Couscous, Melon, Tomato & Chargrilled Halloumi Salad with Serrano Ham
A wonderfully simple, colourful and vibrant salad inspired by Ainsley’s Melon salad from Good Mood Food. Our Tomato & Chilli Couscous pairs wonderfully with the salty ham and grilled cheese, chilled sweet melon and touch of smoky paprika. This also works well with burrata or shavings of Manchego cheese if you fancy a change from the grilled halloumi. Perfect for summer al fresco dining.
Method
Prepare the couscous according to the couscous according to the packet instructions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, honey, orange zest and a good squeeze of the juice.
Place the tomatoes and melon in a bowl and toss with a little of the dressing. Stir half the herbs through the couscous and spoon out on a serving platter. Top with the melon, tomatoes and the slices of ham.
Heat a ridged griddle pan or frying pan over a medium-high heat and brush with a little oil. Sprinkle the halloumi with a little paprika and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until chargrill marks appear. Squeeze over a little orange juice and remove from the heat.
Season the tomatoes and melon with a pinch of flaky sea salt (not too much because the cheese and ham are salty) and a grind of pepper. Scatter over the remaining herbs and top with the griddled halloumi. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle over a little pinch of paprika. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 x packet Ainsley Tomato & Chilli couscous
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp runny honey or maple syrup
- juice and zest of ½ orange
- 200g ripe vine tomatoes (mix of colour and sizes), sliced/chopped into chunks
- 300g chilled mixed melon (watermelon, cantaloupe,) peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks
- 4 slices of serrano ham, prosciutto or Parma ham
- 1 x 250g packet of halloumi, cut into 8 slices
- sweet smoked paprika, for dusting
- handful of fresh basil leaves, shredded
- 8 fresh mint leaves, shredded
- flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper