Halloumi with Caper and Lemon Dressing Description:
This quick and zesty Halloumi dish brings together the salty richness of grilled Halloumi with a bright, tangy dressing made from lemon juice, capers, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect appetizer, side, or light vegetarian main, served over greens or with crusty bread.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Halloumi:
225g Halloumi cheese (1 block), sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
1 tsp olive oil (for grilling)
For the Lemon-Caper Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp capers (rinsed and chopped)
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes
To Serve:
Mixed salad leaves or arugula
Crusty bread or pita (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped capers, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside to allow flavors to blend.
Cook the Halloumi:
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Lightly brush the Halloumi slices with a little olive oil.
Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the dish:
Place grilled Halloumi over a bed of salad greens.
Spoon the lemon-caper dressing generously over the Halloumi while it’s still warm.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or as-is for a low-carb option.Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~340 kcal
Protein 17 g
Carbohydrates 6 g
Sugars 1 g
Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Fiber 1 g
Sodium 1000 mg+
Note: Halloumi is naturally high in sodium — serve with plenty of greens or whole grains to balance it.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use vegan Halloumi for this recipe?
A: Yes! Vegan Halloumi-style cheeses are available and work well. Adjust grilling time as some melt faster.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. The lemon-caper dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or whisk before using.
Q: What pairs well with this dish?
A: Roasted vegetables, couscous, quinoa, or a Mediterranean mezze platter make great pairings.
Q: Can I use lime instead of lemon?
A: You can, but lemon provides a brighter, more traditional Mediterranean flavor. Lime will give it a sharper tang.
Q: How do I reduce the saltiness of Halloumi?
A: Soak the sliced Halloumi in cold water for 15–30 minutes before grilling. Pat dry before
cooking