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Halloumi & Pomegranate Couscous Salad with Mint-Lemon Dressing

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A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring pan-fried halloumi, fluffy pearl couscous, juicy pomegranate arils, and a bright mint-lemon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Couscous:
  • 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Salad:
  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. For the Couscous:
  2. 1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the pearl couscous and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
  3. 2. Add the vegetable broth and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until couscous is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. 3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. For the Dressing:
  6. 4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  7. For the Halloumi:
  8. 5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices in a single layer (no oil needed) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  9. To Assemble:
  10. 6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, pomegranate arils, chopped mint, parsley, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.
  11. 7. Top with the cooked halloumi pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Can be made ahead and refrigerated; add halloumi just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheerychop.com/halloumi-pomegranate-couscous-salad/