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Home » Party Ideas

Herby Barley Couscous With Chipotle Halloumi And Grilled Apricots

Modified: Dec 27, 2021 · Published: Oct 19, 2018 · by Ramona

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This herby barley couscous with chipotle halloumi and grilled apricots it’s just a dream dish, it’s an absolute beauty and the exact type of food that I would eat again and again. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, any day, any season. Peaches and apricots are one of my top favorite fruits to throw on a grill as an addition to almost any savory salad. I do like strawberries, mango, or pineapple too.

All the flavors and aromas they bring to any dish are exceptionally good. Despite these stone fruits no longer being in season apricots are still easy to find, at least for a while. I have replaced them many times, especially around Christmas time with grilled oranges, grapefruit, or even pineapple.

Turning to eating healthier doesn’t mean that food has to be bland or tasteless, on the contrary, the food is less processed offering more nourishment, it’s a lot more vibrant and it also means that it gets prepared much, much quicker.
I’m not saying traditional food isn’t good, it is, but it tends to get cooked for much longer and loses color as well as nutrients and quality.

And, if you like halloumi cheese and would like more recipes with this magnificent cheese, here are some other recipes that may be of interest to you, like this beautiful orzo and halloumi cheese salad, or this tantalizing and very exotic salad that’s sweet and savory or something that is more unusual like these halloumi burgers. How do those sound to you? I do hope you will enjoy it, there are just three examples but do tap in the search bar halloumi and you will find quite a few other options there, I did not realize what a halloumi cheese lover I am.

You could do many things to this salad to make it your own but one thing I suggest since I have tried it myself and absolutely loved it, it is to add some boiled chickpeas spiced up and cooked for a few minutes over medium heat into a pan with a drizzle of coconut oil, some chili flakes or cayenne pepper and some sea salt drizzled generously with lemon juice. Mix into this and enjoy! Delicious.

Herby barley couscous with chipotle halloumi and grilled apricots

Herby barley couscous with chipotle halloumi and grilled apricots is one of those favorite couscous salad recipes. Airy, tasty, light and so perfect as leftovers or work lunch box the next day. Healthy and super easy to make!
5 from 74 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Main Dish, Tea Time
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Ramona's Cuisine, World Cuisine
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 620kcal
Author: Ramona Sebastian

Ingredients

  • 220 g halloumi cheese sliced
  • 210 ml vegetable or chicken stock
  • 190 g barley couscous
  • 180 g tenderstem broccoli
  • 6 apricots halved and grilled
  • 5 leaves fresh mint bruised and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle paste
  • 1 small bunch mixed fresh herbs*
  • 60 g pecan nuts toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 handful pomegranate seeds

For the dressing:

  • 3-4 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3-4 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle paste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 5 mint leaves brushed and super finely chopped
Metric - US Imperial

Instructions

  • Put the dry couscous into a slightly larger bowl and pour over the boiling stock. Cover with a plate or clingfilm and set aside for at least 20 minutes.
  • Slice and brush the halloumi cheese with a coat of chipotle paste and set aside for a few minutes.
  • While the couscous it’s getting infused, and the halloumi a little confused
  • , grill the apricots and the broccoli on a griddle pan for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side then remove and put on a plate aside.
  • Grill the halloumi cheese too for 2 minutes on each side and set aside once finished.
  • Toast the pecan nuts in a pan for literally 2 min tossing almost constantly and make sure you’re not abandoning that pan till you take them off that pan. Warning
  • : They burn fast! After toasting, take them out from that pan and place them on a chopping board ready for a rough chopping once they are cool enough to handle which should be 1 min or so.
  • In a jar, place all dressing ingredients and give those a good old shake. Shake it, shake it, and shake a little bit more until you think enough is enough.
  • Get the couscous fluffed up with a fork, season and add half of the dressing, the washed and finely chopped herbs including the mint leaving a pinch of two aside for sprinkling at the end, add the chopped nuts and most of the pomegranate seeds. Give it all a nice mix.
  • Serve the barley couscous mixture onto the serving plates and top with the grilled apricots, halloumi and the broccoli.
  • Drizzle the remaining dressing sprinkle some more pomegranate seeds and few more chopped herbs and serve.

