Zucchini & Halloumi Salad with Couscous & Lemon Dressing
Description
This vibrant salad combines golden grilled halloumi cheese with tender zucchini, fluffy couscous, and a bright lemon dressing. It’s a perfect balance of salty, fresh, and zesty flavors—great as a light main dish or a hearty side. Ideal for warm days or when you want something quick yet impressive.
⏱️ Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or ribbons
200g halloumi cheese, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Lemon Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp honey (optional)
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or mint (chopped)
Toasted pine nuts or almonds
Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Couscous
Place couscous in a bowl.
Pour boiling water or broth over it.
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Cook the Zucchini
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
Add zucchini slices.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the Halloumi
Heat remaining olive oil in a pan or grill pan.
Add halloumi slices.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
4. Make the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Olive oil
Lemon juice & zest
Honey
Garlic
Salt & pepper
5. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
Couscous
Zucchini
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
Top with grilled halloumi.
Garnish with herbs and nuts if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature
Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or enjoy as a vegetarian main
Great for meal prep or picnics
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything except the halloumi. Add freshly grilled halloumi just before serving for best texture.
2. What can I use instead of halloumi?
You can substitute with:
Paneer (less salty but similar texture)
Grilled tofu
Feta (not grilled, but crumbled)
3. Can I use another grain instead of couscous?
Absolutely! Try:
Quinoa
Bulgur wheat
Brown rice
4. How do I keep halloumi from becoming rubbery?
Cook it quickly on medium-high heat and serve immediately. Overcooking makes it chewy.
5. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! It’s balanced with:
Protein from halloumi
Fiber from vegetables
Healthy fats from olive oil
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 380–420 kcal
Protein: 14–18g
Carbohydrates: 35–40g
Fat: 18–22g