Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables

Name: Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 block of halloumi cheese (about 225g); 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 yellow squash, sliced; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint), for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Healthy Meals Inspiration

I absolutely love making Grilled Halloumi with Vegetables during the summer months. The combination of the salty, crispy halloumi paired with fresh, charred veggies creates a dish that's bursting with flavor. We often serve it as an appetizer or a light main course, and it never fails to impress our guests. The high heat of the grill gives everything a smoky taste that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re at a barbecue or on a weeknight, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce in a delicious way.

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:04:36.431Z

When I first tried grilled halloumi, I was surprised by its unique texture and flavor. I wanted to complement it with seasonal vegetables, leading to this delightful recipe. The key to achieving the perfect grill marks on the halloumi is ensuring it's dry before it hits the grill. This small step makes a big difference in texture!

One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can swap in any vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or bell peppers, depending on what’s fresh and in season. The result is a colorful and nutritious meal that celebrates summer’s bounty.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The satisfying saltiness of grilled halloumi paired with fresh, smoky veggies.
Quick to prepare, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights.
A delightful way to enjoy a plant-based meal with protein-rich cheese.

The Role of Halloumi in Grilling

Halloumi cheese is unique because of its high melting point, which allows it to hold its shape when grilled. This cheese develops a beautiful crust that contrasts well with its soft, slightly creamy interior. For the best results, slice the halloumi into uniform pieces about 1/2 inch thick; this ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on it while grilling, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, typically needing only 2-3 minutes per side.

Another benefit of using halloumi is its ability to absorb the flavors of the grill. For added depth, consider marinating the slices in lemon juice, garlic, or herbs for about 30 minutes before grilling. This simple pre-step can infuse the cheese with an extra layer of flavor and enhance the overall dish.

Vegetable Choices and Grilling Techniques

When selecting vegetables, aim for a variety of colors and textures. Red bell peppers offer sweetness, while zucchini and yellow squash provide a lovely tender bite. Red onions add a mild, caramelized sweetness when grilled. However, you can easily substitute these with other seasonal vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms, depending on your taste preferences. Ensure that the vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat.

A grill basket can be a game-changer for cooking small vegetables. If you don’t have one, skewers are an excellent alternative. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, and thread your veggies onto them for easy handling on the grill. Keeping the greens slightly charred, yet still crisp, means monitoring your vegetables closely and turning them occasionally.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for grilling:

Ingredients

1 block of halloumi cheese (about 225g)
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint), for garnish

Make sure to select fresh vegetables for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your grilled halloumi with vegetables:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Grill the Halloumi

Slice the halloumi cheese into thick slices, about 1/2 inch. Place the slices on the grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Grill the Vegetables

Add the prepared vegetables to the grill in a grill basket, or directly on the grates. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and tender.

Serve

Once both the halloumi and vegetables are done, remove them from the grill. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Your delicious grilled halloumi with vegetables is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Grilled Halloumi with Vegetables can be as simple or elaborate as you like. For a casual gathering, just place the grilled cheese and vegetables on a platter with toothpicks or skewers for easy picking. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or yogurt-based sauce to elevate the dish. Consider pairing it with crusty bread, a green salad, or quinoa to make for a more substantial meal.

You can also transform this dish into a delightful grain bowl. Serve the grilled halloumi and veggies over a bed of cooked farro or brown rice, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the halloumi.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Grilled Halloumi and vegetables are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to revitalize the cheese and vegetables without making them too mushy. Just a few minutes on the stove will help them regain their grilled texture.

If you want to save time on busy weeknights, consider prepping the vegetables ahead of time. Chopping them in advance and storing them in the fridge can save you about 10-15 minutes on cooking day. Halloumi can also be sliced beforehand, though it’s best to grill it fresh to enjoy that crispy, charred goodness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular cheese instead of halloumi?

Halloumi is unique for its grilling properties, but you can try other firm cheeses, though results may vary.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a pan.

→ What is the best way to serve this dish?

This dish is great on its own, but can also be served over a bed of greens or with a side of pita bread.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

For a vegan version, you can replace halloumi with grilled tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative.