Strawberry, Halloumi & Cucumber Salad

Introduction

Wimbledon may be over here in sunny South West London, but thanks to the recent heatwaves we are still enjoying a bumper British strawberry season. Long, sunny days have produced beautifully sweet, juicy berries, and while they're delicious eaten on their own, I also love using them in savoury dishes.

The combination of sweet strawberries with warm, salty halloumi is one of my favourite summer pairings. Add fresh spinach, crunchy cucumber, cooling mint and toasted pine nuts, then finish with a simple lime and balsamic dressing, and you have a salad that's light, colourful and surprisingly satisfying.

Perfect for lunch in the garden, a summer barbecue or one of those evenings when it's simply too warm to cook anything complicated.

Squeaky cheese, anyone? 

Recipe Overview

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 225g halloumi, sliced

• 200g British strawberries, halved

• 2 large handfuls baby spinach

• ½ cucumber, sliced or ribboned

• Small handful of fresh mint leaves

• 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

Dressing

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Juice of ½ lime

• Freshly ground black pepper

(No salt needed as the halloumi provides plenty.)

Method

1. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime juice and black pepper.

2. Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan until lightly golden and set aside.

3. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron frying pan and cook the halloumi for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.

4. Arrange the spinach, strawberries, cucumber and mint on two plates.

5. Top with the warm halloumi.

6. Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts.

7. Drizzle with the dressing and serve immediately.

Nutrition (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 470 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Healthy fats: 33g

• Fibre: 5g

Why This Works (60Fit Approach)

This salad is a lovely example of how healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. The halloumi provides protein, the strawberries and spinach add vitamins, antioxidants and fibre, while the olive oil and pine nuts contribute heart-healthy fats. It's colourful, balanced and satisfying without feeling heavy, making it ideal for warmer weather.

Nutrient Boosting Benefits

Strawberries

Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and fibre, British strawberries are naturally sweet and one of summer's nutritional highlights.

Halloumi

A good source of protein and calcium, making it a satisfying addition to salads.

Mint

Adds freshness and contains natural antioxidants that pair beautifully with sweet fruit.

Pine Nuts

Provide healthy unsaturated fats, magnesium and vitamin E.

Spinach

Rich in folate, vitamin K, iron and lutein, supporting bone and eye health.

60Fit Tip

If your strawberries aren't quite as sweet as you'd like, leave them on your kitchen windowsill for half an hour before serving. The warmth helps bring out their natural sweetness and flavour.