Greek Halloumi Power Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Halloumi Power Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying meal that combines crispy, golden halloumi cheese with fresh Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 ounces) halloumi cheese
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors if desired)
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup prepared tzatziki sauce
• 2 pita breads, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your vegetables by slicing the cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slicing the red onion. Set these aside for assembly.
2. Step 2: Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft, then cut into wedges.
3. Step 3: Slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Pat each slice thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture—this is key to preventing sticking and achieving a golden crust.
4. Step 4: Heat a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
5. Step 5: Place the dried halloumi slices in a single layer in the pan without overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the cheese naturally releases from the pan.
6. Step 6: Flip the halloumi slices using tongs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until evenly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. Step 7: To assemble the bowls, divide cooked white rice between two large bowls. Top with seared halloumi, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
8. Step 8: Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce to each bowl. Garnish with fresh dill, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately with warm pita wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure the halloumi is very dry before frying to avoid sticking and to develop a perfect crispy crust.
• Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the bowl before serving for extra brightness.
• Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture or a lower-carb option.
• Include some fresh greens like arugula or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the halloumi gently in a skillet to retain its crispness. The other ingredients, like vegetables and pita, are best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of halloumi?

Halloumi’s high melting point makes it ideal for frying. If unavailable, try paneer as a substitute, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish, focusing on cheese, vegetables, and grains.

Greek Halloumi Power Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 96 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Greek Halloumi Power Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring seared halloumi cheese, fresh vegetables, fluffy white rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy main course, this recipe combines a delightful mix of textures and fresh flavors served with warm pita wedges.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 1 block (8 ounces) halloumi cheese

Grains

• 2 cups cooked white rice

Vegetables

• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors if desired)
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives

Condiments & Others

• 1/2 cup prepared tzatziki sauce
• 2 pita breads, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Set these aside for assembly later.
2. Warm Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft. Then cut into wedges for serving.
3. Slice and Dry Halloumi: Carefully slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Thoroughly pat each slice dry on all sides using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure a golden crust and prevent sticking.
4. Heat Skillet and Add Oil: Heat a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering hot but not smoking.
5. Sear Halloumi: Place the dried halloumi slices in a single layer in the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Leave the halloumi undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a deep golden-brown crust and allow natural release from the pan.
6. Flip and Cook Other Side: Flip each piece of halloumi using tongs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is evenly browned. Remove the seared halloumi and set aside.
7. Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked white rice between two large bowls. Arrange the seared halloumi, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives over the rice.
8. Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce to each bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped dill, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately alongside the warm pita wedges.

Notes

• Thoroughly patting the halloumi slices dry with paper towels before frying is essential for achieving a non-stick surface and golden crust.
• To avoid overcrowding, cook halloumi in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Use a well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick skillet for best results when searing the halloumi.
• This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Greek halloumi power bowl, Mediterranean bowl, seared halloumi, tzatziki bowl, halloumi recipe, easy Mediterranean meal, healthy power bowl