🥗 Halloumi & Pomegranate Couscous Salad with Mint-Lemon Dressing
A refreshing, vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired salad featuring chewy, golden halloumi, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, and fluffy couscous — all brought together with a zesty mint-lemon dressing.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 block (7 oz / ~200g) halloumi cheese, sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup chopped cucumber (optional, for extra crunch)
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Mint-Lemon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Couscous
Place couscous in a bowl. Pour over boiling water, cover with a plate or lid, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, chopped mint, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Cook the Halloumi
Heat a splash of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry halloumi slices for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Set aside. - Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine couscous, pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and cucumber if using. Pour over the mint-lemon dressing and toss gently to coat. - Serve
Top the salad with the warm fried halloumi. Serve immediately for a warm-cool contrast or chill and serve cold.
📌 Notes
- Couscous can be swapped for quinoa, bulgur, or pearl couscous for variety.
- Add a handful of arugula or spinach for a leafy green base.
- Vegan version: Swap halloumi for grilled tofu and maple syrup for honey.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge (without the halloumi) for up to 2 days.
💡 Tips
- For crispier halloumi: Pat slices dry with a paper towel before frying.
- Pomegranate shortcut: Buy pre-seeded arils to save prep time.
- Balance: Taste the dressing and adjust lemon or honey based on your preference for tangy or sweet.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 2 generous mains or 3 side portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~20 minutes
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – based on 3 servings):
- Calories: ~340 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg (varies with halloumi brand)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Halloumi: High in protein and calcium; satisfying and flavorful.
- Pomegranate: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mint: Aids digestion and refreshes the palate.
- Lemon Juice: Boosts vitamin C and enhances iron absorption.
- Whole Grains (Couscous): Light and energy-sustaining, with B vitamins.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare all components separately. Assemble just before serving to keep the halloumi crisp.
Q: What can I use instead of pomegranate seeds?
A: Try dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a sweet contrast.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Couscous contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use cooked quinoa instead.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
A: Absolutely. Chill the salad and top with halloumi right before serving (warm or room temp is best for halloumi).