Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables

Name: Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 250g halloumi cheese, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (optional, e.g., thyme, rosemary)

Highlighted under: Wellness Plates

I love creating simple yet delicious meals, and this Grilled Halloumi with Vegetables is a perfect example. The combination of the salty halloumi and the freshness of the grilled veggies offers a satisfying balance that tantalizes my taste buds. It’s a quick dish that I find works wonderfully as a light lunch or an impressive appetizer for gatherings. With minimal ingredients and time, this recipe lets the natural flavors shine through, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Lydia Spencer

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:29:35.774Z

When I first tried grilled halloumi, I was absolutely hooked. The crispy edges and creamy center create a tantalizing texture that's unlike anything else. I found that marinating the halloumi beforehand with a bit of olive oil and herbs enhances its flavor, making each bite a delight. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

This recipe is great for gatherings. I often set up a grill outside and let guests choose their vegetables. Providing a variety of colors and textures adds a beautiful presentation to the dish. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive way for everyone to customize their meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly grilled halloumi with a delightful char.
Fresh, seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition.
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion.

Understanding Halloumi

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese that holds up exceptionally well to high heat, making it perfect for grilling. Its unique texture allows it to develop a lovely, crispy crust while remaining soft and slightly chewy on the inside. The saltiness of halloumi is balanced by the natural sweetness of the grilled vegetables, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying.

When grilling halloumi, it's essential to choose the right thickness for your slices. Aim for about 1 cm thick to ensure they grill evenly without losing their shape or becoming overly salty. If you're not a fan of the saltiness, a quick soak in water for 15 minutes before grilling can help mellow its flavor, allowing the cheese's natural creaminess to shine.

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

The success of this dish largely hinges on the quality and freshness of the vegetables you choose. Seasonal vegetables add not only color but also a variety of flavors. While zucchini and bell peppers work wonderfully, feel free to include other vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Each of these can be grilled seamlessly, offering their unique tastes to the dish.

To achieve perfect grill marks and enhance the vegetable’s flavor, ensure adequate marination time of at least 30 minutes. This allows the olive oil and seasoning to penetrate deeply. If you're short on time, a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper can still elevate their taste. The goal is to achieve a tender texture while still retaining a slight crunch to complement the creamy halloumi.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create this flavorful dish:

Ingredients

250g halloumi cheese, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (optional, e.g., thyme, rosemary)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your grilled halloumi with vegetables:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Coat the halloumi slices and vegetables with the marinade.

Grill the Vegetables

Preheat your grill on medium-high heat. Place the marinated vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and have grill marks.

Grill the Halloumi

Add the halloumi slices to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Serve

Arrange the grilled vegetables and halloumi on a serving plate. Drizzle with extra olive oil and enjoy warm.

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, grilled halloumi can lose its desired texture when reheated, so it's best enjoyed fresh. That said, if you have to reheat leftovers, consider using a skillet on medium heat to gently warm them, or briefly placing them back on the grill for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

If you want to prepare ahead of time, grill the vegetables and halloumi separately, then combine just before serving. This approach prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery and allows the vegetables to retain their color and crunch.

Creative Serving Ideas

This grilled halloumi dish can be served warm as a standalone dish or used as a topping for salads and grain bowls. Consider serving it over a bed of quinoa or arugula for added nutrition, or drizzling some balsamic glaze for extra flavor depth. The contrast of warm halloumi and cool, fresh greens creates a delightful eating experience.

For those planning a gathering, try skewering the halloumi and vegetables for an attractive presentation, which also makes it easier to serve as an appetizer. Pairing with a citrusy dip, such as a lemon and herb yogurt sauce, adds a refreshing touch that complements the rich flavors of both the cheese and vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular cheese instead of halloumi?

While halloumi is best for grilling due to its high melting point, you can use other grilling cheeses like queso blanco or feta, but the texture will differ.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply replace halloumi with grilled tofu or tempeh. Marinate it in the same way to infuse flavors.

→ What other vegetables work well with this recipe?

You can add vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for added variety and flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the halloumi and vegetables a few hours in advance. Just grill them right before serving for the best results.