Marinated in a zesty dressing with a hint of heat, these Halloumi Kebabs are the perfect addition to your next barbecue. With a mild, salty flavor and a bouncy texture, lightly charred Halloumi combines beautifully with seared vegetables to make the perfect kebab.
If you have never tried Halloumi - you MUST. It the perfect grilling cheese, and this marinade sets it over the top.
They are perfect grill outs, or for your next football party!
Ingredients
- Skewers can be either stainless steel or disposable wooden skewers. Just be careful if you use stainless steel metal skewers because they retain heat and can easily burn you.
- Olive oil is used as the base for the marinade. Avocado oil is also a great option.
- Lemon juice, parsley, Za'atar, and crushed red pepper are used to flavor the halloumi.
- Salt and pepper are used to taste.
- Halloumi cheese is the main ingredient for these kebabs.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes, red peppers, and red onions are used for the kebabs. You can also use any other type of vegetables you like! Just make sure they're cut into small pieces so they'll cook evenly on the skewers.
Tips and Tricks
- If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will help prevent them from burning.
- Be sure to oil your grill grates before cooking the kebabs. This will help prevent the cheese from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Halloumi can be a little tricky to work with because it's so dense. Be sure to cut it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly on the skewer.
- Have fun with your vegetables! You can use any type of veggies you like for these kebabs. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they'll cook evenly.
Variations
- If you can't find za'atar, use a combination of ground sumac, thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds.
- Eggplant, zucchini, and asparagus are all great additions to the kebabs.
FAQs
What is Halloumi?
Halloumi is a briny Mediterranean goat-and sheep-milk cheese. It tastes sort of like a saltier Mozzarella. (It has a very mild taste.). It is lower in fat than a lot of cheeses and protein rich.
It is unique in that it has a high melting temperature. When cooked, the outside gets crispy while the inside gets deliciously soft.
Where Can I Find Halloumi Cheese?
Both Whole Foods and Trader Joes carry it, as do some higher-end grocery stores in larger cities. Additionally, you can buy it online.
How Do You Know When Halloumi is Cooked?
Halloumi is cooked when it starts to turn golden brown.
Like all cheeses, it isn't necessary to cook halloumi for it to be safe for consumption. So there is no minimum internal temperature to be concerned with.
Is Halloumi Healthy?
Halloumi can be an excellent part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It is an excellent source of calcium and has a whopping 19 grams of protein. This makes is especially good for vegetarians, or Meatless Monday. It also contains B vitamins, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and vitamin A. Those who need to watch their salt intake may wish to avoid it. Like feta, it is high in salt.
Serving Suggestions
I think this is a great vegetarian meal by itself, and even more so when served with a green salad. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
If you do want to serve meat, this works well with a simple dish. Grilled or Air Fried Chicken are great options.
If you want a sauce, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus or Tzatziki are fabulous here. Hummus and BBQ sauce are also great options.
Storage
Halloumi Kebabs will last for about 1 week in the fridge.
Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Can You Make Halloumi Kebabs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Because the marinate continues to permeate the vegetables and cheese, making this dish up to 24 hours ahead of time makes it even tastier. Then cook them when you are ready to serve.
Leftovers will keep for about three days covered in the refrigerator.
Tools Needed
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- Wooden Skewers
- Blender
- Shallow Dishes for Marinating
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Brush for Oiling Grill or Grill Pan
How to Make Halloumi Kebabs
First, make your marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and seasonings in a blender. Process until smooth.
Don't have a blender handy? A bowl and whisk will work just fine!
Cut the Halloumi into 1-inch cubes and place it in a small dish. Pour the marinade over and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
While the cheese is marinating, soak your skewers and chop your vegetables.
Add the vegetables to the marinade and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
Thread the Halloumi and vegetables on the soaked skewers. Go slowly when threading the Halloumi so it doesn't split!
Heat your grill pan (or grill) to medium-high and brush with oil. Grill about 90 seconds per side, until lightly charred.
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with salt and black pepper if desired.
You May Also Like
- Confetti Vegetables are an easy side that is flavor packed.
- Roasted Summer Squash with manchego cheese is quick to make, and always a hit.
- Roasted Broccoli Pasta is comfort food made healthy. This is one I make again and agai.
Halloumi Kebabs
Ingredients
- 8 skewers
Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Za’atar see variations for other options
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed red pepper
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Kebabs
- 8 ounces Halloumi
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 red pepper cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 red onion cut into wedges
Instructions
- Soak skewers in water for at least 20 minutes.
- In a blender combine olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, Za’atar, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
- Cut the Halloumi into cubes and place in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the halloumi.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Add tomatoes, red pepper, and red onion to the dish with the marinade. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Thread halloumi, tomatoes, red pepper and red onion on the soaked skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly brush with oil.
- Grill about 1 ½ minute per side, until the cheese is lightly charred.
Notes
Variations for Halloumi and Vegetable Kebabs
- If you can't find za'atar, use a combination of ground sumac, thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds.
- Eggplant, zucchini, and asparagus are all great additions to the kebabs.
Nutrition
This post was originally posted September 2018 and updated May 2020.
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