Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad with Pomegranate, Arugula, and Mint Yogurt Dressing

Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad with Pomegranate, Arugula, and Mint Yogurt Dressing

This Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad is what happens when sweet, salty, fresh, and tangy all show up to the same party—and everyone brings their A-game. Roasted sweet potatoes, golden seared halloumi, peppery arugula, and juicy bursts of pomegranate get tied together with a cooling mint yogurt dressing that’ll have you licking the bowl. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and downright craveable.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad

You get all the textures—crispy, creamy, crunchy—and flavors that balance beautifully. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, yet light and refreshing. And that minty yogurt dressing? It cools everything down while adding a bright herbaceous kick.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  • Cube sweet potatoes evenly for uniform roasting
  • Sear halloumi in a dry pan—no oil needed
  • Don’t overdress the salad—add dressing just before serving
  • Use Greek yogurt for thickness
  • Serve warm or room temp—both work wonderfully

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  1. 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  4. Salt & pepper, to taste
  5. 1 block halloumi cheese (about 7 oz), sliced
  6. 3 cups arugula
  7. ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  8. ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
  9. Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch

For the Mint Yogurt Dressing:

  1. ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  4. 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
  5. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  6. Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
  4. While potatoes roast, sear halloumi slices in a hot dry nonstick skillet over medium heat—about 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
  5. Whisk together all dressing ingredients. Adjust thickness with water if needed.
  6. In a large bowl or platter, layer arugula, roasted sweet potato, seared halloumi, pomegranate seeds, and chopped mint.
  7. Drizzle with mint yogurt dressing just before serving.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

  • Sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes
  • Saltiness and crisp edges from halloumi
  • Fresh bite from arugula
  • Juicy crunch from pomegranate
  • Creamy coolness from the mint yogurt dressing
    It’s a salad that’s bold and beautiful with every bite.

How to Serve Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad

  • Serve warm as a light vegetarian dinner
  • Pack it for lunch—just keep dressing separate
  • Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein
  • Garnish with extra mint and lemon zest for freshness
  • Pair with flatbread or pita on the side

Creative Leftover Transformations

  • Wrap it in a tortilla with greens for a bold veggie wrap
  • Layer over couscous or quinoa for a grain bowl
  • Turn into a toast topping with smashed avocado
  • Stuff it into a pita for a quick handheld lunch
  • Toss with chickpeas and more dressing for a fuller meal

Additional Tips

  • Swap arugula for baby spinach if you prefer milder greens
  • Use labneh or sour cream instead of yogurt for a thicker dressing
  • Add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for more tang
  • Make the dressing ahead—it keeps 3–4 days in the fridge
  • Roast extra sweet potatoes to use in future meals

Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)

  • Plate on a large white platter for color contrast
  • Scatter pomegranate seeds just before serving for sparkle
  • Add fresh mint leaves as a finishing touch
  • Serve with a lemon wedge on the side
  • Drizzle dressing in a zigzag for a polished look

FAQ’s

  1. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Yes, swap halloumi for crispy tofu and use coconut yogurt for the dressing.
  2. What’s a good sub for halloumi?
    Try paneer or grilled feta blocks if halloumi isn’t available.
  3. How do I keep arugula from wilting?
    Add dressing just before serving and use fresh, dry greens.
  4. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
    Fresh is best for texture, but frozen cubes can work in a pinch.
  5. How long will leftovers last?
    1–2 days in the fridge, but best enjoyed fresh.
  6. Can I roast the halloumi instead of searing?
    Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden.
  7. What other herbs go well with this?
    Cilantro or basil can be fun twists if you’re out of mint.
  8. Can I make it vegan?
    Absolutely—use tofu instead of halloumi and plant-based yogurt.
  9. What protein pairs well with this salad?
    Grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas are all great choices.
  10. Can I add grains to make it heartier?
    Definitely! Farro, couscous, or quinoa would be perfect.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad with Pomegranate and Mint Yogurt Dressing is everything you want in a modern, nourishing salad: stunning to look at, layered in flavor, and satisfying enough to eat on its own. Whether you’re entertaining or meal-prepping, this dish is guaranteed to shine.

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Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad with Pomegranate, Arugula, and Mint Yogurt Dressing

Sweet Potato & Halloumi Salad with Pomegranate, Arugula, and Mint Yogurt Dressing

  • Author: Andy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Roasting & Pan-Searing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the salty richness of halloumi cheese. Tossed with peppery arugula, juicy pomegranate seeds, and drizzled with a refreshing mint yogurt dressing, it’s a colorful and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (for garnish)
  • For the dressing:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and golden.
  3. While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the dressing by whisking together yogurt, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
  4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sear halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  5. In a large bowl or platter, combine arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, and pomegranate seeds.
  6. Top with seared halloumi and drizzle with mint yogurt dressing.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh mint and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitute spinach or mixed greens if arugula is unavailable.
  • For added crunch, toss in some toasted walnuts or pistachios.
  • The salad components can be prepped ahead and assembled just before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad portion
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: sweet potato salad, halloumi salad, mint yogurt dressing, pomegranate salad, vegetarian salad

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