Za'atar-Herbed Grilled Halloumi with Cucumber Salad
Crisp grilled halloumi cheese coated in za'atar and herbs, served with a refreshing cucumber salad for balanced flavor. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs sliced 1/2 inch thick halloumi cheese, za'atar, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz, sliced 1/2 inch thick halloumi cheese
- 1.5 tbsp za'atar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup, peeled and diced cucumber
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 1.5 tbsp za'atar with 1 tbsp olive oil to form a paste.
- Step 2: Brush both sides of halloumi slices with za'atar paste, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped mint and 1 tbsp chopped oregano.
- Step 3: Grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Step 4: In a bowl, toss 1/2 cup diced cucumber with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Serve halloumi topped with cucumber salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Za'atar-Herbed Grilled Halloumi with Cucumber Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Za'atar-Herbed Grilled Halloumi with Cucumber Salad?
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 za'atar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Za'atar-Herbed Grilled Halloumi with Cucumber Salad?
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 Za'atar-Herbed Grilled Halloumi with Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Za'atar-Herbed Grilled Halloumi with Cucumber Salad 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
