Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, you’re going to adore this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together as golden, squeaky halloumi cheese cubes get a smoky, charred kiss from the grill, paired with colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini, and sweet red onions. Perfect for summer barbecues or a lively weeknight dinner, these kebabs are simple to make but packed with layers of tangy, herby flavor that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—these are simple essentials that deliver a rainbow of color, texture, and flavor to your kebabs. Each element plays a key role, from the creamy, salty halloumi that grills up beautifully, to the zesty lemon and fragrant herbs that transform the dish into something magical.
- 14 oz Halloumi Cheese: Cut into 1/2-inch cubes; this firm cheese grills without melting, providing that satisfying chewy bite.
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to halloumi and veggies while enhancing grill marks.
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the saltiness of the cheese.
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest: Infuses a concentrated citrus aroma for extra freshness.
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Adds savory depth and a burst of aromatic punch.
- 1 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese.
- 2 tsp Fresh Basil, Chopped: For a subtle sweet herbal lift.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, lemony notes for complexity.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the cheese just right.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spice.
- 2 Large Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, or Orange): Chopped into 1 1/2-inch pieces; these bring vibrant colors and a juicy crunch.
- 2 Large Zucchinis: Sliced into 1/2-inch rounds to add tender freshness and balance.
- 1 Large Red Onion: Cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces for sweetness and texture.
- 8-10 Large Skewers: Metal or wooden; if using wooden, soak ahead to prevent burning.
How to Make Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Halloumi
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped basil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, soaking into the halloumi cubes to impart zesty, herby notes that complement the cheese’s creamy saltiness. Toss in your halloumi cubes, making sure each piece is well coated, cover the bowl, and pop it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This step is key for a fully-flavored kebab.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, alternate threading marinated halloumi cubes with pieces of red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and chunks of red onion. This colorful assembly not only looks inviting but creates a perfect harmony of smoky cheese and caramelized veggies.
Step 3: Grill the Kebabs
Heat your BBQ or grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Now carefully place your kebabs on the grill, allowing them to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to baste them occasionally with leftover marinade for an extra burst of flavor and turn them halfway through cooking so every side gets those gorgeous grill marks and a satisfying char. You’ll see the halloumi transform—golden and slightly crisped on the outside while still tender inside.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, gently remove the kebabs from the heat. They’re best enjoyed hot, either on their own or paired with a cooling tzatziki sauce. The melted creamy cheese, grilled veggies, and zesty herbs come together to deliver a mouthwatering Mediterranean experience you won’t forget.
How to Serve Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your kebab presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for vibrant herbaceous notes. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of additional fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish. Adding a few lemon wedges on the side invites everyone to customize their tanginess.
Side Dishes
These kebabs pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. Warm pita bread or fluffy couscous makes a lovely base. You can also serve with hummus or a refreshing tzatziki to add creamy coolness alongside the smoky grilled flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the kebabs on a large wooden platter nestled over a bed of fresh greens and scattered with pomegranate seeds or toasted pine nuts. You can even cube the grilled halloumi and toss it with chopped grilled veggies, herbs, and a drizzle of dressing for a vibrant, deconstructed salad. Either way, presentation that shows off the colors and textures will have your guests excited to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled Greek halloumi kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the veggies and cheese from getting too soggy, store them separately from any sauces or dressings until ready to serve again.
Freezing
While not ideal to freeze after grilling because halloumi’s texture can change, you can freeze the marinated halloumi cubes before grilling for up to 2 months. Just thaw thoroughly in the fridge before threading onto skewers and grilling fresh.
Reheating
To reheat kebabs without losing their delightful texture, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or grill them briefly to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for the Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning while cooking.
Is halloumi cheese suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, halloumi is a great vegetarian-friendly cheese, especially since it’s made from sheep or goat’s milk and doesn’t require animal rennet, making it perfect for those avoiding meat.
Can I prepare the kebabs without grilling?
You can pan-fry the halloumi and vegetables in a grill pan or regular skillet if grilling is not an option, although you won’t get the same smoky char, the flavors will still be delicious.
How long should I marinate the cheese for the best flavor?
Marinating the halloumi for at least 1 hour is essential to soak in the aromatic herbs and lemony tang, but marinating up to 2 hours will intensify those flavors beautifully.
What can I serve these kebabs with to make it a complete meal?
Pair them with warm pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, couscous, or a dollop of tzatziki for a well-rounded, satisfying Mediterranean meal.
Final Thoughts
If you love food that’s easy to make yet impressively flavorful, this Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe is a must-try. It brings together fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and bold Mediterranean flavors that turn any meal into a celebration. Once you make these kebabs, they’ll quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike—trust me, your grill will thank you.
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Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, the halloumi cheese pairs beautifully with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, all grilled to perfection for a smoky, charred finish.
Ingredients
Marinade and Cheese
- 14 oz Halloumi Cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
Others
- 8–10 large skewers, metal or wooden (if wooden, soaked in water for 10 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Marinate the Halloumi: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped fresh basil, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the halloumi cubes to the marinade, tossing gently to coat all pieces. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the cheese.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Thread the marinated halloumi cubes alternately with chopped bell peppers, zucchini slices, and red onion pieces onto the skewers, creating colorful and balanced kebabs.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill or BBQ to medium heat. Grease the grill grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the prepared kebabs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even grilling. While cooking, baste the kebabs occasionally with any leftover marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Once the halloumi is golden with grill marks and the vegetables are tender yet crisp, remove the kebabs from the grill. Serve them hot, either on their own or accompanied by a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.
Notes
- For best results, do not marinate the halloumi for longer than 2 hours as the cheese can become too soft and lose its shape during grilling.
- If wooden skewers are not available, sturdy metal skewers work well and do not require soaking.
- These kebabs can be served as an appetizer or a main dish alongside a Greek salad or crusty bread.
- For a vegan version, substitute halloumi cheese with firm tofu marinated in similar seasonings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek