Grilled Halloumi Skewers have become a summer staple in our household, and for good reason! There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly grilled, salty piece of halloumi cheese, nestled amongst smoky, vibrant vegetables. Even my kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devour these skewers. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible – the squeaky halloumi, the sweet char of the peppers, the juicy tomatoes, all brought together with a simple, zesty marinade. Whether we’re having a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend BBQ, these skewers are always a hit. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the meat-lovers in your life!

What You’ll Need: The Star Ingredients for Your Halloumi Skewers

To create these delectable grilled halloumi skewers, you’ll need a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Halloumi Cheese (8-9 oz / 225-250g block): The star of the show! Look for firm, authentic halloumi. Its high melting point makes it perfect for grilling, giving it a beautiful golden crust and a slightly squeaky texture inside.

Bell Peppers (1 large, any color or mix, cut into 1-inch pieces): Choose a variety of colors like red, yellow, and orange for visual appeal and a mix of sweetness. Bell peppers add a wonderful smoky sweetness when grilled.

Red Onion (1/2 medium, cut into wedges or 1-inch pieces): Adds a pungent bite and a touch of sweetness that mellows out beautifully on the grill.

Zucchini (1 medium, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds or half-moons): Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture that complements the halloumi and other vegetables.

Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, about 2 cups): Bursting with juicy sweetness, cherry tomatoes add a delightful pop of flavor and color to the skewers.

Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor and health benefits. It helps to prevent sticking and adds richness to the marinade.

Lemon Juice (1-2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed): Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the halloumi.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic Mediterranean herb that adds a warm, earthy aroma and flavor.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile without being overpowering.

Salt and Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors and bring out the best in all the ingredients.

Fresh Parsley (Optional) (1-2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish): For a fresh, herbaceous garnish at the end. Adds a pop of color and a final layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: Grilling Your Halloumi Skewers to Perfection

Follow these simple instructions to create perfectly grilled halloumi skewers that are bursting with flavor:

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Halloumi

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Wash and dry the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.

• Bell Peppers: Remove the stems, seeds, and membranes from the bell peppers. Cut them into approximately 1-inch squares or chunks. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as the halloumi cubes so they cook evenly.
• Red Onion: Peel the red onion and cut it into wedges or chunks, similar in size to the bell peppers. You can separate the layers slightly if desired.
• Zucchini: Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut it into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds or half-moons, depending on the size of your zucchini.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Leave the cherry tomatoes whole. If they are very large, you can halve them, but whole tomatoes are less likely to fall apart on the skewers.
• Halloumi Cheese: Remove the halloumi from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps it to brown nicely on the grill. Cut the halloumi block into approximately 1-inch cubes. Aim for consistent size for even cooking.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Combine Marinade: Pour the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the bowl.
• Whisk Vigorously: Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until they are well emulsified. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the marinade coats the vegetables and halloumi evenly.
• Add Vegetables (Except Tomatoes): Add the bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them to ensure they are all coated in the marinade. Avoid adding the cherry tomatoes at this stage as they can become too soft if marinated for too long.
• Marinate Time: Let the vegetables marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for more intense flavor. The longer they marinate, the more the flavors will penetrate. While the vegetables are marinating, you can prepare the halloumi and preheat your grill.

Step 3: Skewer It Up

Now it’s time to assemble your skewers. You can use metal skewers or wooden skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill).

• Alternate Ingredients: Thread the marinated vegetables and halloumi cubes onto the skewers, alternating between the different ingredients. You can create a pattern or simply arrange them randomly.
• Add Cherry Tomatoes: After threading the halloumi and marinated vegetables, carefully add the cherry tomatoes to the skewers. Try to place them in a way that they are protected slightly by the other ingredients to prevent them from bursting too quickly on the grill.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a little space between each piece on the skewer to ensure even cooking and allow for good airflow around the ingredients. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling.
• Prepare All Skewers: Assemble all the skewers until you have used up all the ingredients.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Goodness

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

• Grill Skewers: Place the halloumi skewers directly onto the preheated grill grates.
• Grilling Time: Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the halloumi is golden brown and has beautiful grill marks, and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
• Turn Regularly: Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and grilling on all sides. Keep a close eye on them as halloumi can brown quickly.
• Avoid Overcooking Halloumi: Halloumi should be grilled until golden brown and slightly softened, but avoid overcooking it as it can become rubbery. It’s ready when it’s nicely browned and heated through.
• Vegetable Tenderness: The vegetables should be tender-crisp, meaning they are cooked through but still have a slight bite. They should also have some nice char marks.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the skewers are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two.

• Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the grilled skewers for a fresh, herbaceous touch and a pop of color.
• Serve Immediately: Grilled halloumi skewers are best served immediately while they are hot and the halloumi is still squeaky and delicious.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve as a flavorful appetizer, a light vegetarian main course, or alongside other grilled dishes. See the “How to Serve” section below for more serving ideas.

