Grilled Halloumi Cheese Sliders with Mediterranean Flavors

My family and I went to London last year to visit my daughter at the end of her study abroad program.  She acted as our tour guide and took us around to her favorite spots including the incredible food market, Borough Market, http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/.

We had lunch at Borough Mkt and ate many delicious dishes. At this lunch I was introduced to Halloumi cheese in the form of a Grilled Halloumi Cheese Burger. Halloumi cheese is orginally from Cyprus and is a thick, salty cheese that has a higher than normal melting point which makes it perfect for grilling.

Back in the US I still had a craving for Halloumi cheese. I was excited after I found the cheese at our local specialty grocery store. It was my inspiration for the next recipe contest. Although it's not the same as the burger at Borough Mkt, my daughter gave it her seal of approval.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon McCormick Perfect Pinch Mediterranean Herb, divided

4 one ounce slices of Halloumi Cheese, about 2 1/2 by 2 inches, 1/4 inch thick

1 tablespoon chopped red onions
1 tablespoon chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped grape tomatoes
2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon fresh Mint, finely chopped
4 Potato dinner rolls
1 cup baby Arugula

Directions:

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of McCormick Perfect Pinch Mediterranean Herb in a small bowl. Mix. Brush this mixture on both sides of Halloumi cheese slices and set aside.

2. Combine onions, cucumber, tomatoes, yogurt, mint and remaining McCormick Perfect Pinch Mediterranean Herb in a small bowl. Mix and refrigerate the Raita.

3. Preheat a non-stick grill pan to medium high heat. Place the cheese slices on the grill. Grill about 1 minute on each side and remove them to a plate.

4. Split the dinner rolls and grill the cut side for 30-45 seconds.

5. To assemble the slider, place bottom part of the dinner roll in a plate. Spread 1/4 cup Arugula on the bun. Place the grilled Halloumi cheese slice over it. Spread few tablespoons of Raita over the cheese and place the top part of the dinner roll. Repeat and build the remaining sliders.

Servings: 2