Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers

These colorful grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers transform simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired feast that's perfect for outdoor dining. The combination of smoky charred vegetables with golden, slightly crispy halloumi cheese creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that makes this dish irresistible.

I first made these skewers for a last-minute backyard gathering when I needed something impressive with minimal effort. The empty platter and requests for the recipe confirmed they'd become a permanent addition to my summer cooking rotation.

Ingredients

• Halloumi cheese: 8 oz block cut into cubes, essential for its unique high melting point that allows it to grill beautifully without melting away
• Zucchini: sliced into rounds, adds tenderness and absorbs the smoky grill flavor wonderfully
• Bell pepper: any color, brings sweetness and vibrant color, look for firm peppers with glossy skin
• Red onion: cut into wedges, provides a savory punch that mellows beautifully when grilled
• Cherry tomatoes: bursts of juicy sweetness that create little pockets of flavor in each bite
• Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor profile
• Dried oregano: authentic Mediterranean flavor that stands up well to grilling
• Salt and pepper: essential for enhancing all the other flavors
• Fresh lemon wedges: the bright acidity balances the savory cheese perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Grill:

Heat your grill to medium-high heat around 375-400°F. If using a charcoal grill, allow coals to burn until they have a light coating of ash. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking, which is especially important for the cheese.

Season the Vegetables:

Place zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings. The oil not only adds flavor but creates a barrier that helps prevent vegetables from drying out.

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread the vegetables and halloumi cubes onto metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers, alternating for visual appeal and even cooking. Leave small spaces between items to ensure heat circulates properly. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Grill to Perfection:

Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even charring on all sides. Watch carefully as halloumi can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. The vegetables should be tender with nice grill marks, and the halloumi should develop a beautiful golden brown crust while remaining soft inside.

Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything while still hot. The heat helps the lemon flavor permeate the ingredients. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm and has that perfect texture.

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The first time I served these skewers to my vegetarian sister, she couldn't stop talking about how satisfying they were. The halloumi has such a meaty texture and savory flavor that nobody feels like they're missing out on anything. It's become our go-to option whenever we have mixed dietary preferences at family gatherings.

Selecting Perfect Halloumi

Halloumi is the star of this recipe, so choosing the right cheese matters significantly. Traditional halloumi from Cyprus offers the most authentic flavor profile with the perfect balance of saltiness and that characteristic squeak when you bite into it. Look for packages labeled "Product of Cyprus" for the most authentic experience. However, any halloumi will work beautifully as long as it's fresh. When shopping, check that the cheese is firm and solid white without any discoloration, which could indicate it's past its prime. If you can't find halloumi, bread cheese (juustoleipä) or queso para freír make excellent substitutes with similar high melting points.

Creative Vegetable Variations

While the recipe provides a classic Mediterranean combination, don't hesitate to experiment with seasonal vegetables for unique versions throughout the year. In spring, try adding asparagus spears cut into 2-inch lengths. Summer calls for chunks of sweet corn on the cob or eggplant cubes. Fall skewers benefit from small chunks of butternut squash or sweet potato (partially pre-cook these denser vegetables before skewering). When using harder vegetables, consider cutting them smaller than the other components to ensure even cooking times. The rule of thumb is simply to maintain similar cooking times across all ingredients or to pre-cook longer-cooking items slightly.

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Serving Suggestions

These skewers shine as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread. Serve them alongside a simple Greek salad, warm pita bread, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for dipping. For a more substantial meal, pair with lemon herb rice or couscous to soak up all the wonderful juices. If you're entertaining, consider serving these as part of a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and stuffed grape leaves. A crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a light Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with cucumber and mint provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory skewers.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these skewers in the oven instead of a grill?

Yes! Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. You won't get the same smoky flavor, but they'll still be delicious. For a charred effect, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

→ What is halloumi cheese and can I substitute it?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese from Cyprus that has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling. If unavailable, you can substitute paneer, bread cheese (juustoleipä), or extra-firm tofu, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

→ What other vegetables work well on these skewers?

These skewers are very adaptable! Try mushrooms, eggplant chunks, par-boiled small potatoes, summer squash, or even pineapple for a sweet contrast. Any vegetable that holds up well to grilling can work wonderfully.

→ How do you prevent vegetables from spinning on the skewers?

Use flat, wide metal skewers or double up with two parallel bamboo skewers to keep vegetables from rotating. For round vegetables like cherry tomatoes, try to skewer through their centers, and place them between larger items for stability.

→ What can I serve with these skewers for a complete meal?

These skewers pair beautifully with a Mediterranean grain like couscous or orzo, a simple Greek salad, or warm pita bread. For a sauce, consider tzatziki, hummus, or a lemon-herb yogurt dip. They also complement grilled meats if you're serving a larger meal.

→ Should I soak wooden skewers before using them?

Yes, soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don't require soaking and conduct heat well, helping cook the food from the inside too.