Description
Have you ever wondered if a salad could actually be the most exciting part of your day? This Halloumi & Pearl Couscous Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal that plays with textures and temperatures. With warm, chewy pearls and cheese that actually crunches when you bite into it, it’s a complete, healthy meal that actually keeps you full.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 250 grams (8.8 oz) halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying the cheese)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pearl Couscous: Place a pot over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add dry couscous and stir for 2 minutes to toast. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the couscous cooks, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Combine them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the Halloumi: Pat cheese cubes dry. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add halloumi cubes in a single layer and cook until golden-brown, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble and Toss: Add the cooked couscous to the vegetable bowl. Toss in the fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Gently fold in the warm halloumi cubes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with extra herbs before serving.
Notes
Resist stirring the couscous during cooking to ensure proper texture. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. If you cannot find pearl couscous, you can use quinoa or orzo pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of dish)
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg