If you’re craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with summer flavor, look no further than these Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers. With smoky, golden halloumi and a rainbow of marinated vegetables, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a feast—perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Squeaky, Salty Halloumi Goodness: Halloumi grills up to golden perfection, staying chewy and delicious without melting away.
- Rainbow Veggies for All: The bold mix of zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers and red onion delivers color, crunch, and loads of flavor.
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: A punchy blend of lemon, herbs, and spices coats every bite with savory, citrusy brightness.
- Fun for Grilling (Or Indoors!): Whether on the grill or a stovetop pan, these skewers are unfussy and quick to cook—perfect for busy evenings or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient for these Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers is thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor and color. You’ll be surprised just how easily these simple staples transform into something special—the secret is all in the marinade and the way everything gets perfectly charred on the grill!
- Halloumi cheese: This firm, briny cheese is famous for its ability to hold up under heat—no melting into oblivion here, just beautifully caramelized cubes with a signature squeak.
- Zucchini: Mild and juicy, zucchini soaks up the marinade and grills quickly—slice into thick rounds for just the right texture.
- Yellow squash: Adds sunny color and softness to every bite; it pairs perfectly with the cheese and other veggies.
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange): Choose a variety for a pop of sweetness and bright hues—these become wonderfully smoky on the grill.
- Red onion: Grilled red onion brings just the right hint of sweetness and vibrant flavor to the mix.
- Olive oil: It keeps everything luscious and helps the spices stick—opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon juice: Adds tangy freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Whole grain mustard: This adds a gently spicy and tangy dimension that makes the marinade stand out.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a burst of herby brightness.
- Cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: These spices offer earthy, smoky, and savory undertones that make every bite crave-worthy.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of both cheese and veggies.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is just how flexible it is! Switch up the veggies, play with spices, or even adjust for dietary preferences—the options for personalized Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers are nearly endless.
- Swap the Veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant for different flavors and textures—just make sure to cut everything to similar sizes for even grilling.
- Dairy-free Twist: For a vegan variation, substitute firm tofu or marinated tempeh cubes for the halloumi (and adjust seasoning as needed).
- Zest Up the Marinade: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of sumac for extra depth and brightness.
- Make it Spicy: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or use a spicy mustard if you love a kick!
How to Make Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers
Step 1: Prep the Skewers and Grill
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. While they soak, fire up your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat—or get your stovetop grill pan ready for later if you’re cooking indoors.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, whole grain mustard, chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This marinade will tie all the flavors together, giving the cheese and veggies a zesty, herb-packed boost.
Step 3: Marinate the Halloumi and Veggies
Add the halloumi cubes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks to a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade all over, then toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until each piece is glistening and coated.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
Thread the marinated halloumi and vegetables onto your skewers, alternating between cheese and veggies for a beautiful, colorful pattern. Try to leave a little space between each piece so the heat can reach all around for perfect grilling.
Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection
Arrange the skewers on the hot grill (or grill pan). Grill for about 2 minutes per side, turning to char and mark all edges—about 8–10 minutes total. The halloumi should be golden and crisp at the edges, with the veggies just tender and slightly smoky.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers
- Halloumi Handling: Pat the halloumi dry before marinating—this helps the cheese crisp beautifully instead of steaming on the grill.
- Even Cuts Are Key: Cut your veggies and cheese to uniform sizes so everything grills evenly and at the same rate.
- Let It Marinate: If you have time, let the halloumi and veggies soak in the marinade for 20–30 minutes before threading the skewers to boost flavor.
- Skip the Stick? Try a Grill Basket: For an even simpler approach, toss everything in a grill basket and cook, stirring once or twice, for a deconstructed version!
How to Serve Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers
Garnishes
Garnish these skewers with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of fruity olive oil. For a truly Mediterranean touch, scatter a handful of toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta on top—each adds a little flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
These skewers are fabulous with herby couscous, fluffy quinoa, or even a pile of warm pita bread on the side. For something extra, serve alongside a bowl of tangy tzatziki or a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Line up Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers on a wooden platter over a bed of greens, or stand them upright in a mason jar for a fun party presentation. If you’re hosting a grilled feast, serve on a big family-style tray with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for everyone to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The halloumi stays hearty and the veggies keep their lovely texture, making for excellent lunches or quick dinner add-ons.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze these, halloumi is best enjoyed fresh—the texture becomes a bit drier and crumbly after freezing. If needed, freeze assembled (but ungrilled) skewers tightly wrapped for up to one month, then thaw and grill when ready.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the skewers back onto a hot grill or grill pan for a couple of minutes per side until just warmed and re-crisped. Alternatively, a quick bake at 350°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes works well too—just keep an eye so the cheese doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
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What kind of grill works best for Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers?
Both outdoor grills and stovetop grill pans work wonderfully! For classic smoky flavor, use a gas or charcoal grill. If you’re short on outdoor space, a grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop gives you equally tasty results—just grill in smaller batches to allow everything to sear properly.
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Can I substitute the halloumi cheese?
If you can’t find halloumi, try using extra-firm paneer, queso panela, or even pressed, well-drained firm tofu (for a vegan spin). Just make sure whatever you use is sturdy enough to hold its shape on the skewer and grill.
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Do I need to marinate the veggies and cheese in advance?
A short marination (even just 10–15 minutes) delivers great flavor, but if you have the time, letting the veggies and halloumi soak for 20–30 minutes in the marinade will yield even more vibrant, layered results.
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Are Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, as long as you double-check your mustard and spices to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. They’re a fantastic, safe option for sharing at gatherings with mixed dietary needs!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add something bright, satisfying, and just plain fun to your grilling routine, give these Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers a try. They’re colorful, craveable, and always a hit—I can’t wait for you to enjoy every bite!
PrintGrilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers are a delightful vegetarian option for your next barbecue. The combination of halloumi cheese and marinated vegetables grilled to perfection creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Skewers:
- 1/2 lb halloumi, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 zucchinis, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 3 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using. Preheat grill on medium-high heat.
- Make Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, parsley, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Ingredients: Toss halloumi, zucchini, squash, peppers, and onions in the marinade.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread halloumi and vegetables onto skewers.
- Grill Skewers: Grill for 2 minutes per side until charred and grill marks appear, about 8-10 minutes total.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg