Looking for something a bit different to throw on your next BBQ? These halloumi kebabs won’t disappoint. You need just 4 ingredients to make a platter of the colourful and tasty Mediterranean style skewers, and another 4 basic ingredients for the tangy dressing. The best part? They’re ready in just over 20 minutes!
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What’s halloumi?
Halloumi cheese is a salty, slightly ‘bouncy’ sheep’s, goat’s or cow’s milk cheese originally from Cyprus. You can cook it in various ways, but generally you fry it in a dry pan until hot and crisp. Quite honestly, it isn’t always for everyone. Mr. Scrummy, for instance, declared it as ‘rubbery’ when he first tried it.
But I would highly encourage you to try it at least once before you decide if you’re in the ‘love halloumi’ or ‘hate halloumi’ camp. As for me, I’m firmly in the ‘love halloumi’ camp!
It’s incredibly delicious when cooked and crispy, as in this recipe. If you need more ‘proof’, you absolutely have to try:
- these legendary halloumi fries
- these 15-minute halloumi burgers
- these halloumi tacos with an amazing pineapple salsa
- this crispy halloumi salad with avocado, corn and tomatoes
Why you’ll love this recipe
- If you love to make grilled kebabs either on the BBQ or by throwing them under the grill/broiler, these are just a little different, don’t you think? Mediterranean style, I’d say!
- They’re versatile – perfect for a simple lunch, dinner or picnic for yourselves, but can be impressive enough to serve to guests.
- They’re incredibly quick and easy, with just 4 main ingredients and the simple dressing.
- They’re super tasty with the salty, crispy halloumi complementing the smoky chorizo and tangy tomatoes really well. Drizzle over the honey lime dressing and it’ll be a party in your mouth!
- They’re really easy to customize and make your own. Need a vegetarian option? Want to add more veggies? See ideas below!
About the ingredients
One of the reasons I like these kebabs so much is that they look and taste more impressive than the sum of their parts.
You only need 3 ingredients to thread on the skewers, and some nice green salad leaves to lay them on:
Halloumi: Halloumi works great grilled/BBQ’d or broiled because it’s a very firm cheese that doesn’t melt everywhere. Instead, it browns and gets crispy after cooking for just a few minutes. You can use any brand that you can get hold of (in the UK/Australia it’s widely available, in the USA try Trader Joe’s, Wholefoods or a European style deli).
I really like to choose an authentic Cypriot brand if it’s available. It usually has little flecks of mint running through it and the perfect texture.
Chorizo: I usually buy whole chorizo sausages and slice them into roughly 1-inch thick slices. You need about 1 sausage for every 4 skewers. These days I find most chorizo sausages don’t have a tough skin on, but if yours does it’s easy to snip the ends and peel it off.
I buy mine from the deli section of my local supermarket, but you can also usually find it in the cured meats area with the bacon and other processed meats.
Cherry tomatoes: You’ll need 4 small tomatoes for each skewer. Any small tomato will work.
For the honey-lime dressing: For this you’ll need the zest and juice of a lime, and a bit of honey, vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper. I usually use either white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but ordinary white vinegar is fine too.
To serve/Garnish: I like to serve my kebabs on a bed of mixed green leaves. I also like to serve extra lime wedges on the side for people to squeeze over if they like.
The last thing you’ll need, of course, is some long wooden skewers. I wouldn’t use metal ones unless they’re really thin as it’ll be difficult to thread the ingredients onto them without them breaking.
How to make them
In a nutshell, there’s nothing more complicated here than threading everything onto the long skewers. But here’s exactly how I do that:
Step 1: Soak the skewers in some water for a while before grilling so that they don’t burn. You can let them soak while you’re preparing all the other ingredients.
Steps 2 – 4: Unwrap the log of halloumi, then carefully slice it into roughly 1-inch cubes. You’ll need 12 cubes for every 4 skewers you’d like to make. Halloumi logs do vary in size, but I find I have more than enough for at least 4 skewers. Sometimes there are even leftovers. See below for leftovers ideas!
Step 5: Carefully thread the tomatoes, halloumi and chorizo onto the skewers. I usually start and end with a tomato. Pinch the halloumi tightly as you thread it on. Don’t worry if a few pieces break. You should have some halloumi cubes to spare.
