If you’re craving a dish that sings with fresh Mediterranean vibes, you have to try this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavorful celebration of crispy, salty halloumi cheese paired with colorful veggies, all infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or impressing friends at your next barbecue, these kebabs are irresistibly simple yet packed with mouthwatering taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe is straightforward but essential, coming together to provide a perfect balance of creaminess, acidity, and a little herbal earthiness. Each element adds its own layer of flavor, making the final dish shine brightly on your plate.
- 14 oz Halloumi Cheese: Firm and salty, this cheese grills beautifully, giving you a crispy outside and a soft, squeaky inside.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat every piece evenly.
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with a refreshing citrus tang.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor and adds aromatic oils.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a punch of savory depth.
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano: The classic Greek herb that powers up the Mediterranean vibe.
- 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped: Brings a sweet, slightly peppery freshness.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty undertone.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to the marinade.
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped: Provide sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds: Light and juicy, balancing the richness of halloumi.
- 1 large red onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and tender texture after grilling.
- 8-10 large skewers (metal or wooden): For threading all those delicious elements together.
How to Make Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Halloumi
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is where all those beautiful Mediterranean flavors meld, creating a fragrant bath for your halloumi cubes. Toss the halloumi into the marinade, making sure each cube is lovingly coated. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours so every bite can soak up that brightness and herbaceous goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While your halloumi is chilling, soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning, or get your metal skewers ready. Then, thread the marinated halloumi cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of those gorgeous bell peppers, zucchini slices, and red onion chunks. This mix not only creates a stunning kaleidoscope of colors but also balances the salty cheese with fresh, sweet, and crisp vegetables that grill to perfection.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Heat your grill to medium and brush it with a little olive oil to keep everything from sticking. Place your kebabs on the grill and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally for even charring. Use the leftover marinade to baste the kebabs halfway through—this extra layer of flavor will give a gorgeous glaze and keep your cheese juicy. The halloumi should develop those coveted golden grill marks while the veggies get tender but still have a bite.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once that smokey aroma fills your air and the kebabs are beautifully charred, remove them from the grill. Serve fresh and hot, whether on their own or with a cool dollop of tzatziki. These kebabs are easy to love and will quickly become a crowd favorite at any meal or gathering.
How to Serve Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or mint over the top just before serving. A squeeze of extra fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a vibrant final touch. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes can bring a playful kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
These kebabs are incredibly versatile, so pair them with simple Greek staples like a cucumber and tomato salad, fluffy pita bread, or a scoop of herby couscous. A side of tzatziki, rich and tangy, is an absolute game-changer that complements the smoky-charred halloumi and veggies perfectly. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or a lemony quinoa salad will round things out wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe on a platter surrounded by fresh greens and olives for a true meze-style feast. Alternatively, slide the kebab pieces off the skewers into wraps with some crunchy lettuce and grilled halloumi drizzled with garlic yogurt sauce. They’re also fantastic chopped up into a Mediterranean grain bowl with roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kebabs left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor for up to 3 days. The veggies may lose a bit of their crunch but will still taste delicious warmed up.
Freezing
Halloumi doesn’t freeze brilliantly on skewers due to its texture after thawing, so it’s best to freeze the marinated cubes before grilling if you want to prep ahead. Separate them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed bag or container.
Reheating
To reheat leftover kebabs, place them on a foil-lined baking tray and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the halloumi pleasantly warm without becoming rubbery, and revives the grilled veggies nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of halloumi?
Halloumi is unique because it holds its shape on the grill without melting, which is why it works best for this recipe. If you want a substitute, look for a firm grilling cheese like queso blanco, but the taste and texture might differ somewhat.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require this step.
Can I make these kebabs vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as-is with halloumi cheese, but not vegan. For a vegan option, you could try marinated tofu or a plant-based grilling cheese, though the flavor and texture will change.
How long should I marinate the halloumi?
Marinating for 1 to 2 hours is ideal to allow the cheese to absorb the lemon, garlic, and herb flavors without becoming too soft or losing its structure on the grill.
What sides go best with Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe?
Traditional Mediterranean sides like tzatziki, pita bread, Greek salad, or lemon roasted potatoes pair perfectly, adding complimentary flavors and textures to this grilled delight.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe is an absolute winner when you want something fresh, colorful, and bursting with traditional Greek flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. Give it a try and enjoy the harmony of crispy cheese, charred veggies, and fragrant herbs—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 kebabs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are a flavorful vegetarian delight, featuring marinated halloumi cheese and fresh vegetables grilled to perfection. Ideal as a light meal or appetizer, they bring together Mediterranean herbs, zesty lemon, and smoky grill flavors for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Marinade and Cheese
- 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 and Skewers
- 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
- 8–10 large skewers, metal or wooden
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Halloumi: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped fresh basil, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the halloumi cheese cubes, toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the cheese.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill (skip this step if using metal skewers). Thread the marinated halloumi cubes onto the skewers alternately with pieces of bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and red onion, arranging them tightly but without overcrowding.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your BBQ grill to medium heat. Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. During grilling, baste the kebabs intermittently with the leftover marinade to keep them moist and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill once the halloumi is golden and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot alone or alongside a refreshing tzatziki sauce for a classic Greek accompaniment.
Notes
- For best results, marinate halloumi for the full 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them is essential to avoid burning on the grill.
- You can substitute or add your preferred vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or mushrooms.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
- Serve with pita bread or a light salad for a fuller meal.
