Plum and Fried Halloumi Salad with Maple-Nut Clusters

Instructions

1. 01

   Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the almonds, walnuts and pepitas and cook, stirring frequently, until they start to become fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the maple syrup and salt and quickly stir to coat the nuts in the maple syrup. Remove the skillet from the heat and dump the nuts out onto a piece of parchment paper, spreading them out slightly. Set aside to cool.

2. 02

   Carefully wipe out the skillet and return it to your stovetop over medium-high heat. Warm about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. Add the cubed halloumi cheese in a single layer and cook until browned on the first side, about 30-60 seconds. Using a pair of tongs, flip the halloumi cheese over and brown it on the second side. Transfer the halloumi cheese to a clean plate and set aside.

3. 03

   Add all the ingredients for the dressing to a small bowl and whisk to combine.

4. 04

   Add the lettuce and basil to a big bowl and drizzle in some of the dressing, tossing gently to coat. Divide between serving plates. Then top with the sliced plums, cucumbers, fried halloumi cheese and some of the maple-nut clusters. Drizzle with additional dressing before serving, if desired.