If you’re craving a dish that captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with a satisfying bite, then the Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the unique, salty chewiness of halloumi cheese with bright, fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and colorful vegetables, all coming together on the grill to create a smoky, irresistible skewer. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in, these kebabs offer a delightful balance of taste, texture, and aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to highlight the halloumi’s natural flavor and add layers of brightness and herbaceousness to the kebabs. Let’s break down these essentials.
- 14 oz Halloumi Cheese: The star of the kebabs, cut into half-inch cubes to get that perfect grill-worthy size.
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to keep the cheese and veggies from sticking to the grill.
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings vibrant acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest: Infuses a concentrated burst of citrus aroma.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Offers a punch of savory depth to the marinade.
- 1 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that ties all the Mediterranean flavors together.
- 2 tsp Fresh Basil, chopped: Freshness and a subtle sweetness complement the tangy lemon.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme: Adds earthy, floral notes.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the marinade.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 2 Large Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped: Colorful, crunchy veggies that grill to sweet perfection.
- 2 Large Zucchinis, sliced into half-inch rounds: Juicy and mild, they soak up the marinade beautifully.
- 1 Large Red Onion, chopped: Adds a smoky sweetness once grilled.
- 8-10 Large Skewers (metal or wooden): To assemble and hold the delicious kebabs on the grill.
How to Make Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Halloumi
Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This vibrant marinade is what elevates the halloumi and veggies to truly joyful heights. Toss the halloumi cubes gently in the mixture until every piece is glistening with flavor, then cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours. This gives the cheese time to soak up the herbs and citrus, making each bite a burst of Mediterranean sunshine.
Step 2: Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Then, start threading the marinated halloumi cubes alternately with the colorful bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and red onion chunks. This not only creates an inviting rainbow of colors but also ensures every skewer has a perfect balance of cheese and veggies with each bite.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your barbecue to medium heat and give the grill a good brush with olive oil to keep things from sticking. Place your kebabs on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes total. Remember to baste them occasionally with the leftover marinade to keep everything juicy and flavorful. Rotate the skewers halfway through grilling to get those gorgeous grill marks and even cooking that make these kebabs so irresistible.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, remove the kebabs carefully from the grill and serve them hot. They are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cool tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon can take this dish to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra chopped basil elevates the visual appeal and adds fresh herbal notes. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the flavors beautifully. Don’t shy away from a wedge of lemon on the side for that extra citrus zing.
Side Dishes
These kebabs pair wonderfully with classic Mediterranean sides like warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a vibrant Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. For a comforting contrast, creamy hummus or roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon and oregano are unbeatable companions to the Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve these kebabs on a rustic wooden board surrounded by piles of grilled veggies, fresh herbs, and small bowls of dips. You can also chop the grilled halloumi and veggies off the skewers and toss them in a big bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh mint for a laid-back, mixed grilled cheese and veggie salad. Either way, presentation can highlight the vibrant colors and inviting textures of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the kebabs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days and maintain most of their texture and flavor when properly stored.
Freezing
While grill-fresh is best, you can freeze marinated halloumi cubes before threading and grilling. Freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Avoid freezing the assembled kebabs or grilled ones, as the texture of the vegetables and cheese can suffer.
Reheating
To reheat leftover kebabs, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat, turning often to avoid burning. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Be mindful not to overcook, as halloumi is best enjoyed warm but not rubbery. A quick broil for a minute can help bring back some of the grill’s charred magic.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are a sturdy, reusable option too.
What if I can’t find halloumi cheese?
Halloumi has a unique texture and flavor, but in a pinch, you could try paneer or a firm, grillable cheese like mozzarella that holds its shape. The flavor will differ, but grilling will still give great results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as halloumi is a cheese. For a vegan version, consider using a plant-based cheese alternative that grills well, or substitute grilled tofu marinated in the same herbs and lemon for a similar vibe.
How long should I marinate the halloumi?
Marinating for 1 to 2 hours is ideal to let the halloumi soak up all those fresh flavors. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will impart some delicious taste.
What type of grill is best for these kebabs?
These kebabs work well on both gas and charcoal grills. Charcoal will add a smokier flavor, but gas grills offer precise temperature control. Either way, medium heat is the sweet spot to cook without burning.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe bring a fresh, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy cheese and vegetables with a Mediterranean twist. Whether entertaining friends or just treating yourself, these skewers are guaranteed to impress with their beautiful colors, delightful textures, and irresistible taste. Grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
Print
Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 kebabs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are a delicious and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring marinated halloumi cheese and colorful vegetables grilled to perfection. Perfect as a light main course or appetizer, they bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a hint of herbs and lemon, making them ideal for summer barbecues or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Cheese and Marinade
- 14 oz Halloumi Cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
Additional
- 8–10 large skewers, metal or wooden (soaked in water for 10 minutes prior to use)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade and Marinate Halloumi: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped fresh basil, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Add the halloumi cheese cubes to the marinade, toss gently to coat all pieces well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors infuse.
- Prepare Skewers: While the halloumi marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. If using metal skewers, soaking is not necessary. Thread the marinated halloumi cubes alternately with pieces of bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and red onion onto each skewer, ensuring an even distribution of cheese and vegetables.
- Preheat and Grease Grill: Heat your barbecue grill to a medium temperature. Once hot, brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and create grill marks on the kebabs.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the assembled kebabs on the hot grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve even grilling on all sides. Baste the kebabs occasionally with the leftover marinade to keep them moist and enhance flavor. The halloumi should develop a golden crust while the vegetables become tender but still retain some crispness.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill once cooked. Serve them hot on their own or accompanied by a classic tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating halloumi for at least 1 hour enhances flavor but do not marinate for too long as the cheese can soften excessively.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted if necessary.
- Grill the kebabs over medium heat to avoid cheese melting too fast or vegetables burning.
- Serve with pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
