Love Greek food? Love Mexican food too? You’re in luck with these delicious crispy halloumi tacos with an easy pineapple mango salsa. The contrast of sweet and salty flavours could be a talking point when you’re next entertaining, or serve them for a quick lunch at home.
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Why halloumi tacos?
Fusion food is everywhere, but have you ever come across Greek-Mex?
I’ve already dabbled in it with a couple of other recipes. These Greek quesadillas were one of my first popular recipes. Greek nachos are a fun and tasty twist on loaded nachos or a Greek salad – take your pick!
Halloumi cheese might already be quite familiar to you. If it isn’t, try these legendary halloumi fries for an introduction to it that will blow your socks off.
If you do try them, you’ll understand quickly how halloumi is suited to tacos. It’s a little like mozzarella, but saltier. Because it’s firmer as well, it doesn’t melt as it cooks. It can also get a wonderful crispy crust.
These are simple but colourful and all-round amazing Greek-Mex tacos. You fry slices of halloumi and then wrap them in slightly crispy (if you like) tortillas with avocado, a tomato, pineapple and mango salsa and a sweet chili and Greek yoghurt sauce.
About the ingredients
The most important thing to say is that the ingredients amounts are not that important. Use my suggestions as a guide, but a little more or less of everything will still make for some very delicious halloumi tacos.
The tacos: I like medium sized corn tortillas. I’m one of those picky people who stand in the aisle inspecting the ingredients because I find some tortillas are full of preservatives etc. whereas others are not. Guess which ones I look for?
The avocado: Either a perfectly ripe one for small cubes, or if it’s quite ripe there’s no harm in mashing it like a simple guacamole.
The halloumi: There might be a bit of trial and error required here to get the brand you like best. I usually go for either a real Cypriot or Cypriot style halloumi cheese. One supermarket own brand I tried was a bit dry, but not disastrously so!
The salsa: I have a little trick to make the salsa very very easy. Use a can of pineapple chunks (not rings) and a can or snack tub of chopped mango. All you have to do is drain the juice (and drink it!) and dump the fruit into the salsa bowl.
The yoghurt sauce: All I do to make this is mix equal parts of Greek yoghurt and sweet chili sauce. Any plain yoghurt will do, however.
Chili and herbs: Adding a finely chopped red chili adds more colour and a hit of spice. A big handful of fresh coriander is the icing on the cake. If you don’t care for coriander, fresh basil or even parsley would work instead.
Pan fry vs shallow fry vs air fry
You can cook halloumi in several different ways. All are delicious, and I tend to cook it in different ways depending on what the recipe is.
For these tacos, I prefer to air fry the halloumi because it’s the easiest and cleanest way. To cook halloumi in your air fryer, just lightly spray with olive oil on both sides, then cook for around 5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Meanwhile, make the quick pineapple mango salsa and sweet chili yogurt sauce.
The end result is a lovely crispy fried halloumi – again a perfect contrast to the tangy salsa and sauce and the lightly crispy corn tortillas.
If you don’t have an air fryer, I’d recommend just pan frying your halloumi in a little olive oil on each side until lightly crispy. Or you can pull out all the stops and shallow fry your halloumi. Roll the halloumi in a little flour before frying for the crispiest, most delicious halloumi you’ve ever tried.
How to assemble your tacos
The best way to make these is to get all your components ready to go, then assemble the tacos at the last minute.
If you’re sneaky you can pop your halloumi in the air fryer (I usually brush it with olive oil first) and make the salsa and sauce while it’s cooking. This is the most hands-off way of cooking the cheese.
If you’re cooking the halloumi on the stovetop, it’s best to make the toppings first, then cook the halloumi so you can give it your full attention.
I usually start by cooking my tortillas in a dry frying pan for a couple of minutes on each side until a little golden and crisp.
This is how I assemble my tacos, but there are no real rules. Just pile everything on if you like!
- taco
- crispy bites of halloumi
- salsa with fresh herbs
- avocado cubes
- sauce
How and when to serve them
- A delicious quick lunch or snack.
- Party appetizers.
- For a bigger meal, why not serve them with this lemony Mediterranean rice with chickpeas? You can make it either on the stovetop or in your pressure cooker/instant pot if you have one.
Variations
These are incredible exactly as they are. However:
- If you want to keep things super super easy, you can make the salsa even simpler. Use either pineapple OR mango rather than both. If you don’t happen to have a ripe avocado, no biggie either. The tacos will still be delicious without avocado.
- No pineapple or mango? Use this 10 minute fresh tomato salsa recipe instead.
- Replace the halloumi with feta cheese (uncooked) or even bites of fish, chicken or steak. Even fish fingers would be yummy!
