Pear, walnut and Haloumi Salad

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 10-20 mins
Serves: 6 as a starter

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp neutral oil (eg grapeseed)
• 1 cup fresh walnut pieces
• 2 just ripe pears
• juice of ½ lemon
• 250g haloumi, thinly sliced
• 6 handfuls (150g) fresh watercress sprigs or baby spinach leaves
• 2 avocados, cut into chunks (optional)
• salt and ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat 3 tbsp of the neutral oil in a frypan and fry the walnuts over a medium heat until lightly browned – about 2-3 minutes. Lift out of the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Reserve the oil to dress the salad. Alternatively, roast them dry on an oven tray at 180°C for 12-15 minutes.
2. Halve and core the pears and slice each half into 6-8 wedges. Place in a mixing bowl and toss gently with the lemon juice.
3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a frypan over a high heat. Fry the haloumi slices until they are golden on both sides.
4. Place watercress or spinach in a large mixing bowl. Add the pears and their juices, the walnuts and their oil (if the walnuts have been baked, add 2 tablespoons olive oil), the fried haloumi and the avocado, if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper then toss gently. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates to serve.