Notes

* as herbs here in this recipe I have used dill, parsley and mint but you may use any ones you like. Thyme goes super well here with apricots too.
* I have replaced a few times the halloumi cheese with lamb chops or pork medallions, it’s divine.
* yet again addition that’s perfect for sharing, for parties, it always looks vibrant and super impressive.
* A drizzle of a good quality balsamic vinegar into which you can add some fresh herbs will go well here too, well at least that’s what I like since I am a balsamic vinegar addict. Enjoy!
Did you make this delightful and colourful barley couscous dish?
 
Please do let me know how you liked it, did you give it any twist, by using different ingredients, all in all, how did it turn out for you?  If you liked it or even if you didn’t please leave a comment below or even share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #ramonascuisine. 
 
Please do like us on Facebook 😉
 
Thank you so much for stopping by and I do hope you’ll check my blog again to see what’s new, all amazing cooking ideas and recipes. 
 
Have a wonderful and blessed day! 

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 845mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1879IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 614mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ramonas.cuisine or tag #ramonascuisine!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lathiya says

    August 06, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    5 stars
    The dish should appeal your eyes first before you eat which this one did perfectly. I loved the simple ingredients that made this great dish.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      August 11, 2019 at 11:56 pm

      Thank you Lathiya! I’m so glad this appeals to you ?, pretty colourful, right? Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Jacqueline Debono says

    July 29, 2019 at 11:04 am

    5 stars
    This is such a fabulous recipe. I love grilled halloumi and pairing it with the fruit, spice and couscous looks and sounds so delicious and exotic!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 29, 2019 at 11:52 am

      Thank you dear Jacqui, oh, same here- we love grilled halloumi and paired with fruit spice and couscous it is heaven. You must try this recipe I’m sure you will absolutely love it! ?

      Reply
  3. April says

    July 29, 2019 at 6:22 am

    5 stars
    Ah, so herby so good! I haven't ever tried it with grilled apricots though so really looking forward to this experience!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 29, 2019 at 11:47 am

      I’m so sure you will love it dear April, it is absolutely divine. Thank you so much for stopping by.

      Reply
  4. Mirlene says

    July 29, 2019 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    I can see so many delicious ways to use this couscous in the coming weeks - definitely a great find for me, thank you!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 29, 2019 at 11:49 am

      Oh absolutely Mirlene, enjoy it lovely and let me know how you’ve found it ??

      Reply
  5. Seema says

    July 28, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    That platter is one that is sure going to be on my next potluck list. That is pure deliciousness. Love the colour on the Haloumi...

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 28, 2019 at 7:01 pm

      Thank you so much dear Seema. It really is a platter to take to a potluck. Super delicious and so good looking indeed. Thank you so much for your feedback, it is really apreciated!

      Reply
  6. Nicole says

    July 28, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    We have a few lamb chops leftover from yesterday so I'm trying your suggestion for this tonight!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 28, 2019 at 3:13 pm

      Thank you Nicole, that sounds like a perfect choice - yumm. I love lamb and chops are THE BEST! Mmmmmmmmm. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  7. Jeannette (Jay Joy) says

    July 28, 2019 at 1:10 am

    5 stars
    This barley couscous salad with chipotle halloumi and any grilled fruits sounds perfect. You say for a Christmas meal, I say for summer refreshing meal!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 28, 2019 at 3:11 pm

      Hi Jeannette,
      I say all year round using any fruit that seasonal - a winner every time 😉 I hope you will enjoy the recipe my dear 😉

      Reply
  8. Jenni LeBaron says

    July 27, 2019 at 11:16 am

    5 stars
    I love how hearty this is for a vegetarian dish. The halloumi is the perfect thing to pair with the herby couscous and I love love love grilled apricots. Can't wait to take a bite out of this!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      Thank you dear Jenni, I am positive you will love this dish, we do too! 😉

