Grilled Halloumi Recipes: From Simple Skewers to Gourmet Salads

Halloumi, the semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese from Cyprus, is a culinary marvel perfect for grilling. Its high melting point allows it to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while remaining delightfully chewy inside. This makes it an ideal vegetarian option for barbecues, salads, and countless other dishes. This article explores a variety of delicious grilled halloumi recipes, from simple preparations to more elaborate culinary creations, providing detailed instructions and tips for achieving halloumi grilling perfection.

Why Halloumi is Perfect for Grilling

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand why halloumi excels on the grill. The key is its unique texture and composition. Unlike many other cheeses that melt into a gooey mess when exposed to heat, halloumi’s firm structure holds its shape. This is due to the way it’s made, typically using a mixture of goat’s, sheep’s, and cow’s milk. The cheese is then brined, which further contributes to its high melting point and distinctive salty flavor. When grilled, the outside caramelizes beautifully, creating a slightly crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft, slightly squeaky interior. The grilling process also mellows out the saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Essential Tips for Grilling Halloumi

While grilling halloumi is relatively straightforward, following these tips will ensure optimal results:

* **Choose the right halloumi:** Opt for halloumi that is firm and has a slightly springy texture. Avoid packages that appear slimy or have an off-putting smell.
* **Pat it dry:** Before grilling, pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes better browning.
* **Oil the grill:** Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the halloumi from sticking. You can use cooking spray or brush the grates with olive oil.
* **Medium-high heat is key:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This allows the halloumi to cook quickly and develop a nice crust without burning.
* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Grill the halloumi in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill and lowering the temperature.
* **Cook for 2-3 minutes per side:** Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and has grill marks. Avoid overcooking, as it can become rubbery.
* **Serve immediately:** Grilled halloumi is best served immediately while it’s still warm and the texture is at its peak.

Simple Grilled Halloumi Recipes

Let’s start with some simple recipes that highlight the deliciousness of grilled halloumi:

1. Classic Grilled Halloumi Slices

This is the most basic way to enjoy grilled halloumi, allowing its natural flavor to shine.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.
3. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil.
4. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and with grill marks.
5. Remove from the grill and serve immediately. Season with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as an appetizer with pita bread and dips like hummus or tzatziki.
* Add to a salad for a protein boost.
* Use as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.

2. Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Vegetables

This recipe combines grilled halloumi with colorful vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the halloumi, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Thread the halloumi and vegetables onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the halloumi is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as a main course with a side of couscous or quinoa.
* Serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like balsamic glaze or pesto.
* Add to a pita bread for a delicious vegetarian wrap.

3. Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon and Mint

This refreshing recipe is perfect for summer, combining the salty halloumi with the sweet watermelon and fragrant mint.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
* 4 cups cubed watermelon
* ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.
3. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil.
4. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and with grill marks.
5. In a bowl, combine the watermelon and mint.
6. Top with the grilled halloumi slices.
7. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
8. Serve immediately.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as a light lunch or appetizer.
* Serve as a side dish at a barbecue.
* Add to a salad with arugula and a lemon vinaigrette.

Advanced Grilled Halloumi Recipes

For those looking to elevate their grilled halloumi game, here are some more complex and flavorful recipes:

4. Grilled Halloumi and Peach Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

This salad combines the savory halloumi with the sweetness of grilled peaches and a zesty honey-lime dressing.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
* 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
* 5 ounces mixed greens
* ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
* ¼ cup toasted almonds

**For the Honey-Lime Dressing:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.
3. Lightly brush the halloumi slices and peach halves with olive oil.
4. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and with grill marks.
5. Grill the peach halves for 3-4 minutes per side, or until slightly softened and with grill marks.
6. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, feta cheese, and toasted almonds.
7. Top with the grilled halloumi and peach halves.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
* Serve as a side dish at a summer barbecue.
* Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

5. Grilled Halloumi Burgers with Pesto and Roasted Red Peppers

This vegetarian burger is packed with flavor, featuring grilled halloumi, pesto, roasted red peppers, and arugula.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick slices
* 4 burger buns
* ¼ cup pesto
* 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
* 2 cups arugula
* Olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.
3. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil.
4. Grill the halloumi for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and with grill marks.
5. Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill, if desired.
6. Spread pesto on the bottom bun.
7. Top with arugula, roasted red peppers, and grilled halloumi.
8. Place the top bun on top and serve immediately.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as a delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers.
* Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a garden salad.
* Customize with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, tomato, or caramelized onions.

6. Grilled Halloumi with Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

This elegant appetizer combines the salty halloumi with the sweetness of figs and the savory prosciutto, all atop crispy crostini.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
* 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
* 4 fresh figs, quartered
* 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Balsamic glaze (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted.
3. Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.
4. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil.
5. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and with grill marks.
6. Top each crostini with a slice of grilled halloumi, a fig quarter, and a piece of prosciutto.
7. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
8. Serve immediately.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party.
* Serve as a snack with a glass of wine.
* Add to a cheese board for a variety of flavors and textures.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of grilled halloumi lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique variations. Here are some ideas:

* **Marinades:** Marinate the halloumi in olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices for extra flavor. Consider using marinades like chimichurri, pesto, or a simple garlic and herb marinade.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your grilled halloumi for a touch of heat.
* **Sweet and savory:** Combine grilled halloumi with sweet fruits like pineapple, mango, or strawberries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
* **Herbs and spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your grilled halloumi. Some good options include oregano, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
* **Dipping sauces:** Serve your grilled halloumi with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tzatziki, hummus, pesto, or balsamic glaze.

Nutritional Benefits of Halloumi

Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, halloumi also offers some nutritional benefits. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, essential nutrients for maintaining strong bones and muscles. However, it’s important to note that halloumi is also relatively high in sodium and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Grilled halloumi is a delightful and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in countless ways. From simple slices to elaborate salads and burgers, the possibilities are endless. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this article, you can easily master the art of grilling halloumi and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So, fire up the grill and get ready to experience the unique and delicious flavor of grilled halloumi!