Grilled Halloumi Salad: Your New Favourite 30-Minute Dubai Dinner

Imagine this: you’ve just come home after a bustling day. The sun is setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, maybe you can see the lights of the boats from your window. You want something delicious, something that feels a little bit special, but the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. What if I told you that a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal is less than 30 minutes away? Enter this spectacular Grilled Halloumi Salad.

This isn’t just any salad. It’s a symphony of textures and flavours that perfectly captures the essence of modern, cosmopolitan living. We’re talking salty, squeaky grilled halloumi with its irresistible golden crust, paired with caramelized, sweet roasted potato wedges, fluffy couscous, and a pop of freshness from cherry tomatoes and coriander. It’s the kind of effortless, chic meal that feels right at home here in Dubai, a dish that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. For anyone living in Dubai Marina and juggling a fast-paced life, this recipe is your new weeknight saviour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in around 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
• Perfectly Balanced: You get protein from the halloumi, healthy carbs from the sweet potatoes and couscous, and fresh vitamins from the veggies. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
• A Taste of the Mediterranean: The combination of halloumi, olive oil, and fresh herbs brings a sunny, holiday vibe to your dinner table.
• Great for Dubai’s Climate: It’s a light yet filling meal that won’t weigh you down in the heat. Plus, minimal oven time means you keep your kitchen cool.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find at any local supermarket like Spinneys or Carrefour.

• Halloumi Cheese: 200g, sliced into 1cm thick pieces.
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cut into wedges.
• Couscous: 1 cup (about 180g).
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved.
• Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): A small bunch, roughly chopped.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided.
• Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced (optional, but recommended!).
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed from ½ a lemon.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Recommended Equipment

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some kitchen basics:

• A baking sheet for roasting the potatoes.
• A grill pan or a non-stick frying pan.
• A medium saucepan with a lid for the couscous.
• A large bowl for mixing and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful and delicious meal.

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized at the edges. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
2. Cook the Couscous: While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the couscous. Bring 1.5 cups of salted water to a boil in your saucepan. Add the couscous, give it a quick stir, then immediately remove from the heat, cover with a lid, and let it stand for 5-7 minutes. Once all the water is absorbed, fluff it up with a fork.
3. Grill the Halloumi: Heat a grill pan or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pat your halloumi slices dry with a paper towel – this is the secret to getting a great sear! Grill the slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until you have beautiful golden-brown grill marks and the cheese is soft.
4. Combine the Salad: In your large serving bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, roasted sweet potato wedges, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped coriander.
5. Dress and Serve: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the fresh lemon juice, and the minced garlic (if using). Pour this simple dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Top with the warm, freshly grilled halloumi slices and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Variations

Want to take this grilled halloumi salad to the next level? Try these tips.

• Tip for Perfect Halloumi: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Grill the halloumi in batches if needed. This ensures the pan stays hot enough to create that perfect sear instead of steaming the cheese.
• Reduce the Salt: If you find halloumi too salty, you can soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes before grilling. Just be sure to pat them completely dry afterwards.
• Add a Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds would be a fantastic addition for extra texture.
• Switch Up the Greens: Not a fan of coriander? Fresh mint or parsley would also work beautifully. You could even toss in a handful of rocket (arugula) for a peppery kick.
• Make it Vegan: You can easily make this dish vegan by swapping the halloumi for a block of firm tofu (pressed and pan-fried with smoked paprika) or a can of chickpeas tossed with the sweet potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time! Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the couscous, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just grill the halloumi (it’s best served fresh and warm) and assemble the salad.

What if I don’t have a grill pan?
No problem at all! A regular non-stick frying pan works perfectly. You’ll still get a lovely golden-brown crust on the cheese, just without the characteristic grill lines.

Where can I find good halloumi in Dubai?
Luckily, good quality halloumi is widely available. You can find excellent options in the cheese section of most major supermarkets, including Waitrose, Spinneys, and Carrefour. Look for brands from Cyprus for the most authentic taste.

What can I serve with this salad?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to stretch it further, it pairs wonderfully with a side of tzatziki or hummus and some warm pita bread.

The Perfect End to a Dubai Day

This Grilled Halloumi Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifestyle. It’s for those busy, sun-filled days when you want to eat well without the fuss. It’s proof that a quick meal can be wholesome, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying. For those of us living in Dubai Marina, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a balcony overlooking the city lights.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this a try. I promise it will become a regular in your rotation. If you make it, share a photo and tag me – I’d love to see your creations!

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