Halloumi Bowl with Rice and Tzatziki
This bowl features golden, crispy halloumi cheese served over fluffy rice, alongside fresh Mediterranean veggies and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s a quick, protein-rich vegetarian meal that feels indulgent yet refreshing.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings:2-3
Ingredients
For the rice:
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For the halloumi:
200–250g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick slices
1 tbsp olive oil
For the tzatziki:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
1 garlic clove, minced
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the veggie mix & toppings:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted & halved
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Cook the rice:
Rinse rice well under cold water.
Bring water/broth and salt to a boil, stir in rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork and drizzle with olive oil.
Prepare tzatziki:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill/mint, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
Cook halloumi:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add halloumi slices and sear 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Assemble bowls:
Divide rice into bowls.
Add tomato, cucumber, onion, and olives.
Place crispy halloumi on top.
Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
For a flavor boost, cook rice with a pinch of turmeric or cumin.
Halloumi is best enjoyed fresh and hot – it loses crispiness as it cools.
Add roasted veggies (like zucchini or peppers) for a warm twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another cheese instead of halloumi?
Halloumi is unique for its “grillable” texture. Paneer or queso blanco can be used, but won’t have the same salty bite.
Q: Can this be meal prepped?
Yes! Store rice, veggies, and tzatziki separately. Cook halloumi fresh before serving for best taste.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~510 kcal
Protein: 21g
Carbs: 58g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g