Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
Salty, squeaky halloumi cheese grilled to perfection alongside colorful, crisp vegetables. These skewers are brushed with a zesty lemon-herb marinade, making for a perfect light summer meal or appetizer.
For 4 servings
Prepare the ingredients and skewers
- If using wooden skewers, place them in water to soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut the halloumi cheese, red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- Place the halloumi, chopped vegetables, and cherry tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.
Make the marinade and coat
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour the marinade over the halloumi and vegetables.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Assemble the skewers
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
- Thread the marinated halloumi and vegetable pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating them for a colorful pattern.
- Leave a small space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
Grill the skewers
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes.
- Grill until the halloumi is golden brown with char marks and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Garnish and serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking wooden skewers is crucial to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- 2Cut your halloumi and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 3Don't overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between items for better heat circulation.
- 4Halloumi can stick to the grill. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking.
- 5These skewers are best served hot, as halloumi firms up as it cools.
- 6For extra flavor, reserve a little marinade to brush over the skewers as they grill.
- 7If you don't have a grill, you can cook these on a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Reduce the olive oil to 1.5 tablespoons and serve with a large side salad instead of carb-heavy sides like bread or potatoes.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 200g of cubed chicken breast or firm tofu to the skewers along with the halloumi and vegetables.
quickQuick
Use pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store and a store-bought lemon-herb vinaigrette to cut down on prep time.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure you serve it with gluten-free sides like quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Halloumi cheese provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and feeling full.
Packed with Vitamins
The variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini offers essential vitamins and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Source of Healthy Fats
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Good Source of Calcium
As a dairy product, halloumi is rich in calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy choice. Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium. Paired with plenty of fresh vegetables, it makes for a balanced meal. To keep it healthy, be mindful of the oil used and the portion size.
