Randy Chandler
Halloumi is a firm, salty, and savoury cheese with a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling, frying, roasting, broiling, or barbecuing. Its unique texture and flavour make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. So, what are some of the best things to serve with halloumi cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Greek salad, spinach and nectarine salad, arugula and tomato salad, avocado and tomato salad, meatless Cobb salad, quinoa salad, Caprese salad, panzanella, Greek salad, cucumber and tomato salad |
| Dips | Honey, balsamic vinegar, sweet chilli mayo, pomegranate molasses, za'atar yoghurt, tahini, hummus, tzatziki, guacamole |
| Sandwiches/Wraps | Charred cauliflower pitas, Caprese sandwiches, grilled eggplant and zucchini, grilled onions, lemon juice, romesco sauce, cilantro lime rice or coconut rice, black beans, fruity salsa, farro or couscous, roasted tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, Greek dressing, flatbreads, baguette |
| Sides | Roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables (eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini), brown basmati rice, papadums |
| Other | Grilled, BBQ, fried, halloumi fries, halloumi skewers, halloumi burgers, halloumi curry, halloumi in pasta |
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What You'll Learn
Salads
Grilled Halloumi Salad
A simple yet delicious option is to grill or pan-fry halloumi slices and serve them on top of a salad. The warmth and slight char of the halloumi will add a nice contrast to the freshness of the salad. You can pair grilled halloumi with a variety of salad ingredients, such as spinach, nectarine, red onion, and bell pepper, arugula and tomato, cucumber, and basil. For a Greek twist, add ingredients like olives, avocado, and a drizzle of Greek dressing.
Halloumi Caprese Salad
For a creative take on the classic Caprese salad, replace the mozzarella with grilled halloumi. The salty, savoury flavour of halloumi pairs beautifully with fresh tomatoes and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant dish.
Honeyed Halloumi Freekeh Salad
This salad features halloumi as the star ingredient, paired with a freekeh salad. The freekeh is seasoned with jalapeño yoghurt to create a spicy and tangy flavour profile that complements the salty halloumi.
Halloumi Cobb Salad
For a hearty and satisfying salad, use halloumi in a Cobb salad. Combine butter lettuce, tomato, avocado, blue cheese crumbles, coconut "bacon", hard-boiled eggs, grilled halloumi, and a red wine vinaigrette. The halloumi adds a salty, savoury element to the salad, making it a meal in itself.
Warm Quinoa Salad with Grilled Halloumi
Quinoa salads are a healthy and tasty option, and adding grilled halloumi takes it to the next level. The warmth and savoury flavour of the halloumi complement the nutty quinoa, creating a satisfying and nutritious dish.
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Flatbreads
Flatbread Appetizer
Offer sliced flatbread with grilled halloumi, fresh herbs, and a tasty sauce for drizzling. For a sweet and savoury combination, try honey or Greek dressing.
Flatbread Wraps
Halloumi is a great filling for flatbread wraps. Try it with grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You could also add some romesco sauce or hummus.
Halloumi is a delicious addition to any meal, thanks to its salty and savoury flavour. It is a great side to a dip and flatbread combination. Try a sweet chilli mayo dip, made with mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and lime juice.
For a spicy option, try a flatbread with halloumi and harissa. This North African chilli paste will add a kick to your meal. You could also add some honey to the flatbread for a touch of sweetness.
Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be grilled, barbecued, or fried, so feel free to get creative with your flatbread combinations!
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Rice dishes
Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be grilled, barbecued, fried, or served raw. Its salty, savoury flavour and robust texture make it a great addition to rice dishes. Here are some ideas for rice dishes to serve with halloumi cheese:
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a classic side dish that pairs well with halloumi cheese. To make rice pilaf, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and other vegetables in a pan. Once the vegetables are soft, add the rice and cook until tender. Then, add a flavourful broth, herbs, and spices. Serve the rice pilaf with fried or grilled halloumi for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl
For a refreshing and flavourful dish, pair grilled halloumi with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and a fruity salsa such as mango, pineapple, or peach salsa. Drizzle with a cilantro lime dressing to tie all the flavours together. This rice bowl is a great way to showcase the versatility of halloumi and create a unique and tasty meal.
Rice with Vegetables
Create a colourful and nutritious dish by serving grilled halloumi with rice and a variety of grilled vegetables. Eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, and zucchini are all excellent choices to grill alongside the halloumi. The smokiness of the grilled vegetables pairs perfectly with the salty, savoury flavour of the halloumi. You can also season the rice with ras el hanout for an extra punch of flavour.
Summer Grain Bowl
For a light and tasty meal, serve grilled halloumi in a summer grain bowl. Combine the halloumi with cooked farro or couscous, roasted tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a Greek dressing. This grain bowl is a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy the flavours of summer. The halloumi adds a salty and savoury element to the dish, while the grains and vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.
