Grilled halloumi and eggplant salad

Plus, some great alternatives.

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Today's Ingredients Halloumi — perhaps Cyprus's most famous cheese — has earned a following for its unique "meaty" texture, which holds up on the grill without melting into a gooey mess. This salty, semihard cheese gets its signature squeaky "crunch" from the way the curds rub on your teeth as you nibble away. Before we get cooking, let's rewind to take a closer look at some of those ingredients:   • What is halloumi cheese?   • Eggplants and their surprising health benefits   • Balsamic vinegar is better for you than you realize Stay cheesy, Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Tim Snaith October 29, 2023 • 2.5 min read Recipe of the week Fire up the grill! First, let's talk about that squeak. Halloumi's distinct noise — which you hear (and feel) after every bite — comes from its high moisture content and production process. The cheese is heated to just below boiling during production, which helps maintain its sturdy structure and allows it to squeak pleasantly when bitten into rather than melting away completely. The firm, dense texture also allows halloumi to hold its shape beautifully on the grill without melting into oblivion. In this easy salad recipe, we take advantage of halloumi's grill-ability by giving it some nice char marks and a crispy exterior over high heat. If you've closed up the grill for the season, you can use a cast-iron skillet. Either way you cook it, the inside will be lusciously white and mild, contrasting nicely with the charred bits. The eggplant provides a soft, tender balance of texture alongside crunchy radish, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs. Fresh greens and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette bring it all together. While halloumi is sprouting up on menus everywhere, it can still be hard to find. Here are some good substitutes:   • Paneer: This fresh Indian cheese has a similarly high moisture content that allows it to squeak and hold its shape during cooking. It can be easily pan-fried or grilled before you add it to the salad.   • Queso fresco: The crumbly Mexican cheese won't get as crispy on the grill but will add a mild flavor and contrasting texture to the veggies.   • Feta: Feta has a nice sharp flavor and hearty texture. Its salty, tangy flavor pairs well with the eggplant and greens.   • Goat cheese: This cheese will gently melt when grilled and add creaminess to the salad. Logs of goat cheese can be sliced and grilled just like the halloumi. No matter what cheese you use, this versatile salad makes a delicious meatless meal. The mix of textures and flavors from the grilled veggies and cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh greens and balsamic dressing. Get the recipe!   This recipe comes from our friends at PlateJoy! Want to eat fewer carbs? Less sodium? More Mediterranean ingredients? Something else entirely? PlateJoy's got you covered, with individualized meal plans and recipes to help you hit your nutrition goals. Try it for free!       Great finds Grilling perfected       T-fal OptiGrill The T-fal OptiGrill takes the guesswork out of grilling foods like halloumi and eggplant. Its smart sensor cooking technology automatically adjusts time and temperature based on what you're cooking, how much is on the grill, and how thick the food is. The nonstick, angled plates drain away fat and juices for healthier cooking. Six presets adapt for different foods, or you can use manual mode to customize. The dishwasher-safe plates also make cleanup easy after you enjoy this delicious grilled salad — and more. Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.       the takeout What we're digesting 🤔 How much magnesium should you take per day? Here's what you should know. 🧠 The DASH diet may protect the brain. At least in women over 40 who follow it. 🗣️ AI could help diagnose diabetes by listening to you speak. The highly accurate model analyzes 6-to-10-second voice clips. 🧐 How accurate are the claims for ashwagandha? Users report significant stress relief, boosted confidence, and increased libido due to this herbal remedy. Thanks for reading, everyone! Next time, Kenny returns with tips on how to keep midweek meals interesting. Also, don't forget to get in touch with us at nutritionedition@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by mackerel on toast.

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