This pearl couscous salad with basil mint pesto and crispy halloumi is the perfect dish for a BBQ!
The Deets
This is the perfect recipe to bring to life during a holiday weekend: a vibrant and flavorful pearl couscous and veggie salad topped with a fresh basil mint pesto and crispy halloumi cheese. It’s an ideal dish for BBQs, potlucks, or whatever fun plans you have lined up for the long weekend. The combination of the tender pearl couscous, roasted or grilled veggies, and the rich, savory halloumi creates a satisfying dish that’s packed with texture and flavor.
The real star of this salad is the basil mint pesto, which is incredibly simple to make yet bursts with fresh, herby goodness. All you need to do is combine basil, mint, olive oil, garlic, parmesan, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor, and in just a few moments, you’ll have a bright and aromatic pesto ready to elevate the dish. This salad is as versatile as it is delicious, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table or casual gathering. It’s sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite. Check out my other salad recipes here!
Here’s how to make it:
Pearl Couscous Salad with a basil mint pesto and halloumi
Ingredients
- 1 block of halloumi, sliced
- A few handfuls of cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 2 ears of corn, cooked and sliced off the Cobb
- 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous
- 3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Juice of about 1/2 a lemon(maybe a little more depending on taste)
- Dash of red wine vinegar totaste
Basil mint pesto:
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 3/4 cup basil leaves
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt/pepper
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
Instructions
- slice all veggies and cook pearl couscous in salted water for about 5 min or until soft. Drain and add to a large bowl. Add a little olive oil so that it doesn't stick together. Add in all sliced veggies.
- In a food processor, combine mint, basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, parm cheese, salt and pepper. Blend until combined.Taste and adjust accordingly.
- In a small pan, add sliced halloumi and cook about 3 min per side on medium heat or until golden brown.
- Add pesto and halloumi to bowl and toss to combine. Season with lemon juice and red wine vinegar. Taste and season accordingly. Enjoy!
