Name: Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi & Charred Vegetable Platter with Herb Vinaigrette
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch planks; 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips; 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 2 red bell peppers, seeded and quartered; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 small garlic clove, finely grated; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Mixed baby greens, for serving (about 4 cups)

Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi & Charred Vegetable Platter with Herb Vinaigrette

CrushedLemon1034

This vibrant dinner platter is inspired by the electric energy and unexpected drama of a viral concert night. Smoky grilled halloumi (the 'main event') is nestled among charred Mediterranean vegetables, a nod to California’s summer bounty. A punchy herb vinaigrette—balancing acid and fat—brings it all together, sparking brightness with every bite. Serve this as a dramatic centerpiece for a dinner that’s both shareable and packed with intrigue, just like that legendary night in Foxborough.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Brush zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers lightly with olive oil (about 2 tbsp), and sprinkle with black pepper and oregano.
Grill vegetables in batches until nicely charred and tender, about 3-4 minutes per side for zucchini and eggplant, 5-7 minutes for bell peppers. Set aside on a platter.
Pat halloumi dry, brush with a little olive oil, and grill 2-3 minutes per side until golden with grill marks.
Arrange mixed greens on a large serving platter. Fan the grilled vegetables and halloumi over the greens.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, parsley, mint, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning (add more acid or herbs if needed).
Drizzle herb vinaigrette generously over the platter. Serve family-style, warm or at room temperature.