Golden Halloumi Bowl with Lemon Couscous, Roasted Tomatoes, and Mint Pistachios
🍽️ Lunches
Intermediate

Golden Halloumi Bowl with Lemon Couscous, Roasted Tomatoes, and Mint Pistachios

An original, vibrant lunch bowl featuring golden pan-seared halloumi, fluffy lemon-scented couscous, roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a crunchy mint-pistachio finish. It balances salty, citrusy, and herbal notes in a complete, appealing meal.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
VegetarianHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 180 g dry couscous (base of the bowl)
  • 240 ml water (for hidratar the cuscús)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 1 unit lemon (2 tbsp de jugo)
  • 300 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 15 ml honey (for the tomates)
  • 2 g ground cumin (for the tomates)
  • 5 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 300 g halloumi cheese (cut en slices)
  • 120 g baby spinach (fresh)
  • 40 g roasted pistachios (chopped gruesos)
  • 10 g fresh mint (leaves chopped)
  • 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
  • 1 clove garlic (grated or muy chopped)

Nutrition facts

per serving

531 kcal
Calories
20 g
Protein
37 g
Carbs
33 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
33 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. On a baking tray, toss the cherry tomatoes with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, honey, ground cumin, 2 g (about 1/2 tsp) salt, and black pepper. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

  2. 2

    2. While the tomatoes roast, bring the water to a boil. Place the dry couscous in a heatproof bowl with a pinch of salt, pour in the boiling water, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, add the lemon zest, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, then fluff with a fork.

  3. 3

    3. In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with the garlic, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

  4. 4

    4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and sear the halloumi for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until deeply golden outside and tender inside.

  5. 5

    5. Combine the roasted pistachios and chopped fresh mint in a small bowl.

  6. 6

    6. Divide the baby spinach among 4 bowls. Top with the lemon couscous, roasted tomatoes with their juices, and the golden halloumi slices.

  7. 7

    7. Finish each serving with spoonfuls of the garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkle the mint-pistachio mixture over the top. Serve immediately.

Chef tips

For the best texture, do not move the halloumi too early in the pan; when it is ready to flip, it will release easily. If you want a brighter flavor, add a little extra lemon zest to the couscous just before serving.

Substitutions

You can substitute the pistachios with toasted almonds for a different crunch. Baby spinach can be replaced with arugula. If you do not have halloumi, use firm panela-style cheese or grilling cheese, though the final result will be slightly different.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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