      Reply
  9. Colleen says

    July 27, 2019 at 10:25 am

    5 stars
    We have an apricot tree just ripening, so I couldn't have found this recipe at a better time. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you dear Colleen, enjoy it! 😉

      Reply
  10. Mikayla says

    July 27, 2019 at 2:23 am

    5 stars
    Mmm I love, love, love grilled halloumi, and this dish makes me so happy! The apricot and cous cous are just perfect with the cheese!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:10 pm

      Thank you Mikayla. Absolutely perfect, you are so right!

      Reply
  11. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says

    July 26, 2019 at 7:39 pm

    5 stars
    Hahah. That is definitely my #1 concern about eating healthier. This definitely does not look bland or tasteless !!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Cathleen,
      Eating healthy is really important, even more when kids are around so that they develop good habbits.
      Thank you so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  12. dee says

    July 26, 2019 at 7:13 am

    5 stars
    What a beautiful dish! Love that you added Halluomi cheese and combined sweet and spicy, so unique!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:04 pm

      Thank you Dee, it works really well 😉 I hope you will be giving it a try super soon.

      Reply
  13. Erika says

    July 25, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    This is a beautiful dish, and all the flavors looks so good together.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      Thank you so much Erika!

      Reply
  14. Stine Mari says

    July 25, 2019 at 9:52 am

    5 stars
    Hat's off for you and this glorious recipe! I read the title and I knew INSTANTLY that this is the recipe for me. I adore halloumi, apricots, herbs, chipotle. And that honey in the dressing sounds divine as well. Literally everything about this dish screams my name. Saving for later!!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind comment and appreciation, I am super happy you like the recipe, I am sure you will give it a go super soon. 😉

      Reply
  15. Brian Jones says

    July 25, 2019 at 5:47 am

    5 stars
    I've never seen Barley couscous anywhere, does it taste different to the usual durum wheat couscous?

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 11:58 am

      Hi Brian, thanks for stopping by. Yes it does taste slightly different, it has a subtle nutty flavour but also the texture differs slightly, it is more starchy. It is really nice, look out for it, it’s only been around for a few years and I believe there aren’t many brands out there that make it. Worth checking though.

      Reply
  16. Mayuri Patel says

    July 23, 2019 at 10:40 pm

    5 stars
    What a wonderful combination of flavors for this filling and attractive salad, sweetness from apricot, saltiness from halloumi and the subtle taste of chipotle. Adding fresh mint or any herb just completes the overall taste. I love using barley couscous.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 11:45 am

      Than you dear Mayuri, I am so glad you like this recipe, barley couscous is delicious too and I do prefer it to the normal couscous, so lucky to get it over here too.

      Reply
  17. Vidya Narayan says

    July 23, 2019 at 9:24 am

    5 stars
    What a delicious platter! Love the fruits and halloumi cheese combo with generous amount of herbs. Wholesome, filling and a great treat for the entire family.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Thank you so much dear Vidya. A true healthy treat indeed.

      Reply
  18. Kelly Anthony says

    July 23, 2019 at 9:14 am

    5 stars
    I love cooking meals like this one because they make the most yummy leftovers for lunch the next day.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 11:41 am

      That is so true dear Kelly, I absolutely agree.

      Reply
  19. Lesli Schwartz says

    July 22, 2019 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so delicious! I had a lot of halloumi in Israel this summer, and picked apricots right off the trees! Wonderful combo!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks Lesli, halloumi cheese is absolutely amazing indeed, I can never have enough of it. Being able to eat the fruits freshly picked off the trees it’s simply the best, I wish I could say the same thing but hopefully my apricot tree (planted by my mum a year or two ago) will begin to give me some my favourite fruits 😉 I will be so happy indeed.

