Grilled Halloumi & Couscous Bowl with Lemon Tahini Drizzle

A vibrant and satisfying bowl featuring charred halloumi cheese atop fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon tahini drizzle—perfect as a light lunch or a meat-free dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet-and-salty contrast: The caramelized crust of grilled halloumi pairs beautifully with the nutty couscous.
• Bright, fresh flavors: Vegetables, herbs, and lemon tahini sauce bring brightness and balance.
• Quick & customizable: Prep the components ahead; swap veggies or grains to suit your preference.
• Protein-rich and vegetarian: Halloumi adds satisfying texture and protein without meat.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Halloumi cheese, sliced
• Couscous or quinoa
• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion)
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley and mint
• Lemon
• Tahini
• Garlic clove
• Salt and pepper

directions

1. Cook couscous: Follow package instructions—typically steep couscous with boiling water, tent, then fluff with a fork.
2. Roast vegetables: Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 15–20 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
3. Grill halloumi: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush halloumi slices with olive oil. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and lightly crispy.
4. Make lemon tahini drizzle: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, warm water to thin, salt and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble bowls: Divide couscous among bowls. Top with roasted vegetables, grilled halloumi, chopped parsley and mint, and a drizzle of lemon tahini.
6. Serve: Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Grain alternatives: Use quinoa, bulgur, or cauliflower rice in place of couscous.
• Protein swap: Substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas for halloumi.
• Veggie options: Add roasted eggplant, carrots, or asparagus.
• Herb twist: Try cilantro or dill instead of parsley and mint.
• Spicy kick: Stir a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne into the tahini dressing.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store couscous, vegetables, and halloumi separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sauce in a jar.
• Reheating: Gently rewarm vegetables and halloumi in 350 °F (175 °C) oven or skillet for 5–7 minutes. Reheat couscous in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water. Drizzle with sauce before serving.

FAQs

What is halloumi and why does it grill well?

Halloumi is a semi-firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that holds its shape when heated, producing a crisp, golden crust while staying chewy inside.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes—cook couscous and roast vegetables up to 2 days before. Reheat and grill halloumi just before serving for best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use quinoa or gluten-free couscous instead of traditional wheat-based couscous.

How do I store leftover tahini sauce?

Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Stir before using; thin with water if it thickens.

How can I make the dressing smoother?

Warm the tahini slightly and blend with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and water. A hand blender ensures perfect texture.

What vegetables work best?

Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes roast well and bring color and flavor.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes—substitute grilled tofu or tempeh for halloumi and use maple tahini sauce (omit garlic if vegan).

How do I prevent halloumi from sticking?

Preheat pan fully and brush both cheese and pan with oil. Don’t flip too early—wait until a golden crust forms.

Can I add grains to make it more filling?

Absolutely—mix quinoa, farro, or rice into the couscous for extra texture and nutrition.

What can I serve alongside this bowl?

Pair with a simple green salad, warm flatbread, or grilled pita for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Grilled Halloumi & Couscous Bowl with Lemon Tahini Drizzle is a wholesome, flavor-packed vegetarian meal that combines satisfying textures and bright flavors. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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