Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers Recipe

Juicy, vibrant veggies and golden halloumi cheese, all caramelized to perfection on the grill — Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers are my go-to for a flavor-packed lunch, speedy dinner, or show-stopping BBQ side. With their irresistible smoky edges, fresh lemony marinade, and wildly satisfying cheese, these skewers are everything you crave in one colorful bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lively dish truly proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create unforgettable food! Every component—fresh vegetables, halloumi, and aromatic spices—plays a starring role in making these Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers so craveable, colorful, and satisfying.

• Halloumi cheese: This salty, grill-friendly cheese stays firm when heated so you get that iconic golden crust and chewy, melty center with every bite.
• Zucchini & yellow squash: These summertime favorites soak up the zesty marinade and deliver subtle sweetness and tenderness to each skewer.
• Bell peppers: Choose a mix of red, orange, and yellow for major color pop and juicy, charred flavor.
• Red onion: Once charred, red onion adds savory bite and a hint of smokiness that rounds out the mix beautifully.
• Olive oil: Provides luscious richness, helps everything caramelize, and carries the flavors of the marinade.
• Lemon juice: Just-squeezed lemon brightens up the whole dish and makes the veggies taste extra fresh.
• Whole grain mustard: Adds a tangy, zippy kick and helps the marinade cling to every bite.
• Chopped parsley: Gives a pop of herbal freshness and subtle color throughout.
• Cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder: This spice blend adds warmth, smokiness, and depth—every skewer is bursting with flavor.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those bold veggie flavors.

Variations

The true magic of Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers? They’re deliciously flexible. You can mix and match veggies, play with the marinade, or even tweak the recipe for vegan eaters (yes, it’s possible!). Here’s how to truly make these skewers your own:

• Make it Vegan: Swap halloumi for pressed, extra-firm tofu or vegan grilling cheese and keep all the amazing flavor!
• Add More Veggies: Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for new colors and textures.
• Spice Things Up: Add red pepper flakes or extra smoked paprika to the marinade for bolder heat.
• Herby Twist: Toss in fresh cilantro, mint, or basil if you love an herb-forward finish.

How to Make Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in a shallow pan of water for at least 30 minutes before loading up. This keeps the wood from burning on the grill and ensures your Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers cook evenly from end to end. Metal skewers can be used straight away and offer a reusable option!

Step 2: Whisk the Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole grain mustard, chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This zingy, aromatic blend brings out the best in the cheese and veggies—don’t be shy about giving it a taste before using.

Step 3: Marinate Everything

Place the halloumi cubes and all your chopped veggies into a large bowl. Pour the marinade right over the top and toss well to coat—you want every piece gloriously shiny and seasoned. Let this mix hang out for about 10 minutes to soak up all those flavors (but don’t worry if you want to skip straight to assembling!).

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated halloumi and veggies onto your skewers, alternating for visual appeal and even cooking. Try not to overcrowd them—leave a little breathing room so everything grills up crisp and browned rather than steaming.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your outdoor grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high, or get a grill pan nice and hot on the stovetop if you prefer. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning every 2 minutes or so, until the halloumi is golden with grill marks and the vegetables are tender and lightly charred—usually about 8–10 minutes total. Serve immediately, and get ready for smiles!

How to Serve Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers

Garnishes

Just before serving, shower your skewers with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint, a final squeeze of lemon juice, and maybe even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a little extra sparkle, try a quick drizzle of olive oil or a dash of sumac for that tangy Mediterranean finish.

Side Dishes

Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers are the ultimate summer centerpieces! Pair them with fluffy couscous, orzo salad, lemony tabbouleh, or a hearty quinoa bowl. They also shine alongside simply grilled pita or fresh tzatziki for dipping and dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want that “wow!” moment, arrange the skewers on a large platter with overlapping colors, scatter extra herbs over the top, and serve with colorful lemon wedges or dipping sauces. For parties, try individual mini skewers in jars or cups for a fun, handheld appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any left, pop cooled Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The grilled flavors become even more pronounced by the next day—and they’re delicious eaten cold or gently reheated!

Freezing

While halloumi holds up better than most cheese after freezing, I recommend enjoying these skewers fresh for peak texture. If you must freeze, lay cooled skewers on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest reheated skewers, pop them on a hot grill or under the broiler for a couple of minutes, turning frequently. You can also use a hot skillet or even the microwave in short bursts, though the microwave will soften the halloumi’s texture slightly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that captures summer’s energy and leaves everyone smiling, you simply have to try these Grilled Veggie Halloumi Skewers. They’re quick, customizable, and so outrageously tasty! Give them a whirl at your next gathering or weeknight dinner—you’ll love every colorful, cheesy bite.

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