- Here’s the wild card option. You can easily make these vegan by replacing the halloumi with tofu. Skip the yogurt and drizzle with just the sweet chili sauce or skip this part altogether.
- Make a salad bowl instead of tacos using all the same ingredients. You might like to include some rice, quinoa or pasta. Or just serve your salad with a few tortilla chips for dipping into the salsa.
Pro tip: Leftover salsa? Serve with some grilled or air fried chicken, steak or fish
FAQ
In both Australia and the UK, halloumi is widely available in supermarkets. In the USA, it’s becoming easier to find. Try Walmart, Trader Joe’s or even Amazon!
While there’s no definitive answer to this question, I prefer to use a traditional Cypriot or Cypriot style halloumi cheese for the best results. They’re usually sold in a ‘log-shaped’ packet and there’s a bit of salty brine inside to keep the cheese fresh. I find that supermarket own brand versions can be a bit hit and miss. If there are several choices, you’ll probably need to experiment a bit to find the brand you like best.
I usually go for small to medium sized corn tortillas. If you can get hold of some handmade ones or make your own that would be fantastic. Otherwise check the back of the packet. I always do this to find the ones with the least amount of ingredients in. The more natural the better!
More recipes for halloumi lovers
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Halloumi Tacos with Pineapple Mango Salsa
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
For the salsa and sauce
- ⅔ cup tomatoes chopped finely (about 5 ounces cherry tomatoes or equivalent in larger tomatoes)
- ½ cup pineapple chopped (I use a can of ready chopped pineapple in juice, juice drained)
- ½ cup mango chopped (I use a snack container of chopped mango in juice, juice drained)
- ¼ small onion chopped
- 1 red chili finely chopped
- 1 handful fresh coriander (US cilantro) chopped
- 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt or sour cream if you prefer
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
The rest of the ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas medium
- 1 avocado cubed (or mashed if very ripe)
- 6 ounces halloumi cheese 1 'log' or block (usually around 180 grams)
- a little olive oil for brushing
- 1 lime for squeezing over at the end
Instructions
- Mix all of the salsa ingredients together and set aside. Also mix the Greek yoghurt and sweet chili sauce together and set that aside.
- Slice the halloumi into roughly 1cm-thick slices or cubes, and brush lightly on each side with a little olive oil.
- Heat up a frying pan and fry the halloumi for a few minutes on each side until golden and a little crispy. Alternatively, air fry at 375F / 190C for 4 to 6 minutes on each side.
- Heat the tortillas in a dry frying pan until warmed through and a little crisp.
- Assemble your tacos. Start with 4 or 5 halloumi bites, then top with the salsa and avocado. Finally, drizzle over some Greek yoghurt chili sauce.
- Fold over and serve with a lime segment for squeezing over everything. Eat immediately.
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Serriiiously drooling reading your description! These tacos sound to die for, and you make me want to go out and make them for second dinner right now. I love halloumi when I was living in London, but haven’t had it since I’ve been back! Pinned!
Helen says
Thanks so much for pinning, Rachel. Second dinner – I like it!!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Pineapple salsa is a favorite of mine and halloumi is so trendy now! Love this awesome combo… Mexican is my fave 🙂
Helen says
Well, I’m happy to hear that you’ve heard of halloumi … and tried it? Many readers have never tried it, which I was surprised by. So glad you like this!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I have never tried haloumi. I think… But it must start with these tacos. I can relate to having friends like this as well.
Helen says
Do try it asap, Kathy!! It’s delicious and goes so well with this kind of salsa … 🙂
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
I’ve been wanting to try halloumi… and still haven’t! Can you believe it?! My life has been halloumi-less for way too long! These look incredible! LOVE me some tacos!!!
Helen says
Oh, your life has DEFINITELY been halloumi-less for too long! Get yourself some to try asap, Chris!
Helen says
Oh, you’ve just GOT to try it soon, Chris. Apparently it’s trendy at the moment, and you don’t want to miss that cool and trendy halloumi gravy train, do you now? 😉
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
So glad for you that the big move has finally happened. I always tell the truth as that way I don’t have to think too hard when asked to remember something 🙂
Helen says
Ha … that’s a good way to look at it, Tandy! I think I would drop myself in it pretty quickly if I lied about something … 🙂
Liz says
I have just started to see halloumi in the markets here…and now I know what to do with it! What a fun recipe!
Helen says
I’m so surprised that halloumi is only just taking off over there. It’s been in supermarkets here for at least 20 years or so. Anyway, yes, now you know what to do with it when you try it. It’s great threaded onto skewers with veggies, too!
Ashley says
haha oh man, I feel soooo guilty whenever I say I have a headache or something to get out of plans. And I always feel the need to make up for it somehow!
These tacos sound wonderful! And whoa – moving! Good luck getting settled! Moving is always so exhausting!
