritional density of a dish without relying on meat.

Simple Ingredients, Complex Flavors

The magic of this salad lies in the interplay of textures and temperatures. Warm grilled cheese, tender fruit, crispy chickpeas, and cool tomatoes all come together in a dish that’s layered and multidimensional. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps meld the flavors, while a sprinkle of fresh basil contributes a fragrant, herbaceous finish that brings it all to life.

The seasoning is minimal, relying on quality ingredients to do the heavy lifting. Garlic powder and paprika provide warmth and depth to the chickpeas. Olive oil delivers a smooth, peppery undertone, and a bit of flaky sea salt elevates the dish to restaurant quality. There’s no need for elaborate dressings or sauces—just the right balance of natural elements.

If you’d like to add a bit more acidity or brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic reduction can be drizzled over the finished plate, enhancing the sweet-savory balance even further.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Some delicious variations include:

Swapping nectarines for peaches or plums
Using canned or pre-roasted chickpeas for convenience
Adding greens like arugula or spinach for extra volume
Replacing halloumi with paneer or tofu for a dairy-free or vegan version
Including crushed pistachios or walnuts for additional crunch

It also pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp for non-vegetarian versions or served with warm pita or crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re entertaining guests or meal prepping for the week, this salad delivers. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a beautiful centerpiece for lunch spreads or picnic tables. Serve it as a main course on warm evenings or as a unique side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Thanks to its fiber-rich chickpeas and protein-packed halloumi, this salad is satisfying enough to serve on its own. Plus, it holds up well at room temperature, making it ideal for packing into lunch containers or serving at a potluck or buffet.

Nutritional Highlights

This salad is a powerhouse of balanced nutrition:

Protein comes from both the chickpeas and halloumi, helping to keep you full and satisfied
Healthy fats are provided by the olive oil and cheese
Complex carbs and fiber from chickpeas support digestion and blood sugar regulation
Natural sugars and vitamins from nectarines and tomatoes offer antioxidant benefits

All of this is achieved with an estimated calorie count of 400–450 per serving, making it a smart and nourishing choice for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Nectarine Salad with Chickpeas and Grilled Halloumi is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet wholesome, simple yet elegant. It’s a salad that challenges expectations, blending sweet fruit with savory, crispy, and creamy elements in a way that’s incredibly satisfying and refreshingly different.

Ideal for summer, but welcome on your table year-round, this salad is a celebration of contrasts—soft and crispy, sweet and salty, fresh and grilled. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and a thoughtful approach, you can create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main, an impressive side dish, or just a new way to enjoy your favorite summer produce, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your warm-weather cooking repertoire.