      Reply
  20. Jeannette (Jay Joy) says

    May 31, 2019 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    This couscous with chipotle halloumi and grilled apricots look like the flavors will explode with every bite. The colors look amazing. What a wonderful dish for company.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      June 02, 2019 at 3:09 am

      Indeed! Fab for any occasion, you’re so right. Thank you so much Jeannette ?

      Reply
  21. Swathi says

    May 30, 2019 at 8:48 pm

    5 stars
    I like the spicy sweet combo of apricot and chipotle int his salad that to with herbs and cheese. Awesome combo.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      June 02, 2019 at 3:07 am

      Thank you so much dear Swathi ??

      Reply
  22. Danielle says

    May 30, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    5 stars
    It is such a fabulous way to enjoy halloumi and use apricots. I love how you combined everything together - can't wait to make this dish myself now!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      June 02, 2019 at 3:06 am

      Thank you Danielle, it’s a super nice dish indeed. Let me know if you try it, how you found it.

      Reply
  23. Jo says

    May 30, 2019 at 8:42 am

    5 stars
    This looks absolutely delicious! I love a bowl of salad with so many different and interesting ingredients with different textures. Makes salad eating full of fun.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      June 02, 2019 at 3:01 am

      Thank you Jo. I cannot agree more with you on that.

      Reply
  24. Cheese Curd In Paradise says

    May 30, 2019 at 7:22 am

    5 stars
    I love all of the spice in this salad! The fresh herbs with the grilled halloumi and apricots sounds incredible as well!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      May 30, 2019 at 7:29 am

      Thank you Asheley, it is a beautiful combination, all in all a salad that I would have 7 times a week with no moaning 😉

      Reply
  25. Pinelopi Kyriazi says

    May 30, 2019 at 6:03 am

    5 stars
    Couscous is my favorite one! I am sure this combination will taste great!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      May 30, 2019 at 7:30 am

      Thanks, it really does Pinelopi.

      Reply
  26. Alexandra says

    October 25, 2018 at 11:21 am

    5 stars
    I lovee halloumi but never thought to grill it and put it on a salad! This looks so fresh and delicious! Yummmmm!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:12 pm

      Thank you Alexandra, oh grilled halloumi is soo nice - you really have to try it and add it to a nice salad like this - it’s delicious indeed!

      Reply
  27. Julie Running in a Skirt says

    October 24, 2018 at 9:50 am

    5 stars
    This looks amazing! Love the flavor you added with the apricot and chipotle. I really need to try grilled halloumi! Such pretty pics too.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:13 pm

      Thank you soo much Julie, I really appreciate your nice comment.

      Reply
  28. Michelle says

    October 24, 2018 at 12:30 am

    5 stars
    Wow this is an amazing dish. This is so colorful and full of flavor! A perfect healthy meal. I love the apricots and pomegranates in it.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks Michelle, I love the fruit addition into my salads, it is something that I almost cannot help myself but do in almost all savoury salads for extra flavour and texture. The great thing it’s that my kids enjoy those too, one more reason for me to carry on 😉

      Reply
  29. Caroline says

    October 23, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so pretty and sounds delicious I love halloumi and like the idea of pairing it with apricots as well as more savory veg etc. Yum!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      Thank you Caroline, a healthy and good looking salad, not to mention the taste 😉 Delicious.

      Reply
  30. Amanda says

    October 23, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    5 stars
    WOW I love how colorful and simple this salad is! Wonderful photos too!

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      Thank you ever so much Amanda!

      Reply
  31. Alexis says

    October 23, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    5 stars
    What a gorgeous dish! This looks absolutely delicious, I'll be adding this to our meal plan for this week.

    Reply
    • Ramona says

      October 25, 2018 at 12:31 pm

      Thank you Alexis, I do hope you will enjoy it and maybe if you have a minute, let me know how you have found/liked it.

      Reply
5 from 74 votes (43 ratings without comment)

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Hey, I'm Ramona and I ♥ making healthy living easy and more delicious!! I am a full-time mother, I work and I am also a busy volunteer.

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