Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables
Highlighted under: International Food Favorites
I absolutely love grilling, especially when it comes to Halloumi and fresh vegetables. The combination of the salty, creamy cheese paired with the charred flavors of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes is simply irresistible. I often whip up this dish for summer gatherings, and it's always a hit. The best part? It takes just a little over 20 minutes to prepare and grill, making it the perfect quick and delicious meal. Trust me, this recipe will elevate your next barbecue!
When I first made grilled Halloumi with vegetables, I wasn't sure how well the cheese would hold up on the grill. To my delight, it turned out beautifully, with a crispy, golden crust that I couldn't resist. I learned that using a little olive oil on the grill grates really helps prevent sticking, and adds a nice flavor too.
Each time I make this dish, I experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season. I've discovered that grilled asparagus and eggplant also add a delightful twist. It's a versatile recipe that showcases fresh produce while allowing the Halloumi to shine!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The perfect blend of salty, creamy Halloumi and smoky grilled vegetables
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings
- A colorful and healthy dish that's packed with flavor and nutrients
Preparing the Perfect Halloumi
Halloumi is a unique cheese that holds up beautifully to grilling, thanks to its high melting point. When grilling Halloumi, slicing it to about 1/2 inch thick is crucial; this thickness ensures that it crisps nicely on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. If the slices are too thin, they may fall apart on the grill. I recommend using a sharp knife for clean cuts, allowing for an even sear and beautiful grill marks that enhance the presentation.
Another tip is to ensure your grill is adequately preheated to medium-high heat before adding the Halloumi. This helps to achieve that desirable golden color and creates a crust that seals in the cheese's flavors. If you find that your cheese is sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grill grates before adding the cheese; this simple step can make a big difference in the final texture and ease of flipping.
Choosing and Grilling Your Vegetables
The beauty of this dish lies in the array of colorful vegetables. While zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with others like eggplant, asparagus, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have varying cooking times; for instance, firmer veggies like carrots or corn should be precooked slightly before grilling to match the tenderness of zucchinis and peppers. This way, everything finishes at the same time, ensuring that every bite is perfectly cooked.
When grilling the vegetables, I like to cut them into uniform sizes—about 1-inch pieces for bell peppers and similar sizes for zucchini. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from falling through the grates. The visual cue to look for is a nice char and tenderness; you will want to grill the vegetables until they are vibrant and slightly softened but still retain some crunch, usually around 5-7 minutes.
Ingredients
Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables
- 250g halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Make sure to choose fresh vegetables to enhance the flavors of this dish.
Instructions
Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Season the Vegetables
In a bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the Vegetables
Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have grill marks.
Grill the Halloumi
Add the sliced Halloumi to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
Serve
Remove everything from the grill, plate the vegetables and Halloumi, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
This dish is excellent served warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- Experiment with your choice of vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preference for added variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Halloumi with Vegetables makes for a stunning centerpiece, particularly when served on a large platter with fresh herbs sprinkled on top. I love to pair it with a zesty vinaigrette or a dollop of tzatziki on the side, which complements the saltiness of the Halloumi beautifully. If you're entertaining, consider serving it alongside pita bread or a warm grain salad to create a more substantial meal that guests will appreciate.
For those looking for heartier accompaniments, adding a grain like quinoa or couscous gives the dish a lovely texture and helps absorb some of the flavors from the grilled vegetables. You can also serve it as a topping for avocado toast for a delightful twist on brunch!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store the grilled vegetables and Halloumi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, to keep the Halloumi's signature texture, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side, just until warmed through. Microwaving is an option, but it may result in a chewier texture, so I recommend avoiding that when possible.
For those interested in meal prepping, you can grill the vegetables in advance and reheat them quickly for a fast lunch or dinner. Halloumi is best when freshly grilled, but if prepared ahead, consider adding it back to the heat just before serving to restore some of its original crispness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other cheeses instead of Halloumi?
While Halloumi is perfect for grilling due to its high melting point, you can try using queso blanco or paneer as alternatives.
→ What other vegetables work well with this recipe?
Feel free to use any vegetables you like! Eggplant, asparagus, or mushrooms can add delicious flavors.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet.
→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is entirely vegetarian and a great source of protein from the Halloumi.
Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables
I absolutely love grilling, especially when it comes to Halloumi and fresh vegetables. The combination of the salty, creamy cheese paired with the charred flavors of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes is simply irresistible. I often whip up this dish for summer gatherings, and it's always a hit. The best part? It takes just a little over 20 minutes to prepare and grill, making it the perfect quick and delicious meal. Trust me, this recipe will elevate your next barbecue!
Created by: Clara Jennings
Recipe Type: International Food Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables
- 250g halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
In a bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have grill marks.
Add the sliced Halloumi to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
Remove everything from the grill, plate the vegetables and Halloumi, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- Experiment with your choice of vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preference for added variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 18g