Brown Basmati Rice with Vegetarian Curry
For a heartwarming and flavourful dish, serve halloumi with a vegetarian curry and brown basmati rice. The curry can include sweet potatoes, spinach, and chickpeas, providing a range of textures and flavours. The halloumi adds a salty and savoury note to the curry, while the brown basmati rice provides a hearty and healthy base.
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Grilled vegetables
There are several vegetables that are particularly well-suited for grilling and will complement your halloumi dish beautifully. Here are some options to consider:
- Eggplant/aubergine: Grilled eggplant is a versatile option that can be served alongside halloumi in various dishes, such as sandwiches, wraps, or skewers. Its meaty texture and subtle flavour will allow the halloumi to shine while also adding depth to your dish.
- Bell peppers: Sweet and crunchy bell peppers are a popular choice for grilling. They provide a vibrant colour contrast and a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the halloumi. Red, green, or yellow peppers can all be used, depending on your preference.
- Zucchini/Courgette: Grilled zucchini offers a delicate flavour and a tender, slightly charred texture that pairs well with halloumi. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in skewers, sandwiches, or as a side dish.
- Asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds a unique flavour and texture to your dish. Its slightly charred, crisp exterior and tender interior provide an interesting contrast to the halloumi's texture.
- Mushrooms: Grilled mushrooms have a hearty texture and a savoury flavour that complements halloumi. They can be served whole, halved, or sliced, depending on the presentation you prefer.
When grilling vegetables, it is recommended to brush them lightly with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper, or your choice of herbs and spices, to enhance their natural flavours. Grill them until they are tender and lightly charred, creating a delightful contrast to the halloumi's texture and flavour.
- Grilled vegetable skewers: Thread cubes of halloumi and grilled vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini onto skewers. This makes for a delicious and colourful presentation, perfect for a summer barbecue.
- Grilled halloumi sandwiches: Layer grilled halloumi with grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers on crusty bread with a drizzle of romesco sauce or fresh lemon juice.
- Grilled halloumi bowls: Create a hearty bowl by pairing grilled halloumi with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms, along with grains like cilantro lime rice, couscous, or quinoa. Top with a fruity salsa or a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
The versatility of grilled halloumi and vegetables allows for endless combinations and creations, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite pairings!
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Dips and sauces
Halloumi cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, barbecued, or fried without losing its shape. Its salty, savoury flavour and robust texture make it a great addition to various dips and sauces. Here are some ideas for dips and sauces to serve with halloumi cheese:
- Harissa yogurt dip – Mix Greek yogurt with harissa paste, a spicy North African sauce, and serve with grilled or fried halloumi for a tasty and tangy combination.
- Honey – Drizzle honey over grilled halloumi for a sweet and savoury treat. It can also be combined with balsamic vinegar for a unique flavour profile.
- Pomegranate molasses – This sticky, sweet glaze can be served as a dip or drizzled over halloumi cheese. It adds texture, tang, and richness to the dish.
- Sweet chilli mayo – Combine mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and lime juice to create a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy dip for halloumi cheese.
- Fat-free Greek yogurt – Serve grilled halloumi fries with a fat-free Greek yogurt dip. Add pomegranate molasses for extra flavour.
- Tzatziki – A traditional Greek sauce made from strained yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, and olive oil. It's a refreshing and tangy dip for grilled halloumi.
- Hummus – This classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic pairs well with halloumi in sandwiches or as a dip.
- Salsa – Try a fruity salsa like mango, pineapple, or peach salsa, or a spicy salsa with jalapeños or chillies to complement the halloumi's saltiness.
- Peri-peri sauce – A citrus slaw made with peri-peri sauce is the perfect accompaniment to halloumi burgers, adding a refreshing contrast to the salty cheese.
- Romesco sauce – This Spanish sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil pairs beautifully with grilled halloumi in sandwiches or as a dip.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several side dishes that pair well with halloumi cheese, including grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, and flatbreads.
Halloumi cheese can be added to a variety of salads, such as a Greek salad, a Caprese salad, a panzanella, or a summer grain bowl. It can also be grilled and served with a fresh and bright salad, or a cucumber and tomato salad.
Halloumi cheese is very versatile and can be grilled, barbecued, fried, or baked. It can be added to sandwiches, wraps, or skewers, or used as a topping for pizzas. It can also be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as honey, balsamic vinegar, or sweet chili mayo.
Halloumi cheese is a popular choice for vegetarians and can be used as a meat alternative in burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. It can also be added to vegetarian curry, vegetable skewers, or grilled with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Halloumi cheese is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is featured in Lebanese, Greek, and Cypriot dishes. It can be served with za'atar spice, pomegranate molasses, or harissa, a North African spice paste.
