Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi Tacos with Pickled Onions
These Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi Tacos with Pickled Onions are a vibrant fusion of bold flavors and textures. Golden-seared halloumi cheese brings salty richness, while fresh vegetables and tangy pickled onions balance it all inside soft warm tortillas. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or party platter, these tacos are quick to prepare and unforgettable to taste.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Pickling Time (optional): 30 minutes
Total Time: 25–45 minutes
Serves: 4 (makes 8 tacos)
Ingredients
For the Halloumi:
250g halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch planks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Quick Pickled Onions:
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
For the Tacos:
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced
½ cup shredded red cabbage or lettuce
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
Optional: crumbled feta, olives, or a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce
Instructions
Make the Quick Pickled Onions (Optional but Recommended):
In a small saucepan, heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until it just begins to simmer.
Remove from heat and pour over sliced red onions in a heatproof jar or bowl.
Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks).
Prep the Halloumi:
Pat halloumi slices dry with a paper towel.
In a bowl, toss halloumi with olive oil, oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
Grill or Sear the Halloumi:
Heat a non-stick or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Warm the Tortillas:
Toast tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
Assemble the Tacos:
Layer each tortilla with red cabbage or lettuce, grilled halloumi, cucumber, tomatoes, and pickled onions.
Garnish with fresh parsley or mint.
Add feta, olives, or a light drizzle of tahini or garlic yogurt if desired.
Tips
Dry the Halloumi Well
Pat the cheese dry before grilling to prevent splattering and help it brown evenly.
Grill Over Medium-High Heat
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give halloumi space to sear and get golden with a crisp exterior.
Use Fresh, Pliable Tortillas
Lightly warm your tortillas before assembling so they don’t tear or become stiff.
Make Pickled Onions in Advance
For best flavor, pickle onions at least 1 hour ahead (or even the day before).
Balance the Salt
Halloumi is naturally salty—use low-salt toppings (like plain veggies) to balance the dish, or give halloumi a quick rinse if it’s extra briny.
Variations:
Swap the Protein
Replace halloumi with grilled tofu, falafel, or roasted chickpeas for a vegan version.
Add a Sauce
Yogurt-Garlic Sauce: Greek yogurt + lemon juice + garlic + herbs
Tahini Sauce: Tahini + water + lemon + garlic
Zhoug or Harissa: For a spicy herb or chili kick
Change Up the Veggies
Add roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, or avocado slices for a twist.
Add Crunch
Toss in toasted pine nuts, crispy chickpeas, or crushed pita chips for texture.
Make It a Bowl
Skip the tortillas and serve everything over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a halloumi taco bowl.
Use Pita Instead of Tacos
Fold the ingredients into mini pitas for a Mediterranean-style pocket taco.
Turn It Into a Platter
Serve all the components DIY-style for a fun taco bar or mezze platter presentation.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: The individual components can be prepped in advance (pickled onions, chopped veggies, and grilled halloumi). Assemble the tacos just before serving to keep everything fresh and warm.
Q: Is halloumi supposed to melt?
A: No—halloumi is a firm cheese that holds its shape when grilled. It becomes golden and slightly soft inside, but it won’t melt like mozzarella.
Q: What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar for the onions?
A: You can use white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even rice vinegar. Just avoid balsamic, as it can overpower the other flavors.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes—swap halloumi for grilled tofu or crispy chickpeas, and skip any yogurt or cheese toppings.
Q: What pairs well with these tacos?
A: A side of lemony couscous, hummus and pita, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad makes a great pairing.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400–450 kcal |
| Protein | ~15–18g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30–35g |
| Fat | ~25–28g |
| Fiber | ~4–6g |
| Sodium | ~850–950mg |
Nutritional values may vary based on tortilla size, halloumi brand, and toppings used.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi Tacos are a fresh, colorful, and crave-worthy twist on classic tacos. The salty richness of grilled halloumi is perfectly balanced with crisp veggies, tangy pickled onions, and warm tortillas—making them perfect for a meatless weeknight dinner or fun weekend meal with friends. Customize to your taste, and they’ll never get boring!