Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful, and delightfully satisfying dish, look no further than this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of salty, smoky halloumi cheese paired with colorful veggies, all kissed by a citrusy herby marinade. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, making this recipe an absolute showstopper for any gathering or a simple weeknight treat that feels extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the creamy, squeaky halloumi to the vibrant peppers and the aromatic herbs, every element contributes to a harmony of textures and flavors that make these kebabs truly unforgettable.

  • 14 oz Halloumi Cheese: Cut into 1/2 inch cubes for perfect grilling without melting away.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness while helping the marinade cling and create a nice char.
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brings a refreshing tang that brightens up the cheese and veggies.
  • 1 tsp lemon zest: Packs an extra punch of citrus aroma for depth.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with savory warmth and complexity.
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that lends earthy, fragrant notes.
  • 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped: Delivers fresh herbal brightness to balance the richness.
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme: Offers subtle woodsy undertones that complement grilled flavors.
  • 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and softens the halloumi’s firmness.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild bite and warmth.
  • 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange): Chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces for sweet crunch and color contrast.
  • 2 large zucchinis: Sliced into 1/2 inch rounds, they grill beautifully tender with a hint of smokiness.
  • 1 large red onion: Chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces, bringing sweetness and a slight bite when grilled.
  • 8-10 large skewers (metal or wooden): Essential for assembling and grilling the kebabs with ease.

How to Make Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Halloumi

Start by preparing a vibrant marinade that will soak into the halloumi cubes, infusing them with bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and garlic. Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently toss in the halloumi cubes, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the cheese to soak up all the delicious flavors before hitting the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

While the halloumi marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Once ready, thread the marinated halloumi, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto each skewer, alternating ingredients to create an appealing medley of colors and textures. Building these kebabs is almost like crafting edible artwork — when finished, they look as vibrant and enticing as they will taste.

Step 3: Grill the Kebabs

Fire up your grill to medium heat and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the assembled kebabs carefully on the grill. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even grilling and beautiful grill marks. While grilling, baste the kebabs occasionally with the leftover marinade to keep them moist and boost flavor. The halloumi will develop a crisp, golden exterior while staying delectably soft inside — a texture contrast that is simply irresistible.

Step 4: Serve Your Kebabs

Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve them hot. The combination of smoky grilled cheese with fresh, charred veggies is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with classic Mediterranean sides or your favorite dips. These kebabs transform any meal into an occasion and are a fantastic way to enjoy halloumi beyond the usual salad or sandwich.

How to Serve Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe

Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A dash of chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of sumac adds that final flourish to your kebabs. These subtle extras bring freshness and a touch of color that make your presentation pop and give each bite a lively twist.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, serve your grilled Greek halloumi kebabs with a side of fluffy couscous tossed with herbs, a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers and tomatoes, or creamy tzatziki sauce to dip into. These accompaniments highlight the Mediterranean vibe of the kebabs and make every mouthful even better.

Creative Ways to Present

Rather than a straightforward skewer, try serving the kebabs over a bed of warm pita bread with dollops of yogurt or drizzle a bright chimichurri sauce over the top. You can also cut the grilled halloumi into chunks and toss them into a hearty grain bowl for a delicious twist on the classic kebab experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any kebabs left over (and often, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The halloumi holds up well and stays delicious when reheated gently or served cold in a salad.

Freezing

Freezing grilled halloumi kebabs is possible but not ideal, as the texture of the cheese and veggies may change slightly. If you do freeze them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the kebabs in a skillet over medium heat or under the broiler for just a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve the grill-charred texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers for this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Alternatively, metal skewers are reusable and sturdy options for perfect grilling.

How long should I marinate the halloumi?

Marinating for 1 to 2 hours in the fridge is ideal. This timeframe allows the cheese to soak up all the herbaceous, citrusy flavors without becoming too soft or losing its shape on the grill.

Can I grill these kebabs indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or broiler works well. Just be mindful of cooking times and keep an eye on them to avoid burning due to the more intense heat.

What can I serve alongside these kebabs for a full meal?

Think Mediterranean: a Greek salad, warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki, or even a simple grain salad like quinoa or couscous complements the kebabs beautifully and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Is halloumi cheese vegetarian-friendly?

Most halloumi cheeses are suitable for vegetarians as they are typically made with vegetarian rennet, but it’s always a good idea to check the packaging if this is important to you.

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely joyful about making and sharing this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe. Its bright flavors, satisfying textures, and colorful presentation make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Next time you want an easy yet impressive dish, give these kebabs a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to for warm weather grilling or anytime you crave a taste of the Mediterranean.

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Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe

Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are a vibrant and savory vegetarian delight featuring marinated halloumi cheese and fresh vegetables grilled to perfection. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors from herbs, citrus, and garlic, they are perfect for a summer BBQ or light dinner, served hot and optionally paired with refreshing tzatziki sauce.


Ingredients

Marinade and Halloumi

  • 14 oz Halloumi Cheese, cut into 1/2′ 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 and Skewers

  • 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped into 1 1/2′ pieces
  • 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/2′ rounds
  • 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/2′ pieces
  • 810 large skewers, metal or wooden


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Halloumi: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh basil, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Add the halloumi cubes to the bowl and toss well to evenly coat the cheese in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Prepare the Skewers: Soak the metal or wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. After soaking, thread the marinated halloumi cubes alternately with chopped bell peppers, zucchini slices, and red onion pieces onto each skewer, distributing the ingredients evenly.
  3. Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your BBQ grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through. While grilling, baste the kebabs occasionally with leftover marinade to enhance flavor and keep them moist.
  4. Serve: Once the kebabs are nicely charred and cooked through, remove them from the grill. Serve the kebabs hot either on their own or alongside a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a traditional Greek accompaniment.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers is essential to avoid burning on the grill.
  • For extra flavor, allow the halloumi to marinate closer to 2 hours.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
  • Tzatziki sauce pairs beautifully with the grilled kebabs for added freshness.
  • Turn skewers carefully to prevent halloumi from sticking or falling apart.

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