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Grilled Halloumi Veggie Bowl Recipe

4.5 from 132 reviews

This Grilled Halloumi Veggie Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring perfectly grilled halloumi cheese paired with a colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Served with fresh cucumber, a zesty lemon-herb dressing, and optional bases like quinoa or mixed greens, this bowl offers a delightful combination of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors with a satisfying texture. Ideal for a wholesome and delicious vegetarian meal that’s quick to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 8 ounces (225g) Halloumi Cheese, preferably full-fat

Vegetables

  • 2 medium Bell Peppers (about 1 ½ cups chopped), assorted colors
  • 2 medium Zucchini (about 1 ½ cups chopped)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (about ½ cup sliced)
  • 1 pint (about 2 cups) Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 medium Cucumber (about 1 cup diced)

Dressing & Seasoning

  • ¼ cup Extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Salt to taste (sea salt or kosher salt recommended)
  • Black Pepper to taste, freshly ground

Optional Bases

  • Cooked quinoa, couscous, or mixed greens

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh mint
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces, slice the zucchini into ½-inch thick rounds or planks, and slice the red onion into wedges or thick rings. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole and dice the cucumber, setting it aside to keep fresh.
  2. Prepare the Halloumi: Remove halloumi from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to ensure good searing. Slice into ½-inch thick pieces.
  3. Marinate (Optional but Recommended): In a large bowl, toss bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance flavor and tenderness during grilling.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (375-450°F or 190-230°C). For gas grills, preheat on high then adjust to medium-high; for charcoal, use glowing coals with a light ash layer. Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Vegetables: Place marinated bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion on grill grates in a single layer. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side until tender-crisp with grill marks. Grill cherry tomatoes in a basket or on foil for 3-4 minutes until softened and blistered.
  6. Grill the Halloumi: When vegetables are nearly done, grill halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown with grill marks. The cheese should be softened yet retain shape. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
  7. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  8. Assemble the Bowls: If using a base, divide cooked quinoa, couscous, or mixed greens among bowls. Arrange grilled vegetables, halloumi, and diced cucumber on top. Drizzle generously with lemon-herb dressing.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Add optional garnishes such as fresh parsley, mint, crumbled feta, or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy warm grilled components with fresh elements.

Notes

  • Patting halloumi dry before grilling is key to achieving a perfect golden crust and preventing sticking.
  • The marinade for vegetables is optional but helps deepen the flavors and promotes tenderness.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet can work well to replicate the searing effect indoors.
  • Adjust grilling times based on vegetable size and heat to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
  • The cucumber is added fresh to maintain crispness and contrast to the grilled items.
  • Optional bases add nutritional variety—quinoa boosts protein, couscous adds softness, and greens keep it light.
  • Customize garnishes based on preference or availability for added flavor and texture complexity.

Keywords: Grilled Halloumi, Veggie Bowl, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Healthy, Grilled Vegetables, Lemon Herb Dressing