Halloumi Sunshine Skewers with Zesty Lemonherb Drizzle
Recipe Introduction: Halloumi Sunshine Skewers
Fancy some easy summer meals that feel like you're on holiday? Have you ever grilled halloumi ? If not, you're in for a treat.
These Halloumi Sunshine Skewers with Zesty Lemon Herb Drizzle are absolutely banging. They're packed with fresh flavours and so simple.
A Taste of the Med at Home
These skewers take inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine. They're quick summer dinners , ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family or a BBQ with mates.
Why You'll Love These Skewers
Honestly, these are one of my favourite light summer recipes . Halloumi is a star player. Grilling it brings out the saltiness.
It pairs perfectly with juicy veggies. The lemon herb dressing takes everything to another level. This healthy summer grilling recipe is perfect for a BBQ, a light lunch, or a vegetarian summer meal .
Ingredients: What You Need for Sunshine
To make these amazing skewers, you'll need halloumi, bell peppers, red onion, courgette, and cherry tomatoes. You'll also need olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, fresh mint, garlic, and honey for the dressing.
A little salt and pepper rounds it off. Basically, the best grilled vegetable skewers you could hope for.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for these amazing skewers! Get ready for some seriously easy summer meals .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let’s prep! This recipe is all about fresh flavours, so good quality ingredients are key. Get your halloumi skewers ready!
Main Ingredients
Here's the shopping list! Don't worry it's pretty basic.
- Halloumi Cheese: 225g (8 oz) . Look for firm halloumi. It should squeak when you bite into it.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium . It needs to be vibrant and firm.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: 1 medium . Same as the red one!
- Red Onion: 1 . It should be firm, not squishy.
- Courgette (Zucchini): 1 medium . It should be firm and glossy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 200g (7 oz) . Get the sweetest, ripest ones you can find!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons , plus extra for grilling.
- Salt and pepper.
For the lemon herb dressing :
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons .
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons , freshly squeezed.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon , finely chopped.
- Fresh Mint: 1 tablespoon , finely chopped.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Honey: ½ teaspoon (or maple syrup).
- Red pepper flakes (optional).
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Seasoning is where the magic happens!
Seasoning Notes
The lemon herb dressing is the star. It brings everything together. Parsley and mint create freshness. You can sub dried herbs.
Use half the amount. Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes. You know, for a little zing.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. This isn't Masterchef!
- Grill (or grill pan). For some healthy summer grilling .
- Skewers (metal or wooden). Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes first! It will stop them burning.
- Small bowl.
- Whisk.
Don't have a grill? An oven works too!. Just grill them on a sheet at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes .
These halloumi recipes are designed to be enjoyed by everyone. I really hope these simple steps will help make your easy summer meals shine!
Grilling: My Go-To for Easy Summer Meals
Honestly, grilling is my absolute favourite way to cook during the summer. It's quick, it's easy, and it gives everything that amazing smoky flavour.
Plus, it means I don't have to heat up the whole kitchen! And let me tell you, when it's 30 degrees outside, that's a major win.
Today, we're tackling halloumi skewers and grilled vegetable skewers . This recipe is a game changer, and these skewers are perfect for your summer BBQ recipes .
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place : Chop your veggies and cube the halloumi. Having everything prepped saves a ton of time.
- Time Saving Organization : Thread the skewers ahead of time. Pop them in the fridge until you're ready to grill. This also works perfectly for those quick summer dinners .
- Safety Reminder : If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Nobody wants burnt sticks!
Let's Get Grilling: step-by-step
- Chop and Cube : Cut bell peppers, onion, courgette into 1 inch pieces. Cube the halloumi.
- Assemble the Skewers : Thread halloumi, peppers, onion, courgette, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
- Whisk the Magic : In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, mint, garlic, honey, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. This is your lemon herb dressing .
- Preheat & Oil : Preheat grill to medium high heat. Brush skewers with olive oil.
- Grill to Golden : Grill for 5- 6 minutes per side. The veggies should be tender crisp. The halloumi should be golden brown.
Pro Tips for Perfect Skewers
- Don't Crowd : Leave space between ingredients on skewers for even cooking.
- Dry Halloumi : Pat the halloumi dry before grilling for a golden crust.
