If you’re searching for a recipe that instantly transports you to a sunny Greek island—even if you’re dining on your own patio—Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are the answer. These kebabs combine the irresistible squeakiness of halloumi cheese with a citrusy herb marinade and vibrant, char-grilled veggies. Each bite is salty, tangy, and smoky, making it a total crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheese That Doesn’t Melt Away: Halloumi is famous for holding its shape on the grill and developing a gorgeous crispy-charred crust.
- Bursting With Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: A vibrant marinade with lemon, garlic, and herbs soaks into the cheese and veggies for a flavor-packed experience in every bite.
- Eye-Catching & Colorful: Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion create a rainbow of color that looks beautiful at any gathering.
- Versatile for Every Occasion: These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs work perfectly as a vegetarian main or hearty side for any barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs is how every ingredient plays a starring role—bringing freshness, texture, and savory complexity. Each component is simple, yet absolutely crucial in building those bold Greek-inspired flavors we all adore.
- Halloumi Cheese: The hero of the recipe, halloumi’s salty, briny flavor and unique texture let it brown and crisp up on the grill instead of melting away. Always cut it into even cubes for the best grilling results!
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps everything caramelize and char beautifully over the flames.
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: The double-whammy of juice and zest gives bright, zingy notes that cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with a punchy warmth that screams Mediterranean cuisine.
- Dried Oregano, Fresh Basil & Thyme: This classic herb blend layers on earthy, aromatic depth that clings to every morsel.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Balance and heighten all the gorgeous flavors of the cheese, veggies, and herbs.
- Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red, yellow, or orange peppers for sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
- Zucchini: Grilled zucchini soaks up the marinade and turns irresistibly tender, making it a kebab essential.
- Red Onion: When grilled, red onion caramelizes, adding sweet depth while holding its shape on the skewers.
- Skewers (Metal or Wooden): Use metal for convenience or soak wooden skewers to keep them from burning on the grill.
Variations
Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are infinitely customizable! Don’t be afraid to play with the veggies, herbs, or even the type of skewers—making these kebabs truly your own based on what’s fresh, in season, or on hand.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: For a burst of color and juice, thread a few cherry tomatoes onto each skewer—they grill up sweet and delicious.
- Swap Veggies: Eggplant cubes, mushrooms, or summer squash are fantastic substitutes if you want to mix up the classic pepper and zucchini combo.
- Herb It Up: Switch out basil and thyme for mint or parsley for a fresh new taste profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for gentle heat that dances with the creamy cheese.
How to Make Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs
Step 1: Marinate the Halloumi
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh basil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a big mixing bowl. Add the halloumi cubes and gently toss to fully coat each piece. Cover and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 2 for maximum zing!). This gives the cheese time to soak up all that citrusy, herby goodness.
Step 2: Prep the Skewers & Veggies
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to keep them from charring on the grill. While the halloumi finishes marinating, chop your bell peppers and red onion into generous 1.5-inch pieces, and slice the zucchini into thick rounds so everything grills evenly yet stays juicy.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Thread the halloumi, peppers, onions, and zucchini onto the skewers in an alternating, colorful pattern. Be sure to leave a little space between pieces so the heat can circulate and char each side. Save that extra marinade—it’s going to be handy in the next step!
Step 4: Grill and Baste
Heat your grill or BBQ to medium and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with leftover marinade for extra flavor. The veggies should be lightly charred and the halloumi golden brown with a hint of crispness—absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
When the kebabs are sizzling, golden, and fragrant, remove them from the grill and serve right away. Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are best enjoyed piping hot, either straight off the skewer or paired with your favorite dip or side. Get ready for instant Mediterranean magic!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs
- Halloumi Cube Sizing: For even grilling and that signature golden crust, always cut your halloumi into uniform half-inch cubes. This keeps the cheese from slipping off the skewer and ensures every bite is perfectly textured.
- Zucchini Thickness Matters: Slice your zucchini into generous half-inch rounds rather than thin coins—this prevents mushiness and helps them hold their shape on the grill.
- Marinade Maximizer: Don’t toss that leftover marinade! Basting the kebabs partway through grilling intensifies the lemon-herb flavors, making the finished skewers even more swoon-worthy.
- Grill Prep 101: Always oil your grill grates (and the kebabs if you’re feeling thorough) to prevent sticking and help the veggies get those beautiful char marks.
How to Serve Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs
Garnishes
Bright, fresh garnishes elevate Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs from great to plate-licking incredible. Try scattering chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the finished kebabs for a pop of color and flavor, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving for that signature Greek sparkle.
Side Dishes
Pair these kebabs with fluffy pita, classic Greek salad, or a generous bowl of creamy tzatziki for dipping. Couscous or herby rice pilaf also make fabulous sidekicks, turning your meal into an impressive mezze-style spread guaranteed to wow.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping presentation, pile the Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs on a rustic wooden platter with lemon wedges, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Or try serving the cooked ingredients de-skewered, tossed with greens, and scattered over a big family-style salad—so easy and stunning!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have any leftovers, let the kebabs cool completely before transferring them (either on or off the skewers) into an airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready for salad toppers or quick lunches.
Freezing
While it’s tempting to prep a big batch, freezing Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs isn’t recommended. The zucchini can turn soft and watery after thawing, and the halloumi may lose its fantastic texture—these are best enjoyed freshly grilled.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the kebabs on a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for a few minutes, turning until they’re hot and rejuvenated. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but a grill or pan really brings those signature flavors and textures back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cheese instead of halloumi?
Halloumi is special because it doesn’t melt easily on the grill, giving you golden, toasty cubes. You could try paneer or grilling cheese as alternatives, but avoid cheese like feta or mozzarella that will simply ooze off the skewers.
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How long should I marinate my cheese for the best flavor?
For the most flavorful Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs, marinate the chunks for at least 1 hour, and up to 2 if you have time. The longer marinating allows the herbs and citrus to infuse thoroughly into the cheese.
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What can I do if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
No grill? No problem! These kebabs turn out beautifully on an indoor grill pan or even under the broiler; just keep an eye on them and flip when you see those lovely char marks developing.
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Can I prepare Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs in advance?
You can definitely marinate and assemble the skewers up to a few hours ahead. Grill them just before serving for best results—fresh from the grill is when that halloumi magic truly shines!
Final Thoughts
I hope these Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs make their way onto your grill soon! They’re vibrant, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—the sort of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your friends, splash on a little extra lemon, and enjoy a taste of Mediterranean sunshine wherever you are!
PrintGrilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 Kebabs 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Greek Halloumi Kebabs are a delicious vegetarian option for your next BBQ. Marinated in a flavorful mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, the halloumi cheese is skewered with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 14 oz Halloumi Cheese cut into 1/2″ 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
Kebabs:
- 2 large red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, chopped to 1 1/2″ pieces
- 2 large zucchini, sliced into 1/2” rounds
- 1 large red onion, chopped into 1 1/2″ pieces
- 8–10 large skewers, metal or wooden
Instructions
- Marinate Halloumi: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add halloumi cubes, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak skewers in water for 10 minutes. Thread marinated halloumi, peppers, onion, and zucchini onto skewers.
- Grill: Heat BBQ to medium, grease the grill, and cook skewers for 8-10 minutes, basting with leftover marinade and rotating halfway through cooking.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve hot, alone or with tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Storage and Freezing: Cooked kebabs can be stored in a covered container in the fridge once cooled, or ingredients can be separated and stored in an airtight container. Avoid freezing to prevent texture changes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Kebab
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg