Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Grilled Halloumi
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Grilled Halloumi is a flavorful and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer cookout or picnic. The couscous is cooked in vegetable broth and then combined with a variety of fresh vegetables, including red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. The halloumi cheese is grilled until golden brown and crispy, and then added to the salad. The result is a dish that's both hearty and satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Couscous is a North African dish that has been around for centuries. It's made from semolina flour, which is a type of coarse wheat flour. Couscous is typically cooked in a steamer, but it can also be cooked in a saucepan on the stovetop. Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese that is made from sheep's milk and goat's milk. It has a high melting point, which means that it can be grilled or fried without melting. Halloumi has a slightly salty flavor and a chewy texture.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup whole-wheat couscous
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the couscous and stir.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the couscous, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill the halloumi slices over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Add the grilled halloumi to the salad and toss to combine.
Why It Works
The combination of couscous and grilled halloumi creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
The fresh vegetables add a variety of flavors and textures to the salad.
The grilled halloumi adds a smoky flavor to the salad.
The salad is easy to make and can be served warm or cold.