Step 6: Grill them! You can either pop them on a BBQ grill, or you can grill them under a grill/broiler in the kitchen. They’ll only take 10 to 15 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them and turn them a few times so that they brown evenly without burning. The tomatoes and chorizo should be golden brown and the halloumi deliciously crispy in parts.
Pro tip: Don’t worry if a few bits of halloumi drop off their skewer as they’re grilling! I can almost guarantee this will happen, but just grill those bits by the side then squash them back onto the skewer just before serving 😉
To make the dressing, simply whisk all the ingredients together in a small jug! It’s so easy. I do this when I prepare all the other ingredients. You want to be able to drizzle over the dressing while the skewers are still piping hot.
Don’t be tempted to skip the dressing! In my opinion the bit of juicy, sweetening balance it brings to the dish ties it all together.
How to serve them
- These halloumi kebabs make a perfect ‘wild card’ option for a BBQ or other kind of gathering. If you have vegetarians among you, you can even skip the chorizo and swap for another vegetable like zucchini/courgette, peppers or mushrooms.
- They also make an easy and very tasty midweek meal. Serve with crispy smashed Greek potatoes, roasted cauliflower mash, Mediterranean lemon rice with chickpeas, baked potatoes and coleslaw or just simple pitta bread or olive oil toasts.
- Make halloumi, chorizo and tomato burgers! Slide everything off the skewers and sandwich in your favourite rolls with the dressing, some salad, and perhaps a spoonful of coleslaw.
- Pack them for a picnic. Although they’re excellent piping hot, they’re also very enjoyable served cold.
How to use up any leftovers
You may or may not have some leftover cherry tomatoes, chorizo and cubes of halloumi. If you do, I’ve got you covered!
- My top suggestion: Make halloumi bites! Dip into Greek yogurt and sweet chili sauce for some pretty impressive crispy bites.
- Add some pizzazz to your weekend breakfast: Either broil/grill the halloumi cubes, chorizo slices and tomatoes for around 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Or pan-fry in a little olive oil. Serve alongside eggs and toast for a very yummy and easy breakfast!
- Make a sandwich or burger: Broil/grill or pan-fry as described above, then pile into a toasted sandwich or brioche roll. Add green salad, dressing if you have any left. and a little coleslaw if you like. Yum!
- Stir through couscous or pasta: Cook, then stir through warm couscous or pasta. Make more dressing and stir that through too. Enjoy!
More things to know (FAQs)
It’s inevitable that this will happen to a certain extent. That’s OK! If it happens while cooking and turning the kebabs, just let them cook on the side, then thread them back on the skewers before serving if you can.
To stop it falling apart when threading it on the skewers, try using roughly 1-inch sized cubes (so neither too big nor too small) and pinching the cubes together from 2 sides as you thread it on.
I think these are best served piping hot, immediately after cooking. They still taste good at room temperature or cold, but the salad may start to wilt.
What you can do though is wash and chop everything ahead, soak the skewers in water, and also prepare the dressing. You can even thread the ingredients onto the skewers then cover them and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just like you would any kind of kebab!
Actually… yes! If they’ll fit! If you have an oven-style air fryer, they’ll work well. Just line a baking tray with baking paper, spray the kebabs all over with a little olive oil, then air fry for around 7 minutes at 200C/390F. Then turn and cook for another 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to check that nothing is burning as every air fryer is a little different.
If you have a smaller, basket-style air fryer, you’ll probably have to use smaller skewers and make smaller kebabs. Which is fine! Go for it!
You certainly can! Just cover and reheat for a minute or two until piping hot in the microwave. The halloumi will no longer be crispy, but the kebabs will still be very delicious, perhaps with some rice or grilled bread on the side.
Love halloumi? Check out my expert how to cook halloumi guide. With pro tips, recipes and more.
More Mediterranean style ideas for a BBQ
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Halloumi Kebabs With Chorizo, Tomatoes And Honey Lime Dressing
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
For the kebabs
- 8 wooden skewers soaked in water for half an hour (so they don’t burn during cooking)
- 250 grams chorizo sausage Peeled (if necessary) & cut into roughly 1-inch slices. You need 24 slices for 8 kebabs, or 2 standard sized chorizo sausages.
