Crispy Halloumi with Herbed Couscous Pomegranate and Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette
This Mediterranean bowl combines golden, crispy seared halloumi cheese with fluffy herbed couscous, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a zingy lemon-honey vinaigrette. It’s salty, sweet, tangy, and completely satisfying — perfect as a meatless main or a stunning side dish.
Time Breakdown:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Couscous Base:
3/4 cup couscous
3/4 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, or dill)
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Crispy Halloumi:
7 oz (200g) halloumi cheese, sliced
1 tsp olive oil or neutral oil
Fresh Add-Ins:
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion or shallot, finely chopped (optional)
Arugula or baby spinach (a handful per bowl)
Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Couscous
1. In a bowl, combine couscous, a pinch of salt, olive oil, and lemon zest.
2. Pour boiling water or broth over it. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped herbs. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 3: Cook the Halloumi
1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add a touch of oil and sear halloumi slices for ~2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
1. Add a base of arugula or spinach to bowls.
2. Spoon in the herbed couscous.
3. Add cucumber, pomegranate, red onion (if using), and top with crispy halloumi.
4. Drizzle with lemon-honey vinaigrette.
5. Garnish with more herbs and a few pomegranate seeds.
Tips & Variations:
Make it a wrap: Stuff it all into warm pita or flatbread.
Grain swap: Use quinoa or bulgur if you prefer.
Vegan option: Replace halloumi with crispy tofu or grilled eggplant and use maple syrup in the dressing.
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep couscous and dressing ahead. Cook halloumi fresh for best texture.
Q: Where do I find halloumi?
A: Most Mediterranean or international grocery stores have it, or check specialty cheese sections in supermarkets.
Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: Yes, but the contrast of warm halloumi and cool salad is amazing when served freshly made.
Nutrition Information
Calories ~480 kcal
Protein 18 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Fat 30 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 6 g