- Avoid Overcooking : Halloumi should soften, not melt.
This halloumi recipes is the perfect light summer recipes , and it's ideal for those seeking vegetarian summer meals . You can even make a big batch for a healthy summer grilling experience.
The bright flavours and colourful presentation make it a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I hope you enjoyed this take on a summer meal that will leave you wanting more!
Recipe Notes for Halloumi Sunshine Skewers
So, you're ready to fire up the grill and make these halloumi skewers ? Awesome! Before you dive in, here are a few extra pointers.
This is how to make these already easy summer meals even easier! I promise this is one of those summer BBQ recipes you'll come back to!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation matters! Arrange your grilled vegetable skewers artfully on a platter. I like to sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top for extra flavour and a pop of colour.
For a real treat, serve these with a side of fluffy couscous or quinoa. A simple green salad also works wonders.
Don't forget some crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous lemon herb dressing ! A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc? Chef's kiss!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! You can totally store these.
Refrigeration: Pop the halloumi recipes into an airtight container and they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing these, as the vegetables can get a bit mushy. But if you must, freeze without the dressing.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Add the dressing just before serving to keep it vibrant.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want to mix things up a bit? No problem.
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian summer meal , simply omit the halloumi and add marinated tofu or extra veggies.
Seasonal Swaps: Summer's all about fresh produce! Swap out the courgette for aubergine (eggplant) or add some sweetcorn kernels. Be creative!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
These skewers aren't just tasty; they're pretty good for you too! They are packed with protein from the halloumi , and loaded with vitamins from the veggies.
That lemon herb dressing ? A source of healthy fats and antioxidants! It's one of my favourite light summer recipes .
Hey, did you know that grilling vegetables actually preserves more nutrients than boiling them? Pretty cool, right?
I'm calling this your healthy summer grilling recipe!
These quick summer dinners are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Have fun, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to stop my wooden skewers from turning into charcoal on the grill? I'm tired of having kebab casualties!
Ah, the age-old skewer conundrum! The key is to soak those wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (longer is better, even overnight) before threading them. This saturates the wood, preventing it from catching fire on the grill. Think of it as a little spa day for your skewers before they face the flames!
Can I prep these Halloumi Sunshine Skewers in advance, or will they get sad and soggy?
You can definitely get a head start! Chop the veggies and halloumi and assemble the skewers up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge. However, hold off on adding the lemon herb dressing until just before grilling to prevent everything from getting soggy.
The dressing is best when fresh, anyway it's like the cherry on top of a Mr. Whippy!
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are these easy summer meals still a good option, or are they secretly loaded with hidden naughtiness?
These Halloumi Sunshine Skewers are a pretty healthy choice! They're packed with veggies and lean protein from the halloumi. Halloumi is salty, however, so don't add too much extra salt. The lemon herb dressing adds a flavorful, light touch without being overly heavy.
You can further reduce the calories by using less olive oil or grilling the vegetables without any oil spray first think of it as a win-win situation!
What other veggies work well on these skewers? I'm feeling adventurous, but I'm not ready for "I'm a Celebrity" eating challenges!
Get creative with your veggies! Bell peppers, red onion and courgette are great starting points. Mushrooms (like chestnut or portobello) are a great addition, as are chunks of pineapple for a sweet and savoury twist. You can also try adding some chunks of pre-cooked new potatoes.
Just make sure to cut everything into similar sizes so they cook evenly nobody wants a rogue, raw piece of onion ruining their summer feast!
I'm having a barbie with my vegan mates, can I modify this into easy summer meals that everyone can enjoy?
Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to veganize. Swap the halloumi for some firm or extra firm tofu, pressing out any excess water. You can marinate the tofu in soy sauce, garlic and ginger for even more flavour. Alternatively, use large chunks of portobello mushrooms.
Also, just make sure the honey in the dressing is substituted with maple syrup. Your vegan mates will be chuffed to bits!
How long will the grilled halloumi sunshine skewers keep, and what's the best way to store them?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. They're best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, as reheating can make the halloumi a bit rubbery. You can also chop them up and toss them into a salad for a delicious lunch.
Just don't leave them out in the sun for too long food safety first, always!
Halloumi Sunshine Skewers With Zesty Lemonherb D
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
