Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this Hot Honey Peach Couscous Salad, perfect for summer cookouts. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping the halloumi crispy and the peaches tender. This salad is a fresh and light summer meal that’s better than takeout. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Zesty Thai Chopped Salad with Sweet Sesame Mango Dressing and Pepper Panzanella with Burrata & Olives: A Summer Delight.
Why This Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy halloumi cheese adds a satisfying texture
- Juicy peaches and a tangy dressing make this salad irresistible
- Easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts
- Better than takeout and packed with fresh flavors
What You'll Need for Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup whole wheat couscous
- 2 ripe peaches
- 8 oz halloumi cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Salt and pepper
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh mint and basil
- Optional: Toasted almonds
- Optional: Feta cheese
- Optional: Red onion
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Whole wheat couscous: You can use regular couscous as well.
- Halloumi cheese: Substitute with feta or paneer if needed.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality chef's knife — Makes slicing peaches and herbs a breeze → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Gives the halloumi cheese a perfect crispy sear → See on Amazon
How to Make Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
- Cook couscous: Cook couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare peaches: Slice peaches into thin wedges. You can leave the skin on for extra color and fiber.
- Sear halloumi: Slice halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and sear halloumi on both sides until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, sliced peaches, seared halloumi, fresh mint, and fresh basil. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
- Pro tip: For extra crunch, add toasted almonds or pine nuts to the salad.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the halloumi. It can become rubbery. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it's crispy.
- Pro tip: Make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together and it will taste even better the next day.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Storing & Reheating Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the dressing and slice the peaches ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to serve.
Freezing Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
Not recommended for this salad.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary. Enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. Microwave: Not recommended. Microwaving can make the halloumi soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: To make this salad vegan, substitute the halloumi with pan-seared tofu or tempeh.
- Best substitution: If peaches are not in season, you can substitute them with ripe mango or nectarine.
- Make-ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and it will taste even better the next day.
- Scaling: This recipe serves 4. To serve more, simply double or triple the ingredients.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not searing properly, make sure your skillet is hot enough and that the halloumi is dry. Pat it with a paper towel if needed.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality cutting board — Provides a stable surface for slicing peaches and searing halloumi → Check price on Amazon
Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat couscous
- 2 ripe peaches
- 8 oz halloumi cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh mint and basil
Optional Toppings
- Toasted almonds
- Feta cheese
- Red onion
Instructions
- Cook couscous: Cook couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare peaches: Slice peaches into thin wedges. You can leave the skin on for extra color and fiber.
- Sear halloumi: Slice halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and sear halloumi on both sides until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, sliced peaches, seared halloumi, fresh mint, and fresh basil. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: To make this salad vegan, substitute the halloumi with pan-seared tofu or tempeh.
- Best substitution: If peaches are not in season, you can substitute them with ripe mango or nectarine.
- Make-ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and it will taste even better the next day.
- Scaling: This recipe serves 4. To serve more, simply double or triple the ingredients.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not searing properly, make sure your skillet is hot enough and that the halloumi is dry. Pat it with a paper towel if needed.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this salad.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary. Enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended. Microwaving can make the halloumi soggy.
- Make ahead: You can make the dressing and slice the peaches ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sat. Fat: 9g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss FAQs
Yes, you can make the dressing and slice the peaches ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to serve. The salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure your skillet is hot enough and that the halloumi is dry. Pat it with a paper towel if needed.
No, canned peaches will not give you the same texture and flavor as fresh peaches. Use fresh peaches for the best results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches in the winter. Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before using.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Hot Honey Peach and Halloumi Couscous Salad for Summer Bliss and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
