This Peach Salsa Halloumi Rice Bowl is fresh, flavorful, and super easy to throw together! You get the crispy, salty goodness of halloumi, the sweetness of juicy peaches, and a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the flavors.
It’s a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and a little tangy—all in one bowl. Whether you’re making this for a quick family dinner or meal prepping for the week, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 block (7 oz) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large ripe peach, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ avocado, sliced (for serving)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Tools
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large non-stick skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Spatula
Pro Tips
- Perfect crispy halloumi: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the halloumi to get that golden, crispy crust. Don’t move it too soon!
- Juicy peaches: If your peach isn’t ripe enough, let it sit in a paper bag for a day or two to soften up.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Customize the base: Not a fan of white rice? Swap it out for quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice!
- Meal prep friendly: Cook extra rice and store it separately so you can quickly assemble bowls throughout the week.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the halloumi for tofu or feta if you want a different texture.
- Use nectarines instead of peaches for a slightly firmer bite.
- Change up the grain by using farro, bulgur, or couscous instead of rice.
- Make it vegan by skipping the halloumi and using crispy tofu instead.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Rice: Cook in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Salsa: Make the peach salsa a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld.
How to Make It
1. Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
2. Make the Peach Salsa
In a mixing bowl, combine diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Cook the Halloumi
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the halloumi slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with crispy halloumi and peach salsa. Add sliced avocado and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Leftovers & Storage
- Rice can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Peach salsa is best fresh but will keep for 1-2 days in the fridge.
- Halloumi can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best reheated in a pan to crisp it up again.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Salsa Halloumi Rice Bowl is a flavor-packed, feel-good meal that’s easy to throw together. Whether you’re making it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients in a fun, satisfying bowl. If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it—or if you added your own twist! 🍑🥑✨