There is something truly magical about the way smoky grilled vegetables and salty, squeaky halloumi cheese come together in the Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients that balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it perfect for warm weather dining or whenever you want a light yet satisfying meal that feels special. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just love bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this stack is sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is what makes this Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe so rewarding. Each item shines on its own and, when combined, creates an irresistible medley of tastes and textures. From the tender zucchini to the savory halloumi, every component plays a crucial role.
- Zucchini: Sliced into ¼-inch rounds for perfect grill marks and tender bite.
- Eggplant: Also sliced ¼-inch thick, it soaks up flavors beautifully and becomes silky when grilled.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: Cut into large strips to add sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red onion: Sliced into rings for a slightly sharp, caramelized crunch after grilling.
- Halloumi cheese: Sliced into ½-inch slabs to hold up to grilling without melting away.
- Olive oil: Essential for coating the vegetables, helping them crisp and caramelize.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy depth and a subtle sweetness to the marinade.
- Dried oregano: Brings a fragrant, Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, highlighting and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, lending a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.
How to Make Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Vegetables
Start by heating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to char the vegetables without drying them out. While the grill warms up, toss zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion in a large bowl with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the vegetables with a delicious flavor and helps them develop that irresistible grilled finish.
Step 2: Grill the Vegetables
Place the vegetables on the grill in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender and lightly charred. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness and adds a smoky note that is essential for this recipe’s character.
Step 3: Grill the Halloumi Cheese
Once the vegetables are grilled, turn your attention to the halloumi slices. Grill them for approximately 2 minutes per side until they develop golden grill marks and a slightly crispy exterior. The halloumi will remain firm and provide the perfect salty counterpart to the sweet grilled veggies.
Step 4: Assemble Your Stacks
Now for the fun part! Carefully layer your grilled vegetables and halloumi cheese on a plate, alternating types to create colorful, tall stacks. The contrast between the charred veggies and the golden cheese is visually stunning and inviting.
How to Serve Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe even further, top the stacks with fresh basil leaves. Their bright, aromatic flavor complements the smoky and salty notes perfectly. A light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze can also add an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This stack is versatile — serve it alongside fluffy couscous, nutty quinoa, or even a simple green salad. These sides add bulk and additional textures, turning this beautiful vegetarian dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving individual stacks on rustic wooden boards for a family-style feel at your next gathering. For a playful twist, try mini stacks as party appetizers or arrange the components flat on a platter for a vibrant grilled veggie and halloumi salad option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, though the texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While freezing grilled vegetables and halloumi is possible, it’s not recommended for this Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe since the texture will suffer upon thawing. For the best results, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or briefly in a toaster oven to revive that grilled flavor without turning everything mushy. Avoid microwaving, which can make the cheese rubbery and the vegetables soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in the stack?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite grilling vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Just be mindful of grilling times so everything is cooked evenly.
Is halloumi cheese suitable for vegetarians?
Halloumi is typically suitable for vegetarians as it is a cheese that does not contain animal rennet, but always check the packaging to be sure, especially if strict vegetarian options are needed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can swap the halloumi for a firm tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative that grills well. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan and packed with flavor.
Do I need a grill to make this dish?
A grill pan or a regular stovetop pan with a ridged surface can work just as well to achieve those lovely char marks and the smoky flavor if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the grill?
Make sure to oil your grill grates or pan well before cooking and don’t move the vegetables too soon. Proper heat and a little patience help get perfect grill marks without sticking.
Final Thoughts
I truly cannot recommend putting together this Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe enough. It’s a stunning dish that feels both indulgent and healthful, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. The combination of smoky grilled vegetables and salty halloumi hits all the right notes, and the easy layering makes it fun to assemble. Give it a try soon and add your own twist—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Stack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and halloumi cheese stacked into colorful layers. This grilled vegetable and halloumi stack is perfect as a vegetarian main course or a hearty side, offering a perfect balance of smoky charred flavors with fresh herbs and a balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into large strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large strips
- 1 red onion, sliced into rings
Cheese & Marinade
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch slabs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to char the vegetables and cheese properly.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, eggplant, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly coated.
- Grill Vegetables: Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they become tender with a nice char. Grill in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Grill Halloumi: Grill the halloumi slices for about 2 minutes per side until they develop golden grill marks and slightly soften.
- Assemble Stacks: Layer the grilled vegetables and halloumi alternately to create tall, colorful stacks. Start with a vegetable slice, then a halloumi slice, and repeat.
- Serve: Serve the stacked vegetables and halloumi warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- This dish can be served as a satisfying vegetarian main or a flavorful side dish.
- For added flavor, drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve over couscous or quinoa to create a more complete and filling meal.
