Summer Cookout Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers
Colorful skewers of marinated zucchini, bell peppers, and halloumi cheese grilled to perfection for a vibrant summer cookout side. This mediterranean-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian) ready in about 37 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, cut into 1-inch thick half-moons zucchini
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch squares red bell pepper
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch squares yellow bell pepper
- 8 oz block, cut into 1-inch cubes halloumi cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium zucchini half-moons, 1 large red bell pepper cut into squares, and 1 large yellow bell pepper cut into squares to the marinade. Toss gently to coat all vegetables evenly. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated vegetables alternately with 8 oz cubed halloumi cheese onto 8 wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until vegetables are tender and halloumi has grill marks and is slightly softened.
- Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and serve immediately as a vibrant side dish for summer cookouts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summer Cookout Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 Summer Cookout Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Cookout Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers?
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 Summer Cookout Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers 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 Summer Cookout Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Skewers 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.