Zesty Halloumi Couscous Salad Recipe: Fresh Summer Joy!

Fresh summer produce meets creamy halloumi in this zesty halloumi couscous salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside golden-grilled cheese cubes, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal.

The tangy dressing weaves through fluffy couscous, adding depth and brightness to every bite.

Herbs and spices bring a delightful complexity that makes this salad truly memorable.

Each forkful offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will transport you to a sun-drenched coastal landscape.

Packed with nutrition and incredible flavor, this salad promises to become a go-to recipe for quick and delicious dining.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Couscous: Fluffy base that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fine or medium grain for best texture, works wonderfully in Mediterranean-style dishes.

• Halloumi: High-heat cheese that browns perfectly without melting, select fresh Cyprus-style cheese with firm texture and minimal squeak when cut.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetable mix adding vibrant color and refreshing crunch, choose ripe tomatoes, firm cucumber, and sweet red onion for balanced flavor.
• Parsley, Mint: Aromatic herbs that elevate the salad's freshness, pick bright green leaves without wilting for maximum flavor impact.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base providing silky texture and Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin for superior taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents bringing out natural ingredient flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for enhanced aroma.

Tools To Build Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Heatproof bowl: Essential for preparing and steaming couscous.
• Lid or plate: Covers bowl to help couscous absorb liquid and steam.
• Nonstick skillet: Perfect for frying halloumi without sticking.
• Fork: Used to fluff couscous and separate grains.
• Small bowl or jar: Needed for mixing and whisking dressing ingredients.
• Large bowl: Combines salad ingredients and allows for easy tossing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Slices halloumi, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs.

Steps To Make This Flavor-Packed Salad

• Prepare Couscous

Boil water or broth and pour over dry couscous in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently separate grains with a fork, then set aside to cool.

• Sear Halloumi

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry halloumi slices until they turn a beautiful golden brown on each side. Remove and let rest.

• Whip Up Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until everything blends smoothly.

• Build Your Salad

Mix cooled couscous with chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss everything together.

• Finish and Serve

Top the salad with warm halloumi slices. Serve immediately for a warm meal or let it cool to room temperature for a refreshing lunch option.

Tips & Swaps For Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Cheese Texture Magic: Pat halloumi dry before frying to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with a crispy crunch.
• Veggie Freshness Boost: Use super ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and vibrant color in the salad.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's delightful texture.
• Protein Power Option: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, making the salad a complete and satisfying meal.
• Herb Flex: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement the halloumi's salty taste.

Creative Serving Suggestions For Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Picnic Paradise: Pack this vibrant salad in portable containers for a delightful outdoor meal with friends. Fresh ingredients stay crisp and halloumi adds protein-packed excitement.
• Summer Lunch Delight: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete Mediterranean-inspired plate. The tangy dressing complements protein perfectly and creates a balanced meal.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Transform leftovers into a next-day lunch by storing salad and halloumi separately. Quickly reheat cheese and toss with fresh greens for an instant energy boost.
• Mezze Style Spread: Arrange salad on a large platter with hummus, olives, and warm pita bread. Create a colorful, shareable experience that celebrates fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Storing Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping the halloumi separate to maintain its crispy texture.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Store dressing separately in a sealed jar to prevent soggy salad ingredients and allow mixing just before serving.
• Advance Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and cook couscous up to 2 days ahead, storing them individually in sealed containers to streamline meal preparation.
• Leftover Magic: Enjoy the salad cold within 2-3 days, gently reheating halloumi in a skillet for a quick lunch or light dinner refresh.

Zesty Halloumi Couscous Salad

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic shines in this halloumi couscous salad, blending grilled cheese with pearl couscous and fresh herbs. Crisp vegetables and zesty lemon dressing invite you to savor summer’s Mediterranean essence.

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Ingredients

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• 1 block (8 oz/226 g) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
• 4 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Couscous Preparation: Transfer couscous to a heatproof container and saturate with boiling liquid. Seal tightly, allowing the grains to steam for 5 minutes until tender and fluffy.
2. Halloumi Searing and Vinaigrette Creation: Warm a skillet with oil over medium heat, searing halloumi slices until golden-brown. Simultaneously, whisk dressing components in a mixing vessel until the mixture emulsifies into a cohesive sauce.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine cooled couscous with diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber segments, red onion, and freshly chopped herbs. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette across the salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
4. Plating and Serving: Arrange caramelized halloumi slices strategically atop the salad. Serve immediately while halloumi remains warm, or allow it to reach a pleasant room temperature for a relaxed dining experience.

Notes

• Manage Couscous Hydration: Seal container tightly to trap steam, ensuring grains become perfectly fluffy and absorb liquid evenly without becoming soggy.
• Control Halloumi Searing: Use medium heat and non-stick pan to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning; cheese should have crispy edges and soft center.
• Optimize Vinaigrette Texture: Whisk ingredients vigorously to create smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats salad ingredients uniformly without separating.
• Temperature Considerations: Serve dish immediately for warm halloumi experience or let cool for room temperature enjoyment; both variations offer delightful flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg