If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s packed with color, flavor, and a delightful texture contrast, you have to try this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe. From the smoky-charred vegetables to the golden, squeaky halloumi slices, every bite hits just right. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and totally crowd-pleasing whether you’re feeding family or friends. The blend of fresh bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots paired with the salty richness of halloumi cheese wrapped in warm tortillas creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor and feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is what makes this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe truly shine. Each component brings its own magic: sweetness from the peppers and carrots, savoriness from mushrooms and halloumi, and a gentle kick thanks to the cumin-rich fajita seasoning.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a sweet crispness that balances the cheese.
- Yellow bell pepper: Brings a mellow sweetness and sunny hue to the veggie mix.
- Large red onion: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and extra crunch that enhance texture.
- Portabella mushrooms: Deliver umami depth and a meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the halloumi.
- Fajita seasoning: A spice blend that infuses everything with smoky, earthy flavor.
- Halloumi cheese (5 to 8 ounces): The star of the show with a crispy crust and squeaky, salty center.
- Coconut or high heat oil (2 to 3 tablespoons): Essential for perfect searing without burning.
- Corn tortillas: To wrap all those amazing flavors into the perfect handheld bite.
How to Make Halloumi Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Season
Start by thinly slicing the red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, carrots, and portabella mushrooms. The thin slices ensure they cook evenly and develop just the right amount of char without losing their crunch. Toss all the sliced vegetables into a large bowl, sprinkle the fajita seasoning over them, and give everything a good mix so each piece is well-coated with those vibrant spices.
Step 2: Slice the Halloumi Cheese
While the veggies soak in the seasoning, slice your halloumi cheese into even pieces — not too thick, about half an inch works well. These slices will get that glorious golden crust when cooked, creating a fantastic contrast to the tender vegetables.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Add Oil
Place a large skillet, ideally cast iron for that even heat and perfect sear, over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of coconut or high heat oil and let it get hot. This step is key to achieving the subtle smoky char that makes the fajitas sing.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Dump the seasoned vegetables into the hot skillet and cook them, tossing frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes. Your goal here is to get just a touch of char and tender softness — not mushy veggies. Once cooked, carefully remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 5: Sear the Halloumi Cheese
Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then carefully place half of the halloumi slices spaced apart (so they don’t stick). Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Transfer these to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Add more oil if needed and repeat with the second batch of cheese slices.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
This is where the magic comes together. Warm your corn tortillas and pile on the charred veggies and crispy halloumi. Top with your favorite garnishes and prepare to indulge in a fiesta of flavors and textures that make this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe so irresistibly good.
How to Serve Halloumi Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your fajitas, don’t skip the garnishes. Creamy avocado slices add richness, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice brings a lively brightness that cuts through the saltiness of the halloumi. A dollop of cool sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro offers the perfect finishing touch, making every bite even more delicious.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this into a full meal, think vibrant and fresh. A simple cilantro-lime rice, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or even a zesty black bean salad would complement the fajitas beautifully without overpowering the main flavors. These sides add variety and round out the meal deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to get creative with your presentation! Stack your fajitas into a colorful platter party-style or serve as individual tacos on small plates for a fun dinner party. You could also use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap option, making it not only delicious but adaptable for different tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked vegetables and halloumi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 2 to 3 days and still taste fantastic when reheated gently.
Freezing
While halloumi doesn’t freeze particularly well due to its texture, you can freeze the seasoned cooked vegetables separately in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw them slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive the smokiness in the veggies and refresh the crispy edges of the halloumi. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the cheese rubbery, which is not the fajita experience we’re aiming for!
FAQs
Can I use other cheese instead of halloumi in this recipe?
Halloumi’s firm texture and high melting point make it ideal for fajitas because it holds up well to grilling or frying. While you could experiment with paneer or queso fresco, the flavor and texture will differ significantly from classic halloumi.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can easily make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This homemade mix will keep the dish flavorful and authentic.
Is this Halloumi Fajitas Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This dish is entirely vegetarian and makes a fantastic meat-free option that’s hearty and satisfying thanks to the combination of vegetables and halloumi cheese.
How spicy is the recipe?
The spice level is mild and depends largely on your fajita seasoning. You can adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you like things a little spicier.
Can I prepare part of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can slice and season your vegetables a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. Slicing the halloumi can also be done ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.
Final Thoughts
The Halloumi Fajitas Recipe is one of those joyous meals that brings flavor, color, and a touch of indulgence together effortlessly. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or an experienced home cook, this recipe wins hearts and plates every time. So grab those ingredients, gather your favorite tortillas, and dive into this sensational dish that’s both comforting and fresh. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Halloumi Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Halloumi Fajitas offer a vibrant and satisfying vegetarian twist on the classic Tex-Mex favorite. Featuring thinly sliced colorful bell peppers, red onions, carrots, and portabella mushrooms seasoned with fajita spices and pan-seared to a perfect char, paired with crispy golden halloumi cheese. Served with warm corn tortillas and optional garnishes like avocado, lime, and sour cream, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight meal for veggie lovers.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 large or 4 small/baby portabella mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
Cheese and Fats
- 5 to 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil or other high heat oil
Serving
- Corn tortillas
- Optional garnishes: avocado slices, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, carrots, and portabella mushrooms. Place all sliced vegetables in a large bowl and sprinkle with the fajita seasoning. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Slice the Halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into slices about 1/2 inch thick and set aside for cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil once hot.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the seasoned vegetables to the hot skillet. Cook while tossing frequently for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly charred. Remove the cooked vegetables carefully and place them in a bowl or plate.
- Cook the Halloumi: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Arrange half of the halloumi slices in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden and crisp on one side, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer cooked halloumi to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If necessary, add the last tablespoon of oil and repeat with the remaining halloumi slices.
- Serve: Immediately warm the corn tortillas. Serve the sautéed vegetables and crispy halloumi with the tortillas and optional garnishes like avocado slices, lime wedges, and sour cream for a delicious and colorful fajita meal.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for best searing results and even heat distribution.
- Fajita seasoning can be store-bought or homemade with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Halloumi is a salty cheese that crisps up when cooked; avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Feel free to customize garnishes based on preference, such as adding fresh cilantro or salsa.
- To keep tortillas warm, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or heat briefly on a dry skillet.
