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 (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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

Related recipes