Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese Recipe

Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese Recipe

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup fregola or Israeli couscous
  • Kosher salt
  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces Halloumi cheese, sliced lengthwise 3/4″ thick
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (or more) white wine vinegar
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
  2. Cook fregola in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain (do not rinse) and spread out on a baking sheet to let cool.
  3. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Rub corn with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let cool.
  4. Meanwhile, brush cheese with 1 tablespoon oil and grill, turning once, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to platter with corn; let cool.
  5. Cut kernels from cobs and place in a large bowl. Add scallions, parsley, basil, mint, walnuts, and fregola. Using your hands, tear Halloumi into bite-size pieces; add to bowl and toss to combine. Add lemon juice, vinegar, and remaining 1/4 cup oil. Toss to coat; season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.