If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of Mediterranean flavour, this Fried Halloumi Bowl with Couscous and Roasted Veggies is just the thing. Packed with colour, texture, and a balance of nutrients, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing at the same time.
Couscous forms a light and fluffy base, while roasted tomatoes, aubergine, and red onion bring sweetness and depth. Chickpeas add protein and fibre, making the dish hearty and filling. And then comes the star of the show — fried halloumi. Golden, crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside, it’s the salty, savoury highlight that ties everything together.
To finish, a zesty dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and finely chopped shallots brightens the whole bowl with freshness and tang. The result is a meal that’s not only delicious but also wonderfully balanced, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Mediterranean Halloumi Coucous Bowl
Description
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Protein-rich & vegetarian-friendly thanks to halloumi and chickpeas.
- ✅ Full of flavour — roasted vegetables, citrusy dressing, and salty cheese.
- ✅ Balanced & satisfying with carbs, protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
- ✅ Meal-prep ready — easy to pack into containers for the week.
- ✅ Mediterranean-inspired and bursting with colour and freshness.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Halloumi
- High in protein and calcium, supporting muscle and bone health.
- Adds rich flavour and a satisfying chewy texture.
Couscous
- A source of complex carbohydrates for steady energy.
- Contains selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties.
Roasted Tomatoes
- Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- High in vitamin C and potassium.
Courgette
- Packed with fibre and antioxidants (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene).
- Supports digestion and heart health.
Red Onion
- Contains antioxidants, such as quercetin, which support immune health.
- Adds sweetness when roasted.
Chickpeas
- Plant-based source of protein and fibre.
- Helps keep you full and supports blood sugar balance.
Lemon-Parsley-Shallot Dressing
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and freshness.
- Parsley is packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K.
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Shallots add mild sweetness and depth to the dressing.
Variations & Tips
Meal prep: Store components separately and assemble before serving to keep the halloumi crispy.
Make it vegan: Swap halloumi for grilled tofu or tempeh.
Add greens: Toss in spinach or rocket for extra freshness.
Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or cumin to the roasted vegetables for deeper flavour.
Ingredients
For roasted vegetables:
For roasted chickpeas:
For the dressing:
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
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In a small bowl, add chickpeas and spices, and mix them well.
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Place courgette, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking tray.
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Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Next, add chickpeas to the tray.
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Roast for 25–30 minutes, until golden and tender.
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Place the couscous in a bowl, pour over 200ml of boiling water, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
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Fluff with a fork and season lightly with salt.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, shallot, salt, and pepper.
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Heat a pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Fry halloumi slices for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
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Assemble the bowl
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Divide couscous between bowls.
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Top with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.
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Add fried halloumi slices on top.
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Drizzle generously with the lemon-parsley-shallot dressing.
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Mix it and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 616.45kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 36.27g56%
- Total Carbohydrate 46.39g16%
- Protein 25.15g51%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.