Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad
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!
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!
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.
Chickpeas - Rich 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.
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.
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.
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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.
- 2 cup of cooked chickpeas (canned or soaked and cooked)
- 1 large sweet potato, (diced)
- 2 cup of couscous (uncooked)
- 1 medium red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 large cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup of sultanas
- 2 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 of pine nuts (toasted)
- 3 cup cups of kale (washed, dried, and chopped)
- 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 200 g of halloumi cheese, (grilled and sliced)
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 5 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- bunch of fresh mint
- salt (to taste)
Cook the couscous according to the package instructions.
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.
Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
In a bowl, massage the kale with some olive oil until it becomes soft.
In a small pan, spray with oil and grill the halloumi cheese on each side until golden.
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.
To prepare the mint salad dressing, combine the ingredients and blend.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
