Tossed in a tasty harissa dressing, this vibrant salad brings together grilled halloumi and nectarines, pearl couscous, chickpeas, and rocket.
Filled with sunshine, this delicious salad combines the salty flavour of grilled halloumi cheese with the sweetness of nectarines. Chewy pearl couscous, chickpeas, and rocket provide the perfect hearty base. Everything is tossed in a slightly spicy harissa lemon dressing.
Like my vegan potato salad, this salad can be served as a main course for a lunch or a light dinner. It also makes the perfect side dish for a barbecue or al fresco dinner party.
Halloumi is one of my favourites summer staples. Because it holds its shape when cooked, it can be grilled, fried, or baked making it perfect for salads, kebabs, skewers, or sandwiches. Super versatile, it is not only ideal for a wide range of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern inspired dishes but also pairs well with Asian ingredients such as sweet chili sauce or ginger. Here are some other grilled halloumi recipes to try:
Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, is a type of pasta made from semolina flour. You should be able to find it in the pasta or grain aisle of most supermarkets as well as health stores, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores. Here are some other recipes to try:
In this post
How to make this grilled halloumi salad with nectarines
Ingredients needed and substitutions:
To make this salad you will need
- pearl couscous
- nectarines (or peaches)
- halloumi (can be substituted with feta)
- chickpeas
- rocket
- olive oil
FOR THE HARISSA DRESSING:
- harissa
- extra-virgin olive oil
- lemon juice
- cider vinegar
- honey or maple syrup to taste
- garlic clove
Step 1: Cook the pearl couscous
Cook the pearl couscous in salted water according to packet instructions. When done, rinse it under cold water and drain well. Transfer the couscous to a salad bowl and toss in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside to cool down.
Step 2: Grill the halloumi and nectarines
Cut each nectarine into 6 to 8 segments. Discard the stones. Cut the halloumi into 1.5cm (⅔ inch) dice.
Brush the nectarines and halloumi with olive oil. Grill the nectarines and halloumi in a frying pan or skillet brushed with oil.
Step 3: Make the dressing
Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Build the salad and serve
Add the grilled halloumi, chickpeas, and rocket to the couscous. Toss everything in the salad dressing. Add the grilled nectarines on top of the salad and serve.
Common questions about this grilled halloumi salad recipe
Yes you could use grilled paneer or crumble fresh feta, goat cheese, queso fresco on top of this salad.
To make this salad vegan, simply swap the cheese for grilled tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Yes you can use grilled peaches, apricots, or even plums. Alternatively, fresh tomatoes also make a delicious alternative to nectarines.
Watch how to make this grilled halloumi salad with nectarines
I hope you enjoy this grilled halloumi salad recipe as much as we do. If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
Grilled Halloumi Salad with Nectarines
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 275 g pearl couscous
- 1 Tbsp olive oil plus extra for grilling
- 3 nectarines
- 250 g halloumi
- 200 g can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 2 small handfuls rocket
FOR THE HARISSA DRESSING:
- 2 to 3 tsp harissa to taste
- 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 to ½ Tbsp honey or maple syrup to taste
- 1 large garlic clove grated
Instructions
- Cook the pearl couscous in salted water according to packet instructions. When done, rinse it under cold water and drain well.275 g pearl couscous
- Transfer the couscous to a salad bowl and toss in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside to cool down.1 Tbsp olive oil
- Cut each nectarine into 6 to 8 segments. Discard the stones.3 nectarines
- Cut the halloumi into 1.5cm (⅔ inch) dice.250 g halloumi
- Brush the nectarines and halloumi with olive oil.
- Grill the nectarines and halloumi in a frying pan or skillet brushed with oil.
- Make the dressing: Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.2 to 3 tsp harissa, 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp cider vinegar, 1 to ½ Tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 large garlic clove
- Add the grilled halloumi, chickpeas, and rocket to the couscous.2 small handfuls rocket, 200 g can chickpeas
- Toss everything in the salad dressing.
- Add the grilled nectarines on top of the salad and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
Grilled Halloumi Salad with Nectarines
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/grilled-halloumi-salad-with-nectarines/
I cannot wait to see your posts!
Other recipes you might enjoy
Leave a Reply