Halloumi cheese, a culinary gem from Cyprus, is beloved worldwide for its firm, springy texture, and pleasantly salty flavour. Thanks to its high melting point, it holds its shape beautifully when grilled or fried, making it a go-to ingredient for vegetarians seeking both taste and versatility. Traditionally crafted from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk, halloumi brings a rich, authentic Mediterranean flavour to dishes of all kinds.
At Charalambides Christis, Cyprus’s largest and most trusted dairy producer and exporter, halloumi is not just food—it is part of a time-honoured culinary tradition. Below, we take you on a global tour of easy and satisfying vegetarian halloumi recipes that you can prepare at home.
Mediterranean-Inspired Halloumi Recipes
1. Grilled Halloumi Salad
Grilled halloumi transforms a simple salad into something spectacular. Toss together cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and leafy greens, then top with warm slices of crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside halloumi. Finish with a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for added freshness and sweetness.
2. Halloumi Bruschetta
Upgrade your appetizers with a Mediterranean twist. Toast slices of baguette and top with olive tapenade, ripe tomatoes, and grilled halloumi. The contrast of creamy cheese and crispy bread creates an irresistible bite.
3. Orzo with Halloumi
In Cyprus, halloumi often stars in pasta dishes. Sauté zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, toss with cooked orzo, and top with fried halloumi slices for a simple, comforting vegetarian meal with Mediterranean flair.
Global Vegetarian Recipes with Halloumi Cheese
4. Halloumi Tacos
Add a twist to taco night with halloumi. Replace meat with fried halloumi cubes and load your tortillas with avocado, shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, and chipotle mayo. Each bite is a fusion of creamy, salty, spicy, and fresh.
5. Halloumi Kebabs
Perfect for the grill, these vegetarian skewers feature halloumi chunks with colourful vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Serve them with tzatziki or hummus for a complete and satisfying dish.
6. Halloumi Breakfast Wrap
Start your day strong with a halloumi breakfast wrap. Combine scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, avocado, and pan-fried halloumi in a soft tortilla for a high-protein, flavour-packed morning boost.
Tips for Cooking with Halloumi
• Grill or fry for texture: Halloumi forms a golden crust while staying soft inside. Ideal for grilling and pan-frying.
• Pair it well: Complement halloumi’s saltiness with sweet or tangy ingredients like figs, watermelon, or a drizzle of honey.
• Choose your cut: Dice it for salads, slice it for grilling, or cube it for skewers—halloumi holds its shape in all forms.
• Enjoy it raw: For a purist approach, eat halloumi fresh with herbs like mint or basil.
Taste the Tradition with Charalambides Christis Halloumi
Whether you are a long-time fan or trying it for the first time, halloumi cheese is a delicious way to elevate your vegetarian cooking. At Charalambides Christis, we are proud to share Cyprus’s most iconic cheese with the world—made with tradition, care, and the finest ingredients.
Explore more halloumi recipes and bring authentic Cypriot flavours into your kitchen at Charalambides Christis.
