A little while back I introduced the “squeeky cheese” called Halloumi. I call it the squeaky cheese because that’s the noise it makes when you chew it…it squeaks!
Halloumi is a firm, slightly briny cheese that’s enjoyed immensely in Cyprus and the middle east. Here, I’m showing you a grilled Halloumi.
This cheese is great for grilling as it’s firm, sears nicely (and quickly) and it won’t fall apart on you.
If you do a search on the on internet, you’ll see several varying dishes with grilled Halloumi. Pick the one you like. I’m just showing this salad as an intro to grilling this cheese.
I used a stop-top grilling pan for this salad and I was quite pleased with the result. Obviously, an outdoor grill will leave some better markings but I was craving this salad, and the task was completed.
Halloumi can be found in Greek, middle eastern and gourmet shops that carry better cheeses. One piece (about the size of a sponge) will go for about $7.
Try it in a pasta, in the morning with toast or as I’ve shown you here…grilled with a salad.
Grilled Halloumi Salad
1 ripe plum tomato, sliced
1/4 red onion, sliced
1 slices of halloumi cheese
olive oil for brushing cheese
extra-virgin olive oil
red wine vinegar
salt
pepper garlic
powder dried
Greek oregano
- In a small jar, add a ratio of 3-1 olive oil to vinegar and add salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano to taste. Shake the jar to emulsify and adjust flavouring. Set aside.
- In a stop-top grill pan or outdoor grill, get your grilling surface to a medium high heat.
- Oil the grill surface with some vegetable oil and brush your Halloumi cheese with olive oil.
- Grill for 1 1/2 minutes a side and arrange on your plate with the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the cheese and salad and finish off with some dried Greek oregano.
37 Responses
I love grilled halloumi. The first time I’d ever heard of it was on an old Nigella Bites TV show. I found some and made it. Delicious! Your salad looks like a great way to serve it!
I would just say “f*** a caprese”, but I really want to eat that with grilled squid on a sammich. MAKE IT SO.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
I love the different textures when you bite into grilled halloumi – the crispy outer bits and then the chewy inside – almost like savory chewing gum. I love ripe tomatoes too.
This is definately one of my staple foods in the summer – well it used to be, until I moved to FL…haven’t been able to find it! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
But it is just wonderful. We went out to eat recently and had Jibeneh – which tasted just like Halloumi. Needless to say I was in heaven. I like squeezing fresh lemon juice on it right when it comes off the grill!
that looks like a decent slab of haloumi you got your hands on. i love this cheese but we only get them in small rectangles which is hardly enough for one person (me- my poor family!).
this just looks fresh, light and delish.
Thanks for reminding me of this intriguing cheese that I first read about here, on your blog. This might be a good recipe to start with.
delicious
Halloumi is amazing in any shape or form…I absolutely love this Peter (as usual!).
It’s great to learn something new – I’ve never heard of this cheese before.
Halloumi cheese has quickly become one of my favorites!
I discover so much reading your blog Peter. Never heard of Halloumi before and can’t get it, here in Comox. Next time I’m in Montreal I’ll be looking for it at Adonis.
I saw this the other day and recall another blogger mentioning it and referring to you. I love this and how you used it with a salas! I just purchased a grilling type Swedish/Finnish cheese callled Brunn-Ussto.
I love halloumi, Peter, but it’s been ages. I agree, it’s ideal for salads-love it with grilled portobellos.
In Ricardo Larrivee’s Lebanese meal he also did a Grilled Halloumi salad with the falafel and the rest …shall I post the recipe…wink…wink…I actually found some halloumi at the grocers the other day as well:D Only a foodie could get excited about coming across an ingredient she has been searching out :D
I wonder if I can find this cheese in the Bay Area. The photo is too inviting.
Grilled Halloumi is fantastic all by itself – yum!
I’ve tried Halloumi and it is quite tasty. I’d have to agree that it squeaks!! This recipe looks just great Peter – my wife would absolutely love it!!!
there’s no better way of having salad than eating them with grilled cheese i must admit that i havent tasted this type of cheese yet (the truth hubby is french but he hates cheese so i eat cheese when he is not home) well i would love to try this!!
ps, btw thanks for reminding me about the bananas in my recipe :-) i completely ommitted a major ingredient whew im really getting old
Sticky, just you wait ’til I have a real grill and some more greens available.
Heathz…ENGAGE!
Nina, you’ve described eating halloumi perfectly.
Jenn, there are many Greeks around St/Pete’s/Tampa..make a road trip trip and stock up on Greek food items.
Lisa, you’ll love it.
Giz, lots to be found in canada.
Helene and Val, there’s a Minverva Foods in the vancouver area…halloumi should be sold there.
Aimee, tons of it in Montreal, fer sure.
Simona, the Bay Area has EVERY food ingredient available.
Dhanngit, your husband’s loss…it’s almost British to hate cheese! lol
I adore halloumi and first started eating this after reading a recipe in one of my books. This recipe looks very good Peter thanks for sharing!
Hi Peter, I sometimes buy this halloumi cheese but I find it very salted. As my husband has to low down on salt, I have tried to soak it (the cheese, not my husband) in cold water for a certain period but it still keeps its salted taste. Is there a way to get rid from a part of that salt?
Miss Diane,
I know what you mean because I’ve tasted good and bad Halloumi (bad being the overly salted type).
Your best best is to experiement with different varieties. Greek and Middle Eastern markets will carry Halloumi.
I don’t think you’ll be able to boil out the salt from the cheese.
Again, try different brands.
Can you send me some? I’ve never had any before.
Love it! with the tomatoes onions and all!
I’ve just started shopping in a store that carries lots of cheese, I’ll have to look for this, because this dish looks wonderful!
I love Halloumi and will try your recipe just as soon as the weather warms up enough to use the outdoor grill. Thanks for the recipe, Peter!
Hi!
Just came across your blog – and fell in love ;)
I adore halloumi – my favourite way to eat it is either in a salad – or in a sandwich with rocket, SD tomatoes and pesto (sounds a bit weird – but is delicious!)
Welcome Kittie and your halloumi pairings don’t sound weird at all…I might just try them out this summer.
Yia sas! I love your site! I thought my sisters and I were the only ones who referred to halloumi as squeeky cheese. Nice to meet a fellow squeaky cheese lover. Do you happen to know a recipe for roasted stuffed red Greek peppers with kessari, kefalotiri and feta? Thanks, Evgenia