Zesty Halloumi Couscous Salad Recipe: A Bright Summer Delight

Crisp Mediterranean breezes whisper secrets into this delightful halloumi couscous salad that dances with vibrant flavors.

Summer’s warmth radiates through every colorful bite you’ll savor.

Salty cheese cubes mingle playfully with fluffy grain pearls, creating a harmony of textures.

Herbs scattered like green confetti bring surprising freshness to each forkful.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this dish promises a quick escape to sunny coastlines.

Tangy lemon and olive oil weave magic through simple ingredients.

You won’t be able to resist this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that comes together in mere minutes.

Why Halloumi Couscous Salad Is A Bright And Cheesy Favorite

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: This halloumi couscous salad is perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Preparation takes just 15 minutes, making it a lifesaver for hungry families or solo diners craving something fresh and satisfying.
• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Packed with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, herbs, and golden-fried halloumi, this salad brings the sunny tastes of Mediterranean cuisine right to your plate. The combination of textures and zesty dressing creates a mouthwatering experience that feels like a mini vacation.
• Flexible Dining Companion: Whether you're looking for a light lunch, refreshing dinner, or potluck contribution, this salad adapts beautifully. Serve it warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, work lunches, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• No-Fuss Healthy Meal: Loaded with protein from halloumi, fresh vegetables, and wholesome couscous, this recipe offers a nutritious meal without complex cooking techniques. Home cooks of all skill levels can easily master this dish, enjoying a balanced and delightful eating experience.

Tasty Matches With Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the salty halloumi and complements the fresh herbs, creating a refreshing Mediterranean-style dining experience.
• Match with Sparkling Water Infusion: Create a zesty lemon-cucumber sparkling water to echo the salad's bright, fresh flavors and provide a light, hydrating accompaniment that balances the cheese's richness.
• Serve with Greek Mezze Platter: Add small plates of olives, hummus, and dolmas to enhance the Mediterranean theme, providing additional textures and flavors that harmonize with the couscous and halloumi combination.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Lemonade: Prepare a mint or basil-infused lemonade that mirrors the salad's herbal notes and offers a cool, tangy contrast to the warm halloumi and hearty couscous.

Fun Ideas To Change Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace halloumi with grilled chicken or shredded lamb for a protein-packed version that maintains the salad's zesty Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Swap halloumi with crispy pan-fried tofu or roasted chickpeas, using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile while keeping the dish plant-based.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Add harissa paste to the dressing and sprinkle toasted cumin seeds and smoked paprika over the salad for an intense, warming North African kick.
• Summer Garden Fresh: Incorporate additional seasonal vegetables like roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and swap mint for fresh basil to create a vibrant, colorful summer rendition of the original recipe.

FAQs About Halloumi Couscous Salad

• What makes halloumi cheese special?

Halloumi is a unique Cyprus cheese with a high melting point, allowing it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape. It has a delightful salty, tangy flavor and creates a crispy golden exterior when cooked.

• Is couscous gluten-free?

Traditional couscous is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free versions made from alternative grains like quinoa or corn for those with dietary restrictions.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can make the couscous and chop vegetables ahead of time, but add the dressing and halloumi just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess. The fresh herbs and crispy cheese are best when added right before eating.

• How do I choose the best halloumi for this recipe?

Look for halloumi that’s firm and white, without any yellow discoloration. Fresh halloumi should have a slightly springy texture and a clean, mild salty smell. Cyprus and Greek brands are typically the most authentic and highest quality.

Everything You Need For Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Couscous: Fluffy, light grain that serves as the salad's foundation, quick to prepare and absorbs flavors well.

• Halloumi Cheese: Firm, salty cheese that gets crispy when fried, traditional Cyprus cheese with high melting point.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add color, texture, and fresh garden flavor to the salad.

• Parsley, Mint: Aromatic herbs that provide bright, refreshing notes and enhance overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base for dressing that adds richness and helps blend flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's overall taste.

How To Make Halloumi Couscous Salad Easily

Step 1: Prepare Couscous Base

Pour boiling water or vegetable broth over couscous in a large bowl. Cover with a tight-fitting lid or plate. Let the grains absorb liquid for 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork to create light, fluffy texture. Allow couscous to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Sizzle Halloumi Goodness

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Carefully place halloumi slices into the pan. Cook each side until they transform into golden, crispy medallions with beautiful caramel-like edges. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Vigorously whisk ingredients in a small bowl until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Build Colorful Salad Layers

• Fluffy couscous
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Diced cucumber
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Torn mint leaves

Step 5: Dress And Toss

Drizzle the zesty dressing over the salad. Gently toss ingredients to ensure every morsel gets coated with flavor.

Step 6: Finish With Halloumi Crown

Arrange warm, crispy halloumi slices on top of the salad. Serve immediately for maximum taste and texture enjoyment. Alternatively, let the salad rest at room temperature to allow flavors to mingle.

Pro Tips For The Best Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Boost Couscous Flavor: Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to infuse more depth and richness into your couscous base.
• Perfect Halloumi Technique: Pat halloumi slices dry before frying to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior without excess moisture.
• Customize Herb Variations: Swap mint and parsley with fresh basil or dill for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain crisp vegetables and warm halloumi texture.
• Dietary Flexibility: Replace halloumi with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option or add grilled chicken for extra protein in this versatile salad.

How To Keep Halloumi Couscous Salad Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep halloumi and dressing separate to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Seal the container tightly to preserve freshness and prevent other refrigerator odors from seeping in.
• When ready to enjoy, gently stir the salad and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften and enhance the flavors before serving.

Halloumi Couscous Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Moroccan sunshine dances through this halloumi couscous salad, blending Mediterranean flavors with zesty herbs and grilled cheese. Crisp vegetables and golden halloumi create a refreshing meal you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 block (8 ounces/226 grams) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Dressing and Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the couscous by transferring it to a heatproof container and saturating with boiling liquid. Seal tightly and allow to steam for 5 minutes until grains become tender and fluffy.
2. While couscous hydrates, warm a skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium temperature. Sear halloumi slices until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Create the vinaigrette by combining dressing components in a compact mixing vessel. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies and transforms into a cohesive sauce.
4. Assemble the salad foundation by combining the cooled couscous with diced cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber segments, finely sliced red onion, and freshly chopped herbs.
5. Generously drizzle the prepared vinaigrette across the salad, gently tossing to ensure even distribution and thorough coating of ingredients.
6. Arrange the caramelized halloumi slices atop the salad, positioning them strategically for visual appeal and optimal temperature contrast.
7. Serve the dish immediately while halloumi remains warm, or allow it to rest momentarily and reach a pleasant room temperature for a more relaxed dining experience.

Notes

• Maximize Couscous Flavor by using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water, which adds depth and complexity to the base grain.
• Choose Fresh Halloumi that’s firm and squeak when pressed, ensuring the best texture and golden-brown crispy edges when frying.
• Customize Dietary Needs by substituting couscous with quinoa for a gluten-free version or using plant-based cheese alternative for vegan preferences.
• Elevate Herb Freshness by chopping herbs right before mixing to maintain vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils into the salad.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg