Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun sets and I catch a whiff of zesty lemon and savory halloumi frying in the kitchen, my weeknight routine suddenly feels like a mini culinary adventure. This Quick and Flavorful Halloumi Couscous Salad is not just another salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of colorful veggies and aromatic herbs that dance together in perfect harmony. Best of all, it’s quick to whip up, making it a lifesaver on busy nights, while also being nutritious enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re looking for a dazzling side dish for a potluck or a hearty main to enjoy at home, this salad checks all the boxes. Ready to transform your dinner with this fresh and easy recipe? Let’s dive in! Why Is Halloumi Couscous Salad a Must-Try? Vibrant Colors: This salad is a feast for the eyes, featuring a medley of fresh veggies that bring each bite to life. Crispy Halloumi: The seared halloumi offers a delightful, salty crunch, elevating the entire dish to new heights. Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can whip this up in no time, offering a nutritious alternative to takeout. Versatile Ingredients: Whether you opt for quinoa instead of couscous or add a favorite dressing, this salad easily adapts to what you have on hand. Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it as a side or main dish; this salad will impress both family and friends at any gathering! Plus, if you enjoy refreshing salads, check out my Tomato Salad Refreshing and Watermelon Cucumber Salad for more delightful options! Halloumi Couscous Salad Ingredients • Explore the key ingredients that make this a star dish! For the Dressing • Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds healthy fats and enhances flavor; any neutral oil can substitute. • Garlic – Provides aroma and depth; fresh cloves deliver the best flavor. • Ground cumin & coriander – Infuse warm spices that uplift the dish; taco seasoning can be a quick swap. • Fine sea salt – Enhances flavors beautifully; kosher salt works just as well. • Red pepper flakes – Offers a mild heat for a little kick; feel free to omit for a milder taste. For the Salad Base • Canned chickpeas – Provides protein and hearty texture; rinse them to reduce sodium. • Couscous (Instant/Quick Cooking) – Serves as a fluffy base; for a gluten-free option, use quinoa instead. • Boiling water – Essential for steaming couscous to the perfect tenderness. • Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish with acidity; vinegar can be an alternate tangy option. For the Fresh Veggies • English cucumber – Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. • Cherry tomatoes – Introduce a burst of flavor and natural sweetness. • Red onion – Provides a sharp crunch; sweet onions can substitute for a milder taste. • Parsley, basil, mint – Fresh herbs that bring aromatic brightness to each bite; use any preferred herbs for personalization. For the Protein • Halloumi cheese – Offers a salty, creamy bite when seared; feta is a mild alternative if desired. This vibrant Halloumi Couscous Salad is sure to become a favorite that combines healthiness with delightful flavors! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Halloumi Couscous Salad Step 1: Warm Spices and Chickpeas In a nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over low heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, then gently add 1 can of rinsed chickpeas. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Step 2: Prep Couscous Place 1 cup of instant couscous in a large mixing bowl. Carefully pour 1¼ cups of boiling water over the couscous and cover the bowl with a lid or plate. Allow it to steam for about 5 minutes, letting the water absorb fully. Afterward, fluff the couscous with a fork and mix in the juice of 1 lemon to add zest and brightness to your Halloumi Couscous Salad. Step 3: Combine Ingredients In the bowl with couscous, add the chickpea mixture you prepared, along with 1 diced English cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ finely chopped red onion, and a handful each of chopped parsley, basil, and mint. Gently toss everything together to combine while seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper. The vibrant colors and aromas will begin to mingle beautifully. Step 4: Sear Halloumi In the same skillet used for the chickpeas, arrange 8 ounces of sliced halloumi cheese in a single layer. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden-brown, then flip each slice gently and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden. Remove from heat and tear the halloumi into bite-sized pieces to sprinkle over your salad just before serving for that delightful salty crunch. Make Ahead Options This Halloumi Couscous Salad is an ideal candidate for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weekdays! You can prepare the couscous and the chickpea mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing these flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge. Simply refrigerate the couscous and chickpeas in separate airtight containers to maintain their quality. You can also chop the veggies and herbs the night before, storing them in the fridge for freshness. When you’re ready to serve, just combine everything, sear the halloumi, and add it on top for that crispy perfection. Enjoy the effortless deliciousness! Halloumi Couscous Salad Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this recipe truly your own! Gluten-Free: Swap couscous for 3 cups of cooked quinoa for a hearty, gluten-free delight. Quinoa brings a nutty flavor while boosting the protein content. Dairy-Free: Replace halloumi with crumbled tofu or simply omit cheese for a light vegan take. You still get a fantastic texture and flavors without the dairy! Roasted Veggies: Toss in some roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for an additional layer of flavor and a comforting warmth that complements the salad beautifully. Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs! Use arugula, cilantro, or dill for a different flavor profile. Each herb will impart a unique character to the dish. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to amp up the heat. This brings a satisfying spicy contrast that balances the salad’s freshness. Savory Twist: Mix in crumbled feta cheese for a creamier bite, providing a wonderful salty contrast that complements the tangy lemon dressing. Seasonal Additions: Incorporate seasonal fruits like diced stone fruits or pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness, making the salad both refreshing and vibrant. Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top for an added crunch. The rich, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the salad’s fresh ingredients. And if you relish vibrant salads, be sure to check out my refreshing Tzatziki Cucumber Salad or the delightful Roasted Carrot Salad for more ideas! What to Serve with Halloumi Couscous Salad Create a delightful dining experience by pairing your salad with complementary dishes and flavors. Creamy Hummus: This smooth dip brings a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the salad’s freshness, making every bite more satisfying. Serve it alongside warm pita for an irresistible appetizer. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred veggies add depth and a hint of earthiness, enhancing the vibrant tastes of the salad. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant all make excellent companions. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the zesty flavors of the salad, creating a hearty and colorful spread that guests will adore. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade or herbal iced tea provide a cool, delightful counterbalance to the warmth of the seared halloumi, ensuring a palate-cleansing sip with each bite. Greek Yogurt Sauce: A tangy yogurt drizzle or dip can bring a delightful creaminess to your salad experience while complementing its flavors perfectly. Add garlic and herbs for an experience that tickles the taste buds. Chickpea Patties: These savory delights echo the chickpeas in the salad while adding a crispy texture, making for a wholesome and filling meal that’s sure to please. Fruit Salad: A fresh medley of seasonal fruits provides a sweet and refreshing contrast that brightens the palate, rounding out your meal beautifully. Use mint to mirror the herbaceous notes from the salad for extra cohesion. Pistachio Baklava: End your meal with a sweet, flaky baklava, whose layers of buttery goodness, nuts, and honey echo the richness of halloumi while offering a perfect finish to your dinner. Tabbouleh: A refreshing parsley and tomato dish with bulgur or quinoa that adds another layer of flavor diversity, complementing the colors and textures of the Halloumi Couscous Salad. Expert Tips for Halloumi Couscous Salad Choose Quality Olive Oil: Using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor of your Halloumi Couscous Salad—don’t skimp on this essential ingredient! Mind the Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best aroma. If using pre-minced garlic, reduce the cooking time to prevent bitterness while retaining that lovely garlicky flavor. Perfectly Fluffy Couscous: Ensure that you’re fully absorbing the boiling water; if not, add just a splash more and let it sit. This keeps your couscous light and fluffy, paramount for texture. Crispy Halloumi, Guaranteed: To prevent sticking, a nonstick skillet is ideal for searing the halloumi. If you only have a regular skillet, increase the oil slightly for a crispy finish. Flexible Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Substituting quinoa for couscous or adding your favorite roasted veggies can elevate your Halloumi Couscous Salad while making it your own! How to Store and Freeze Halloumi Couscous Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite a delight! Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing the salad as the textures of fresh ingredients will suffer. If necessary, freeze the chickpeas and couscous separately for up to 2 months. Reheating: If desired, gently reheat the chickpeas and couscous in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil, being careful not to overcook the veggies to maintain their crunch. Airtight Containers: Always use airtight containers to keep your Halloumi Couscous Salad fresh and flavorful in the fridge, avoiding moisture build-up. Halloumi Couscous Salad Recipe FAQs What type of halloumi is best for this salad? Absolutely! Look for fresh, high-quality halloumi cheese that is firm and slightly salty. A well-aged halloumi will have a chewier texture, which can be delightful in the salad. Try to avoid halloumi that is too soft or has dark spots, as this can indicate spoilage. How long can I store Halloumi Couscous Salad in the fridge? You can enjoy your Halloumi Couscous Salad for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish, making each leftover bite just as enjoyable! Can I freeze Halloumi Couscous Salad? While it’s best not to freeze the entire salad due to the fresh ingredients, you can freeze the chickpeas and couscous separately. Place them in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat gently, avoiding overcooking the veggies to retain their crunch. What if my couscous is too clumpy? Very! If you find your couscous clumpy, it might mean there wasn’t enough water absorbed initially. To remedy this, drizzle a tablespoon of hot water over the couscous and fluff it with a fork until it separates. Ensure it doesn’t sit too long without being fluffed, as this can cause it to stick together. Is Halloumi Couscous Salad suitable for vegetarian diets? Yes! This recipe is a fantastic vegetarian choice. If you’d like to make it vegan, simply omit the halloumi for a deliciously satisfying salad still rich in flavors and textures. You can also replace the cheese with crumbled feta for a lighter option. How can I add extra flavor to my salad? Absolutely! You can elevate the flavor profile by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of additional lemon juice just before serving. Feel free to toss in some roasted vegetables or even nuts for added texture and richness. The more the merrier! Zesty Halloumi Couscous Salad for Fresh Flavor Lovers This Halloumi Couscous Salad is a vibrant explosion of colorful veggies and aromatic herbs, perfect for fresh flavor lovers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dressing2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil can substitute with neutral oil2 cloves garlic minced1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon ground coriander0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt can use kosher salta pinch red pepper flakes omit for milder tasteFor the Salad Base1 can canned chickpeas rinsed1 cup couscous (Instant/Quick Cooking) or quinoa for gluten-free1.25 cups boiling water1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar for an alternateFor the Fresh Veggies1 English cucumber diced1 cup cherry tomatoes halved0.5 red onion finely chopped1 handful parsley chopped1 handful basil chopped1 handful mint choppedFor the Protein8 ounces halloumi cheese sliced Equipment nonstick skilletMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over low heat. Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant, then add chickpeas and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.In a large mixing bowl, place 1 cup of instant couscous. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it steam for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in lemon juice.Add chickpea mixture to the couscous, along with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Toss gently to combine and season to taste.In the same skillet, arrange halloumi slices and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden. Flip slices and cook another 1-2 minutes. Tear halloumi and sprinkle over salad. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg NotesUse high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best aroma and flavor. Keeping couscous light and fluffy is key for texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
