Greek Halloumi Power Bowl (Printable)

Golden halloumi, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki over rice with warm pita wedges.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese & Grains

01 - 1 block (8 oz) halloumi cheese
02 - 2 cups cooked white rice

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

03 - 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

→ Sauces & Breads

08 - 1/2 cup prepared tzatziki sauce
09 - 2 pita breads, cut into wedges

→ Oils & Seasoning

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and pit the olives if necessary. Set aside.
02 - Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft. Cut into wedges and keep warm.
03 - Slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Pat each slice thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent sticking.
04 - Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot but not smoking.
05 - Place the halloumi slices in a single layer in the hot pan, working in batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
06 - Flip the halloumi slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
07 - Divide the cooked rice between two large bowls. Arrange the seared halloumi, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives over the rice.
08 - Top each bowl with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh dill, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately with warm pita wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that perfect crispy exterior and creamy interior combination that makes restaurant food feel so superior
  • The whole assembly comes together in under 30 minutes but looks like you put real thought into it
  • Each bowl balances salty, fresh, and creamy elements in every single forkful
02 -
  • Patting the halloumi completely dry is the difference between achieving a golden crust and ending up with a rubbery, stuck-together mess
  • The cheese will continue to release salt as it cooks, so taste your assembled bowl before adding additional seasoning
  • Halloumi is best eaten immediately after cooking while it still has that contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior
03 -
  • Let your halloumi come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even browning
  • If your pan starts getting too hot between batches, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished bowl brightens everything and cuts through the richness
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