Nutritional Highlights: Fuel Your Body the Delicious Way

These Grilled Vegetarian Halloumi Skewers are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits. Here’s a quick overview (per serving, approximate):

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving (depending on halloumi brand and portion sizes)
• Fat: 25-30g
• Protein: 15-20g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consult a nutritional database for more precise information.

Prep Time Breakdown: Get Ready to Grill in Minutes

These halloumi skewers are wonderfully quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

• Vegetable Prep: Chopping the vegetables and halloumi takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Marinating Time: Allow at least 15-30 minutes for marinating the vegetables, but this can be done while you prep other parts of your meal or preheat the grill.
• Skewering Time: Assembling the skewers takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Grilling Time: Grilling the skewers takes approximately 8-12 minutes, depending on your grill and desired level of char.

Total active preparation time is around 30-45 minutes, excluding marinating time. This recipe is a great option for a flavorful and relatively fast meal.

How to Serve: Elevate Your Halloumi Skewer Experience

Grilled Halloumi Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Cut the skewers in half or serve them whole as a vibrant and flavorful appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• As a Light Main Course: Serve 2-3 skewers per person as a satisfying vegetarian main course, perfect for a lighter meal.
• With a Salad: Pair the skewers with a fresh and vibrant salad, such as a Greek salad, Mediterranean quinoa salad, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Alongside Grains: Serve over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or rice to create a more substantial meal.
• In Pita Bread or Wraps: Remove the grilled halloumi and vegetables from the skewers and stuff them into warm pita bread or wraps with hummus, tzatziki, or other Mediterranean sauces for a delicious and portable meal.
• With Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like tzatziki, hummus, pesto, or a spicy harissa yogurt for added flavor and variety.
• As part of a BBQ Spread: Include these skewers as part of a larger BBQ spread alongside other grilled vegetables, salads, and sides to offer a vegetarian option.
• With Grilled Bread: Serve with slices of grilled pita bread or crusty baguette to soak up any leftover marinade and juices.

Additional Tips for Grilled Halloumi Skewer Success: From Prep to Plate

To ensure your grilled halloumi skewers are absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Halloumi: Opt for authentic, full-fat halloumi cheese for the best flavor and texture. Avoid “light” or lower-fat versions as they may not grill as well.
2. Pat Halloumi Dry: Always pat the halloumi dry with paper towels before grilling. This removes excess moisture and helps it to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
3. Don’t Over-Marinate Halloumi: Halloumi itself doesn’t need to be marinated as it’s already quite flavorful and holds its shape well. Marinating the vegetables is key for flavor.
4. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning and to help them release the food more easily.
5. Preheat Grill Properly: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers. This ensures proper searing and prevents sticking.
6. Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates before placing the skewers on them. This will further help to prevent sticking and ensure nice grill marks.
7. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grill the skewers in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and lead to steaming instead of grilling.
8. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! Other great additions include mushrooms, eggplant, bell peppers of different colors, and even pineapple for a touch of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Halloumi Skewer Queries Answered

Here are some common questions people ask about making grilled halloumi skewers:

1. Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the vegetable and halloumi skewers up to a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to grill them just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid assembling too far in advance as the tomatoes can soften.
2. Can I use different vegetables?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season. Other great options include mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini blossoms, asparagus, and even chunks of fruit like pineapple or peaches.
3. Can I grill these indoors?
   • Yes, you can grill halloumi skewers indoors using a grill pan or a countertop grill. Heat the grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions.
4. What if my halloumi is sticking to the grill?
   • Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Also, ensure the grill is properly preheated before adding the skewers. Patting the halloumi dry helps too. If sticking persists, try gently lifting the skewer with a spatula instead of pulling.
5. Can I make these skewers vegan?
   • Halloumi cheese is not vegan as it is made from dairy. To make vegan skewers, you can substitute the halloumi with firm or extra-firm tofu that has been pressed to remove excess water and marinated in a flavorful marinade. Alternatively, consider using large chunks of grilled portobello mushrooms as a hearty vegan option.
6. How do I store leftover grilled halloumi skewers?
   • Leftover grilled halloumi skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the texture of the halloumi may change slightly upon reheating, becoming a bit firmer.
7. How do I reheat leftover halloumi skewers?
   • The best way to reheat leftover skewers is in the oven or on a grill pan over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the texture may be less ideal. A brief reheat is best to prevent over-drying.
8. Can I add meat to these skewers?
   • While this recipe is designed to be vegetarian, you could certainly add grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb to the skewers if you wish to create a mixed skewer. Just ensure any meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature. However, for a truly delicious vegetarian experience, these halloumi skewers shine on their own!

Conclusion: Embrace the Flavor of Grilled Halloumi Skewers

Grilled Vegetarian Halloumi Skewers are a fantastic addition to your grilling repertoire. They are easy to make, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal vegetables and the unique taste of grilled halloumi. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a delicious and healthy grilling option, these skewers are sure to become a new favorite. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a taste of sunshine on a stick!

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