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
Scale
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.
