Grilled Halloumi Bowl with Mint Tzatziki Sauce
This bowl is a perfect balance of textures and flavors — golden grilled halloumi, crisp vegetables, fluffy grains, and a cooling mint tzatziki sauce. It’s rich yet refreshing, high in protein, and makes a complete Mediterranean-style meal that feels indulgent but is perfectly healthy.
⏱ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the bowl
200g halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
1 cup cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous
1 small cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small carrot, ribboned or grated
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh mint or parsley, for garnish
For the mint tzatziki sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated cucumber, squeezed to remove water
1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
½ tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, mint, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and chill in the fridge while you prepare the rest — it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
2. Grill the halloumi
Heat a nonstick grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Brush halloumi slices with a touch of olive oil.
Grill 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the edges.
Set aside and keep warm.
3. Prepare the base
Toss cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrot, and red onion in a bowl with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Arrange cooked quinoa or rice in serving bowls.
Top with the fresh vegetable mix.
4. Assemble the bowl
Place grilled halloumi slices on top of the vegetables and grains.
Drizzle generously with mint tzatziki sauce.
Garnish with extra mint or parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Optional Add-ons
Avocado slices for creaminess
Roasted chickpeas for crunch and fiber
Olives or pickled onions for tang
A drizzle of pomegranate molasses for sweetness and depth
Notes & Tips
Halloumi tip: Always pat halloumi dry before grilling — this gives the best golden crust.
Make it low-carb: Serve over a base of lettuce, arugula, or kale instead of grains.
Meal prep: Prepare grains and tzatziki in advance; grill halloumi fresh before serving.
Vegan option: Substitute grilled tofu or marinated tempeh for halloumi and use plant-based yogurt for tzatziki.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I bake or air fry the halloumi?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes or air fry for 7–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
Q: How long does tzatziki last?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Yes — use about ½ tsp dried mint, but fresh gives a brighter flavor.
Nutrition information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 22g
Sodium: 580mg