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Top 10 al fresco recipes

Eating outdoors is a real summer treat – fresh air, sunshine and loved ones gathered around a table packed with delicious food. From zingy salads to fruity desserts, we’ve selected 10 recipes that are easy to transport outdoors so perfect for al fresco dining.

Crispy halloumi tabbouleh
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Crispy halloumi tabbouleh

Use up any fresh herbs you have in your fridge to make this tabbouleh. Top with crispy halloumi and a drizzle of houmous for a special summery supper.

  1. Tip the couscous into a large, heatproof bowl and pour over 125ml boiling water; set aside for 5 mins. Put the onion, herbs and spinach in a large mixing bowl with the cucumber, tomatoes, lemon juice and 1 tbsp olive oil; mix well.
  2. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and add to the herb mixture. Season to taste and set aside.
  3. Cut the halloumi into 8 chunky pieces and pat dry with kitchen paper. In a small bowl, mix together the sesame seeds and flour, then add the halloumi pieces. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry the halloumi for 5 mins, turning frequently, or until golden and crisp all over.
  4. Pile the tabbouleh onto a platter and top with the crispy halloumi pieces. Serve with the houmous and sprinkle with smoked paprika, if you like.

See more Halloumi recipes

View full recipe details
  • Ingredients
  • 100g couscous
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 20g fresh mint, leaves finely chopped
  • 2 x 30g packs flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 100g pack fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • 100g baby spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 cucumber portion, finely chopped
  • 2 salad tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil​
  • 225g pack 30% less fat halloumi
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp plain wholemeal flour
  • 200g tub reduced-fat houmous, to serve
  • pinch of smoked paprika, to serve (optional)