🥗 Crispy Halloumi Couscous Salad with Pomegranate & Mint
📝 Description
A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring fluffy couscous tossed with crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and bursts of sweet-tart pomegranate, topped with golden, pan-seared halloumi cheese. It’s light yet satisfying—perfect as a main or a stunning side dish.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Halloumi:
- 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Couscous
- Place couscous in a bowl
- Pour over boiling water or broth
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes
- Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly
2. Chop & Mix
- Add cucumber, pomegranate seeds, mint, and parsley to the couscous
- Toss gently
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour over the salad and mix well.
4. Cook the Halloumi
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat
- Add halloumi slices
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy
5. Assemble
- Place warm halloumi over the couscous salad
- Garnish with extra mint and pomegranate
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
- Dry halloumi before frying for a better crust
- Use fresh lemon juice—it makes a big difference
- Don’t overdress; keep it light and fresh
🌿 Variations
- Add avocado for creaminess
- Swap couscous with quinoa for extra protein
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal
❓ Q & A
Q: What does halloumi taste like?
It’s a firm, slightly salty cheese that becomes crispy outside and soft inside when cooked.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes—prepare the salad ahead, but cook halloumi fresh for best texture.
Q: What if I don’t have pomegranate?
You can use dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes instead.
Q: Is this healthy?
Yes—it’s balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.