Helen says
I suppose that just means you have a conscience … so it’s a good thing really!
Thanks so much for the good wishes. Things are still a bit chaotic and stressful over here, but we’re getting there … slowly!
Melanie @ Bon Appet'Eat says
Ahaha you are too funny! I totally know what you talking about, i have some friends that you can read on their face that they are not doing the “right” thing, you know what I mean. I have a better poker face, chuuuut, don’t tell 🙂
Your tacos look soooo good, it’s 3pm here and I would love to try one now (pour le gouter!), I have to look for this chees, we are cheese lovers and never try it. Yet!
Good luck with your new home and life in UK!
Helen says
Thanks so much for the good wishes, Melanie. I’m afraid I don’t have a good ‘poker face’ at all – I would be the friend whose face you could read immediately … hahahaha!
Please do try to look for some halloumi – it’s delicious and would make a fantastic ‘gouter’!
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
These tacos look absolutely amazing. . I love the greek mex fusion of flavours going on here… Delicious! !
Helen says
Hi, Arpita … and thanks! So glad you liked this 🙂
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Moving is no fun at all! I hope you get everything done – don’t worry, we will be here for when you are all moved and settled!
Helen, it’s so funny how the one time you innocently “stray” from doing the right thing, you get busted!!! Ahh…if only you had some of these halloumi tacos, you might have been able to bribe your way out of a fine!
🙂
Good luck moving!
Helen says
Now there’s a thought … bribing with food! What an excellent thought 😉
Thanks so much for the good wishes, Shashi. Getting ourselves sorted now … still lots to do but the basics are done. 🙂
Zainab @Blahnik Baker says
Tacos!!! With halloumi? Oh man! I love these!!
Helen says
Thanks, Zainab! 🙂
Nora @ Savory Nothings says
I know that situation – forgetting to stamp your ticket can happen soooo easily M&S they usually don’t care if you explain you just forgot – no ticket is no ticket 🙁 It’s so frustrating!
Those tacos on the other hand… Yum! I love Halloumi (and Greek food in general) – what a great idea to make a Mexican fusion!
Helen says
Hi, Nora! I know – definitely frustrating! (and expensive – haha!)
So glad you like the tacos – they were pretty tasty!
Lillli @ Sugar and Cinnamon says
Halloumi in a taco is such a great idea! And it would taste so good with pineapple salsa I can just imagine 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Lilli! Thanks so much – I hope you get to taste something similar some time and see for yourself!
Joanne says
Haha…of course it’s always those kinds of impulsive behaviors that end up getting us in the most trouble! And no, I don’t suppose the Greeks make very good tacos. But FUSION tacos with halloumi?! Sounds amazing to me!
Helen says
That’s a good way to look at it – impulsive = riiiisky!
Glad you like my Greek-Mex fusion tacos, Joanne! 🙂
Mary Frances says
Oh snap! Bless your heart Helen, I’m pretty sure I would’ve done the same thing. I forgot my license while driving once and was immediately assuming all the officers knew I didn’t have it … thank goodness nothing happened 🙂
These tacos are redefining my idea of a good taco! Love that pineapple!
Helen says
Ohhhh … that happened to me too as well … in Greece again … and I DID get stopped! That time I’d just arrived in Greece so they couldn’t be bothered with me because I didn’t speak the language yet. Phew!
Thanks for calling this a good taco! I feel very much like a taco ‘newbie’, so I was pretty proud of this first attempt!
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
New word in my vocabulary: Cypriot. Awesome! So, you poor dear with your conscience. I do agree, in most instances it is just easier to be honest because getting caught is never worth the fun. However, I am also a staunch believer in not doing things I don’t want to do. So if I don’t want to go out with a friend, I absolutely will not go, and yes it is best to be honest but I will fake a headache if it means I get to lounge around in my pi’s rather than go out when I don’t want to. But since I’m old and married with a toddler and another on the way, I have no such problems of people trying to take me out to do fun things against my will. 😉 Thank you for the info on the halloumi cheese. You used it recently in another recipe, and I’ve seen it elsewhere, and I was thinking WTF is that?! But now I know, and I’ll be sure to look for the CYPRIOT kind! Hope you feel settled in your new locale soon. 🙂
Helen says
Ha! That’s hilarious that I taught you a new word! I guess we hear that word over here a bit more than you do over there … understandably!
I totally agree that you shouldn’t do things you don’t want to … if you can at all avoid it. Life’s too short, hey? I’ve just got better over the years at saying no and not feeling bad about it. I find being honest about my reasons never seems to upset anyone, and if it does without my knowledge, well then too bad!
Please do try the halloumi cheese. I didn’t know that it wasn’t popular over there in the USA. Maybe I can start off a trend and it’ll be the next big thing 🙂