Halloumi Couscous Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Halloumi Couscous Salad: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine a vibrant medley of fluffy couscous, bursting with fresh herbs and vegetables, perfectly complemented by the salty, squeaky goodness of grilled halloumi. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will brighten up any meal.

While couscous itself has ancient roots in North Africa, dating back centuries and playing a vital role in Berber cuisine, the addition of halloumi, a semi-hard, unripened cheese originating from Cyprus, brings a delightful Mediterranean twist. Halloumi’s unique ability to hold its shape when grilled or fried makes it an ideal protein component, adding a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the light and airy couscous.

What makes this Halloumi Couscous Salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and fresh. The salty halloumi, the earthy couscous, and the crisp vegetables create a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a complete vegetarian meal. Its ease of preparation also makes it a winner for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Halloumi:
• 250g Halloumi cheese, sliced into ½ inch thick pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Couscous:
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Salad:
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• For the Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Couscous:

1. Bring the broth to a boil: In a medium saucepan, combine the vegetable broth (or water), olive oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This is a crucial step to ensure the couscous cooks properly and absorbs all the flavorful liquid.
2. Add the couscous: Once the broth is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the couscous. Make sure all the couscous is submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover and let it sit: Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. Let the couscous sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the liquid and become fluffy. Don’t peek!
4. Fluff with a fork: After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous gently with a fork. This separates the grains and prevents them from sticking together. The couscous should be light and airy. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Preparing the Halloumi:

1. Prepare the halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps the halloumi to brown nicely in the pan. Excess moisture will steam the cheese instead of searing it.
2. Marinate the halloumi (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Add the halloumi slices to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the halloumi marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, for enhanced flavor. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it!
3. Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to create a nice sear on the halloumi.
4. Cook the halloumi: Carefully place the halloumi slices in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly softened. The halloumi should develop a beautiful crust. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become rubbery.
5. Remove from pan: Remove the cooked halloumi from the pan and set aside to cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, you can cut it into smaller pieces if desired.

Preparing the Salad and Dressing:

1. Prepare the vegetables: While the couscous and halloumi are cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Halve the Kalamata olives.
2. Chop the herbs: Chop the fresh parsley and fresh mint. Fresh herbs are essential for adding a bright and vibrant flavor to the salad.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The dressing should be tangy, slightly sweet, and well-balanced.

Assembling the Halloumi Couscous Salad:

1. Combine the couscous and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives.
2. Add the herbs: Add the chopped parsley and mint to the bowl.
3. Pour the dressing: Pour the dressing over the couscous and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Add the halloumi: Add the cooked halloumi to the salad. You can either gently toss it in or arrange it on top.
5. Add the feta (optional): If using, crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
6. Serve: Serve the Halloumi Couscous Salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for later. The salad is delicious both warm and cold. It’s also a great make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or meal prepping.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the halloumi: Halloumi can become rubbery if overcooked. Cook it just until it’s golden brown and slightly softened.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the salad. Don’t skimp on them!
• Adjust the dressing to your taste: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for tanginess or more honey for sweetness.
• Make it ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time. Just store the dressing separately and add it right before serving.
• Customize it: Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Some other great additions include roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and different types of cheese.

Variations:

• Add roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potatoes adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad.
• Use different grains: Instead of couscous, you can use quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat.
• Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch to the salad.
• Make it vegan: Omit the halloumi and feta cheese for a vegan version. You can add grilled tofu or tempeh for protein.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a light lunch or dinner.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
• Bring it to a potluck or picnic.
• Pack it for lunch.

Conclusion:

This Halloumi Couscous Salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. The salty, squeaky halloumi, perfectly grilled to golden perfection, dances beautifully with the fluffy couscous and the fresh, crunchy vegetables. It’s a symphony of Mediterranean sunshine on a plate, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and effort. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or a light and refreshing lunch. But most importantly, it’s just plain delicious! The combination of savory, salty, and fresh elements is simply irresistible. This Halloumi Couscous Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for those who claim they don’t like salad (I’ve converted many!).

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless with this recipe. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating different herbs like mint or dill for a unique twist. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch.

Serving Ideas:

* As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken, or lamb.
* As a Main Course: Add extra protein and enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal.
* Picnic Perfect: This salad travels well, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
* Meal Prep Marvel: Prepare it ahead of time for a quick and easy lunch throughout the week.

Variations to Explore:

* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
* Go Fruity: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a touch of sweetness.
* Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
* Grain Game: Substitute quinoa or farro for the couscous for a different texture and nutritional boost.
* Veggie Variety: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Bell peppers, cucumbers, and even roasted sweet potatoes would be fantastic additions.

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or stovetop!), and get ready to experience the magic of this Halloumi Couscous Salad. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor combination? I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family who might enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Happy cooking!