Name: Epic Grilled Halloumi Greek Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki & Herby Veggies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 block halloumi cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); Optional: pita bread or rice for serving

If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish, this Epic Grilled Halloumi Greek Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki & Herby Veggies is the perfect meal. This Greek-inspired bowl is loaded with vibrant veggies, crispy grilled halloumi, and a rich, creamy tzatziki sauce that ties everything together. It’s ideal for a light yet filling lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

1 block halloumi cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: pita bread or rice for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.

Slice the halloumi into thick pieces (about 1/2 inch).

Brush the halloumi slices with olive oil and season with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and parsley. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.

To serve, layer the herby veggie mixture in bowls. Top with grilled halloumi slices and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Optional: Serve with pita bread or a scoop of rice for a more filling meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Variations

Add Grilled Chicken or Lamb: If I want to add some extra protein, grilled chicken or lamb makes a great addition to this bowl.

Swap Halloumi: I can swap halloumi for a different cheese like feta or even vegan cheese if I’m looking for a dairy-free option.

Vegetarian Proteins: Adding chickpeas or quinoa would boost the protein content without compromising the flavor.

Different Veggies: You can play around with the veggies too! Adding bell peppers, roasted eggplant, or zucchini could give it a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If I have leftovers, I store the grilled halloumi and veggie mixture separately in airtight containers. The veggies stay fresh in the fridge for about 1-2 days, while the halloumi is best eaten within the same day for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating: I like to reheat the halloumi on a grill pan or in the oven to keep it crispy. The veggies can be eaten cold or warmed in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

How do I make this dish vegan-friendly?

To make this dish vegan, I would swap the halloumi for a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure that the tzatziki sauce is dairy-free or make a homemade version with coconut yogurt.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce at home?

Absolutely! I often make my own tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free version), cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. It’s quick and adds a fresh touch to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as I skip the pita bread or ensure that I’m using gluten-free pita. I can also serve it with rice instead for a gluten-free meal.

Can I prepare this in advance?

I find that the veggies and tzatziki sauce can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two. However, I recommend grilling the halloumi just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.

How can I adjust the flavors?

If I prefer more tanginess, I can add extra lemon juice to the veggies or tzatziki. For more heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the halloumi works wonders. You can also experiment with different herbs like mint or dill.

Conclusion

This Epic Grilled Halloumi Greek Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki & Herby Veggies is the perfect blend of fresh, savory, and creamy elements, making it a standout dish in my meal rotation. It’s quick, versatile, and always satisfies, whether I’m craving something light or a bit more filling. I love how easily it comes together and how customizable it is, so I can tweak it to fit whatever I’m in the mood for. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Recipe: