Grilled Date and Halloumi Skewers with Za’atar Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This Middle Eastern-inspired dish pairs smoky grilled halloumi cheese with sweet dates, finished with a fragrant za’atar and lemon olive oil drizzle for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This middle eastern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs halloumi cheese, pitted Medjool dates, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Meanwhile, slice 8 oz halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick rectangles and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Thread the soaked 6 wooden skewers alternately with 12 pitted Medjool dates and halloumi slices, starting and ending with halloumi to secure the ingredients.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp za’atar spice blend, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until well combined — this will be your drizzle.
  4. Step 4: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs until the halloumi develops golden grill marks and the dates are warm and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle the za’atar lemon olive oil evenly over the skewers.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves on top for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Date and Halloumi Skewers with Za’atar Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Date and Halloumi Skewers with Za’atar Drizzle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halloumi cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Date and Halloumi Skewers with Za’atar Drizzle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Date and Halloumi Skewers with Za’atar Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Grilled Date and Halloumi Skewers with Za’atar Drizzle vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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