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes I usually buy a 250-gram 'punnet'. You need around 32 tomatoes to make 8 kebabs (4 per kebab). If there aren't quite enough (cherry tomatoes come in different sizes!) just slice some of them in half.
- 500 grams halloumi cheese cut into large(ish) cubes of around 1 square inch. This is usually 2 x traditional 'logs' of halloumi. You need 24 cubes for 8 kebabs.
- a little olive oil for spraying or brushing before cooking
For the dressing
- 1 lime juice & zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon white wine or cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt/pepper to taste
To serve/garnish
- 1 lime sliced into segments
- salad leaves of your choice
Instructions
- Heat up your broiler/grill (on high or to around 200C/390F).
- Thread the tomatoes, chorizo slices and halloumi chunks onto the skewers alternately. I begin and end with a tomato, but you don’t have to! I usually use 4 tomatoes, 3 slices of chorizo and 3 halloumi chunks per skewer.250 grams chorizo sausage, 250 grams cherry tomatoes, 500 grams halloumi cheese, 8 wooden skewers
- Whisk all the dressing ingredients together and scatter a layer of salad leaves over a large platter or plate.1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon white wine or cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt/pepper to taste
- Lay the skewers on a grill/broiler pan. I usually line it with baking paper for easier clean-up. Spray or brush all over with olive oil.a little olive oil
- Grill/Broil for about 10 minutes, turning regularly (and carefully!) until the tomatoes and chorizo are golden in parts and the halloumi is crisp and browned. If a few pieces fall off as you turn the kebabs, just thread them back on after cooking.
- When the skewers are done, carefully lay them over the salad leaves, then drizzle the dressing all over. Garnish with extra lime segments if you like. Enjoy immediately with toasted bread with olive oil and salt, or another side dish of your choice.salad leaves, 1 lime
Dini @ Giramuk's Kitchen says
I am a firm Haloumi Lover! 🙂 These skewers sound delicious as your recipes always do!! I have to make these, because some people in my family have not eaten Haloumi yet!
Helen says
Ooh, thanks for the lovely compliment, Dini (I love your recipes, too!!) Glad I’ve inspired you to introduce halloumi to your family, too!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Sounds like I need to find some haloumi! Looks delicious and that honey lime dressing sounds amazing!
Helen says
Yes, you really must!! (Haven’t you tried it yet, Denise?) Loved the dressing, but this is good even by itself.
Jennifer Stewart says
This looks like a perfect lunch for summer! I can’t always find the cheese but I love all the fresh ingredients and still splurging with the chorizo! I eat it rarely since when I do, I eat all I can find! Thanks for this great recipe!
Helen says
Hello, Jennifer! Thanks so much for passing by and saying hi. You can probably find the cheese from somewhere like Wholefoods if you’re in the US … or a European-style deli! Glad you like the recipe!
mira says
Knowing where I come from, you know I’m a Halloumi lover! And I’ve been thinking to post a recipe for a while now! Love these skewers, pinned of course!
Helen says
Well, I’d love to see what amazing halloumi recipe you come up with too, Mira!!
marcie says
Confession…I’ve never tried halloumi. I’d venture a guess and say I’d be a lover, especially with these delicious ingredients! These skewers sound incredible, Helen! 🙂
Helen says
Ooh nooo! Marcie, you really must! 🙂
Allie | Baking a Moment says
My hubby and I are both halloumi lovers and this recipe is such a fabulous way to enjoy it! What a great combination of flavors and so perfect for warm summer nights!
Helen says
Thank you so much, Allie! This really is a great ‘alternative’ summer recipe … would work well on a BBQ as well, I think!
Laura says
Typical anything on a skewer does it for me! Especially with Father’s Day coming up =) Loving that honey lime dressing. As for the halloumini cheese, haven’t tried! And my spell check is going insane over it too. But I’ll have to know and will let me know!! Not even sure where to buy here =)
Helen says
Hi, Laura! I think it’s slowly becoming more popular and easy to find over there. I think somewhere like Wholefoods might have it, or a European-style deli. Hope you manage to find some some time and try it!
