Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad

Minty Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Sweet Potato Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad!
Pearl couscous salad pinit

Are you tired of boring salads? Try our Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad – it’s like a flavour party in your mouth! Grilled halloumi, roasted sweet potatoes, and a hint of mint. Seriously, it’s awesome!

couscous salad

What is Pearl Couscous Salad?

Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, is like small, round pasta balls that bring a party to your plate. It’s not your regular couscous – these pearls are bigger and chewier.

Unlike the tiny couscous grains, pearl couscous stands out with its unique, larger shape. When cooked, it has a delightful, bouncy texture and absorbs flavours like a sponge.

Great in salads or as a side dish, these pearls add a fun twist to your meals. So, if you’re tired of the usual couscous or pasta, give pearl couscous a try – it’s like upgrading to the VIP section of the grain world!

mediterranean salad couscous

Like tofu, couscous excels at absorbing flavors. For optimal results, boil water and add coconut or olive oil, along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

As it cools, couscous absorbs these flavors, enhancing your dish with a delightful taste infusion.

Couscous Ingredients

I love the combination of fresh and grilled veggies, along with the addition of dried fruits and nuts. This time, I opted for sultanas for sweetness and pine nuts for a nutty crunch.

couscous ingredients

ChickpeasRich in plant-based protein and fibre, chickpeas contribute essential nutrients like iron and zinc, offering a satisfying and nutrient-dense element to the salad.

Sweet Potatoes – Bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, sweet potatoes bring vibrant colour and a nutrient boost, elevating both flavour and nutritional content.

Couscous – Acting as a hearty base, couscous provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates, offering a satisfying foundation for the diverse flavors in the salad.

Red Onion – With its mild, tangy flavour and vibrant colour, red onion adds a delightful crunch and contributes antioxidants, promoting both taste and visual appeal.

couscous salad recipes

Sultanas – Introduces sweetness and a chewy texture.

Cherry Tomatoes– Enhances colour, freshness, and juicy flavour.

Pine Nuts – Brings a satisfying crunch, nutty flavour, and nutritional richness.

Kale – Boosts nutritional content, adds a robust texture, and offers anti-inflammatory properties.

Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper)– Infuses a sweet and colourful element, enhancing visual appeal.

Halloumi Cheese – Provides a savory, grilled element with a creamy texture.

couscous summer salad

Mint Salad Dressing

Refreshing Mint Dressing: The Ideal Match for Your Salad! It adds a burst of cool freshness, perfectly enhancing the mix of ingredients.

The minty kick elevates every bite, turning your dish into a simple, vibrant, and delicious treat.

couscous recipe

Love this salad. You’ll adore our menu! Discover more delicious salads that guarantee to satisfy your taste buds. Dive in!

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 4

Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavours of our Minty Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Sweet Potato Mediterranean Couscous Salad. This delightful dish combines the earthy goodness of roasted sweet potatoes, the wholesome texture of couscous, and the savoury richness of grilled halloumi.

Tossed with a refreshing mint dressing, this colourful salad features a medley of chickpeas, kale, cherry tomatoes, and more, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Whether served as a light lunch or a flavourful side, this salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and harmonious flavours, perfect for those seeking a wholesome and delicious dining experience.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Mint Salad Dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the couscous according to the package instructions.

  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden and tender.

  3. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.

  4. In a bowl, massage the kale with some olive oil until it becomes soft.

  5. In a small pan, spray with oil and grill the halloumi cheese on each side until golden.

  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, sultanas, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, kale, red capsicum, minced garlic, and grilled halloumi.

  7. To prepare the mint salad dressing, combine the ingredients and blend. 

  8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.

  9. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

    Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Keywords: Pearl couscous salad, couscous salad with cucumber and tomatoes, mediterranean couscous, halloumi and couscous, healthy pearl couscous salad, cold pearl couscous salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I prepare the Minty Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Sweet Potato Mediterranean Couscous Salad in advance?

Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance; however, it's recommended to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispiness of certain ingredients. Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to enjoy.

Can I substitute any ingredients to make the recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the halloumi cheese or replace it with a vegetarian alternative. To make it vegan, exclude the halloumi and ensure the honey or maple syrup used in the dressing is plant-based. Tofu or marinated tempeh can be great vegan protein alternatives.

How long can I store leftovers of this Mediterranean couscous salad?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the texture of some ingredients, like the roasted sweet potatoes and grilled halloumi, may change slightly upon reheating. For the best taste and texture, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving leftover portions.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links.

This means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link.

When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor's website using a non-affiliate link.

File under
Rate this recipe

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a question

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Add to Favorites
Min
0 Add to Favorites

Share it on your social network

Thank you !!!!

Keep an eye on your inbox (including the spam folder) for our next newsletter :)

redirecting you to our homepage

Seconds