The secret to this punchy salad? Sizzling halloumi and a shake of Tajin

Name: The secret to this punchy salad? Sizzling halloumi and a shake of Tajin
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican,Contemporary
Ingredients: 200g green beans; 200g yellow butter beans; 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 Lebanese cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds; 2 green tomatoes, sliced; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 250gm halloumi; 1 tbsp Tajín seasoning (see note); 2 tbsp chopped pistachios; 2 tbsp sherry vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; basil leaves, to serve

Fresh, filling and spiked with citrusy heat, this salad makes a standout side dish or light meal.

Jessica Brook

December 22, 2025

This vegetarian bean, chickpea and halloumi salad is a riot of bold textures and big flavours.James Moffatt

easyTime:< 30 minsServes:4

Crisp green and butter beans and hearty chickpeas meet the salty bite of golden halloumi, all brought to life by a zesty dressing flavoured with the Mexican lime-spiked seasoning Tajin (pronounced tah-HEEN). It’s a vibrant, citrus-spiced bowl that turns a simple lunch into a summer highlight.

Ingredients

200g green beans
200g yellow butter beans
400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Lebanese cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
2 green tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
250gm halloumi
1 tbsp Tajín seasoning (see note)
2 tbsp chopped pistachios
2 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 tbsp honey
basil leaves, to serve

Method

Step 1
Blanch the beans in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, or until they are just tender. Drain and refresh in cold water. Place the beans in a large bowl with chickpeas, cucumber and tomato, and gently toss.
Step 2
Cut the halloumi into 5mm-thick slices. Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the halloumi in a single layer for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until both sides are golden and crisp. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
Step 3
To make the dressing, combine the Tajin spice, pistachios, vinegar, honey and the remaining 1½ tablespoons of oil in a lidded jar and shake to combine.
Step 4
Pour half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Serve the salad topped with halloumi, basil leaves and the remaining dressing.

Note

Tajín Clásico is a popular Mexican seasoning made from chillies, sea salt and dehydrated lime juice. It is available in some supermarkets and speciality food stores.