Blueberry Lentil Salad with Halloumi

This Blueberry Lentil Salad with Halloumi is a refreshing summer salad that’s full of local produce and ingredients. A new summer favourite!

In partnership with BC Blueberries, I developed this recipe as my new preferred way to #GoBlue this season. Are you ready to Go Blue? This year’s #GoBlueBC celebration is packed with tasty recipes, family activities and more. #HowDoYouGoBlue?!

Now, let’s get to the recipe!

While creating this recipe, there were a couple of main conditions I wanted to meet. The first, it needed to have little to no cooking required. Especially since we are in the height of the summer, we don’t need to be adding more heat to our humid kitchens! The second, it had to contain fresh BC blueberries. This was an easy feat, since blueberries go so well with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes. Third, fourth and final, it had to be filling, satisfying and delicious! I hope once you try this recipe, you’ll agree it hits these points too.

Ingredients and substitutions

Here is the list of ingredients you need for this Blueberry Lentil Salad with Halloumi as well as the Lime Salad Dressing I highly recommend you pair it with!

• Spinach
  • This is the leafy green that I typically have on hand and it’s not too heavy or rough for this salad. Alternatively, you could opt for mixed greens, boston lettuce or some arugula.
• Blueberries
  • This, in my opinion, is a non-negotiable. But if you MUST switch it up, any kind of berry would work here.
• Cucumber
  • The cucumber brings an extra level of texture with that fresh crunch and mild flavour. If you’re looking for the same texture but different flavour, try some bell pepper. If you prefer the mild taste but want it to be a warmer salad, sauteed or grilled zucchini would pair nicely.
• Canned lentils
  • Since I wanted this recipe to require as little amount of cooking needed, I opted for canned lentils. They are also such a convenient source of protein, iron and fibre. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the salad. You could also try this with quinoa or orzo if you wanted a grain option instead.
• Halloumi
  • Here is where the “no cook” label failed, but for good reason! If you haven’t tried halloumi, this is your sign to do so! With a very high melting point, it maintains its shape when cooked or grilled. The texture is typically described as squeaky and the flavour salty. It’s all around one of my favourite foods!
• Mint
  • This herb elevates the salad and really sings true to the summer vibes. If you don’t have fresh mint on hand, you can opt for fresh parsley or basil instead, or (sadly) omit altogether.

Now for the lime dressing:

• Extra virgin olive oil
  • I love to use extra virgin olive oil as the base for salad dressings. The mild flavour pairs well with a variety of acidic ingredients. And as a dietitian, I think about how we can make the nutrients in the salad more available to us. The fat in the olive oil actually increases the availability of fat-soluble vitamins that we may find in things like leafy greens and other ingredients.
• Lime juice
  • This citrus component highlights the bright colours and flavours in this dish. You may also choose to use lemon juice if preferred.
• Maple syrup
  • To help balance out the acidity, a touch of maple syrup brings the sweetness we need!
• Salt
  • What is a meal without a little bit of salt? It amplifies the flavours and brings it together, wonderfully.

Go Blue BC

There are many types of blueberries to choose from, ranging in size, sweetness and more! On the gobluebc.ca blog, @bcblueberries highlights some of the most popular varieties to enjoy!

July 15 is officially BC Blueberry Day in British Columbia and the perfect kick-off to #GoBlueBC. The annual celebration at GoBlueBC.ca houses videos, grower interviews, recipes, family-friendly activities and an exciting contest to win a Zygg E- Bike!

#GoBlueBC will run online from July 15, 2022 until August 7, 2022, when the contest closes. Take part in the campaign by sharing how you go blue all season long by using #howdoyougoblue on social media.

Go blue this summer with this Blueberry Lentil Salad with Halloumi and @BCBluberries! Don’t forget to tag #HowDoYouGoBlue when you share all the ways you plan on going blue with fresh #bcblueberries! For even more inspiration, check out these other blueberry-focused recipes:

• Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats
• Blueberry Protein Oatmeal
• Blueberry Chocolate Smoothie

 

If you make this Blueberry Lentil Salad with Halloumi, I would love to see your comment and rating below. It also makes my day seeing your creations of my recipes on Instagram- don’t forget to tag @allnutrition.rd!