Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

Introduction

Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of grilled watermelon with the salty richness of halloumi cheese. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at summer barbecues. It’s packed with flavors and colors that will make your meal feel special.

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. It brings together unique ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Grilling the watermelon enhances its sweetness while the halloumi adds a delightful texture. Plus, it’s healthy and refreshing, making it ideal for warm days. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to impress!

How to Make Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
• 2 cups watermelon, cut into thick wedges
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water or broth over it, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside to cool.
3. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi slices for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
4. Grill the watermelon wedges briefly, about 1 minute per side, until lightly charred.
5. Cut the grilled watermelon into cubes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
7. In a large bowl, combine the couscous, grilled watermelon, grilled halloumi, mint, basil, red onion, and feta (if using).
8. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
9. Serve immediately or chilled.

How to Serve Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. Adding a sprinkle of extra herbs on top enhances its visual appeal and flavor.

How to Store Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the grilled ingredients won’t hold up well.

Tips to Make Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

• Make sure to slice the halloumi cheese thick enough so it doesn’t fall apart on the grill.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Variation

You can add other ingredients to this salad if you like. Try including cherry tomatoes for a pop of color, or switch the feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture. Adding nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts can also give a crunchy element.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cheese instead of halloumi?
Yes, if you can’t find halloumi cheese, you can use another cheese that grills well, like feta or a firm goat cheese.

2. Is the feta cheese necessary?
No, feta cheese is optional. The salad is delicious without it, but it does add a nice tangy flavor.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the couscous and grill the ingredients ahead of time. Just combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.

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Grilled Watermelon & Halloumi Couscous Salad

A fresh and vibrant salad combining grilled watermelon and salty halloumi cheese, perfect for light lunches or summer barbecues.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Couscous and Dressing

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For dressing
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey Adjust sweetness to taste

Main Ingredients

• 6 oz halloumi cheese, sliced Thick slices to avoid falling apart on grill
• 2 cups watermelon, cut into thick wedges Grilling enhances sweetness
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) Can be omitted

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water or broth over it, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside to cool.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

• Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi slices for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
• Grill the watermelon wedges briefly, about 1 minute per side, until lightly charred.
• Cut the grilled watermelon into cubes.

Assembly

• In a large bowl, combine the couscous, grilled watermelon, grilled halloumi, mint, basil, red onion, and feta (if using).
• Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
• Serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing as texture changes.

Keyword Couscous Salad, Grilled Watermelon, Halloumi, Healthy, Summer Salad