Eva says
Je ne peux pas choisir un camp parce que je ne jamais gouter ! Je n’arrive pas à le trouver ! En tout cas, tes brochettes ont l’air sensationnels !!
Helen says
Oh! Je suis surprise qu’on ne peut pas le trouver la-bas! Tu l’as cherche a Carrefour?? 🙂
Eva says
ll faut que je demande !!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
I’m a big fan of Halloumi – in fact just posted a recipe for Halloumi tacos. You and I are on the same wavelength. 🙂 These skewers look FABULOUS!
Helen says
Well, great minds and all that … popping over in a bit to check out your halloumi tacos v. soon! 🙂
Ashley says
These skewers sound fantastic!! And that lime dressing??? I’d put that on all sorts of things! haha Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Helen says
Thanks, Ashley! The dressing really makes these! Hope your weekend has got off to a good start! 🙂
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
LOVE these skewers! This is my idea of the perfect summer food – love halloumi and chorizo so much! Definitely need to try these out!
Helen says
Ooh, really hope you do try them out, Jess! If only we got some better weather these would be great on a BBQ! 🙂
cheri says
Hi Helen, you know I have never tried halloumi…..since I am such a cheese fiend I should give these a go. Looks delicious!
Helen says
Hello Cheri! You really must give halloumi a whirl, especially as you seem to be a lover of Mediterranean recipes! 🙂
[email protected] says
Your precise skills in the kitchen are just like mine. Meat on sticks seems ok but veggies ALWAYS seem to fall off!! 🙂
So – I didn’t realise the words “halloumi” + “hater” could be combined together? Who are these people??
I also cannot believe I’ve never tried halloumi on sticks before and intend to rectify that at my next gathering. 🙂
Helen says
Ha … glad I’m not the only one who can’t keep my veggies firmly on their sticks! 😉 I reckon these would do well at a BBQ, Nagi … although I’m not sure how I would fish the bits of dropped-off halloumi off the charcoal!
Chrissy says
I’m a lover, and I love this idea. I see so many skewers with mozzarella or the like and I love this as a way to mix things up!
Helen says
Oooh, that’s a good idea to try something like this with mozzarella as well, Chrissy! Could be raw or cooked. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
Kathleen | HapaNomNom says
I am definitely in the ‘I love halloumi’ camp! I can’t believe there would be anyone who wouldn’t like it! It’s grilled cheese for heaven’s sakes! 😉
These skewers look incredible! And that honey-lime dress sounds delightful!
Helen says
Yeah, who ARE these weird people? (Mr. Scrummy excluded of course!) Glad I’m not all alone in my ‘halloumi lover’ camp here, Kathleen! Hope you’re having a good weekend!
mila furman says
OHHHH that looks really great!! What a great idea to make skewers out of CHEESE! That’s pretty classy 🙂
Helen says
Thanks, Mila! Blush, blush (you called me classy! – well, my food at least …)
[email protected] says
I have never tried halloumi, but I really want to try your recipe. The skewers look so good and the dressing sounds really delicious.
Helen says
Oh, DO try it, Janette! At least once … it’s a lovely combination of ingredients here, too .. 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Haha Helen, I love how “careful & precise” you are in your cooking! 😉 Seriously, I wouldn’t care if you happened to squish pieces of broken off halloumi together when chorizo is involved! Oooh and that honey lime dressing! Yum!
Helen says
Smirk smirk. What can I say? I did indeed ‘squish’ the halloumi right back onto that skewer. But you’re right, they didn’t taste any less tasty! 🙂
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
We’re total skewer buddies today, Helen! How awesome is that?? And um these. I’m crushing over here! Lovin’ how ultra fresh these skewers look and that honey lime dressing sounds insaaaaaane. ! 🙂
Helen says
Oooh, really? OK, well I’m off to check out your post then! That truly is awesome! 🙂
Joanne says
I am firmly in the halloumi = LOVE camp…so pass me one of those skewers IMMEDIATELY!
Helen says
Oh, phew! I was beginning to think I was the only one who likes halloumi! Or who has even heard of it! Glad you have … and love it … too!!