Crispy Halloumi Pasta with Lemon Zest
This Crispy Halloumi Pasta with Lemon Zest is bright, creamy-without-cream, and irresistibly satisfying. Golden pan-seared halloumi adds a salty crunch, while fresh lemon zest and juice lift everything with clean Mediterranean freshness. It’s non-spicy, vegetarian, elegant, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive lunches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Pasta
250 g pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
Salt, for pasta water
For the Crispy Halloumi
200–225 g halloumi cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup pasta cooking water
Black pepper, to taste
To Finish
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
1–2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Crisp the Halloumi
Slice halloumi into bite-size cubes or strips.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Fry halloumi for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce
In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
Add olive oil and garlic; saute 30–40 seconds until fragrant (not browned).
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and pasta water.
Stir gently to create a light glossy sauce.
4. Combine
Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat evenly.
Fold in crispy halloumi.
Season with black pepper and adjust lemon to taste.
5. Serve
Plate immediately.
Finish with fresh herbs and optional parmesan.
Add extra lemon zest on top for aroma.
Tips
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying halloumi—this keeps it crispy.
Lemon zest goes in before juice for maximum fragrance.
Skip salt in the sauce—halloumi is naturally salty.
Serve immediately; halloumi is best when hot and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole-wheat pasta?
Yes, it works beautifully and adds fiber.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—zucchini ribbons, spinach, or peas pair perfectly.
Is this creamy?
Yes, the pasta water + olive oil create a natural silky texture.
Can I make it vegan?
Replace halloumi with crispy tofu or vegan grill cheese.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 4 g