Dinner

Grilled Courgette & Halloumi Salad with Caper & Lemon Dressing Recipe

ByCleo Brixton January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This grilled courgette and halloumi salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal. The smoky char from the grill complements the salty halloumi, all brought together by a zesty caper and lemon dressing.

The image shows an oval white plate filled with grilled zucchini and halloumi slices arranged in a loose pile. The zucchini pieces are long, green with dark grill lines, and appear slightly charred, positioned mostly on top and around the halloumi slices. The halloumi cheese is white with brown grill marks and cut into rectangular shapes. The dish is topped with finely chopped red chili peppers, small diced onions, and small green capers scattered evenly over the vegetables and cheese. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the plate, partly under some zucchini pieces. The plate is on a soft, brown cloth, all set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10-12 baby courgettes, halved lengthways
1 tbsp olive oil (for courgettes)
225g block halloumi, thinly sliced (about 16 slices)
1 long shallot, finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp capers
3 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
1 tbsp cold water
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shallot, chilli, garlic, lemon zest and juice, capers, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of cold water, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set the dressing aside.
Step 2: Place the halved courgettes in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat a griddle pan over high heat. Add the courgettes cut-side down in batches. Cook for 4-5 minutes until char marks appear and the flesh softens. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a shallow bowl and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Meanwhile, heat a separate large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced halloumi and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Arrange the grilled courgettes and halloumi slices on a large plate or platter. Spoon the prepared caper and lemon dressing over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra freshness, add chopped fresh mint or parsley to the dressing.
Swap baby courgettes for regular courgettes cut into thick strips if needed.
Use a mix of red and yellow baby courgettes for a colorful presentation.
If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of chilli or omit it altogether.
Serve with crusty bread for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture of the grilled courgettes and halloumi may soften over time. Reheat gently in a pan or enjoy cold as a salad. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

The dish is served on a white oval plate placed on a white marbled texture with a yellow cloth nearby. It has two main layers: the bottom layer is made of grilled halloumi cheese slices with light golden grill marks, showing a smooth, creamy texture; the top layer consists of grilled zucchini strips, also with dark grill lines, displaying green edges and a slightly charred surface. Both the cheese and zucchini are sprinkled with small pieces of red chili, diced red onion, and green capers, adding pops of red and green color. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the plate, partially touching the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular zucchini instead of baby courgettes?

Yes, regular zucchini can be used. Cut them into thick strips or lengthwise halves to ensure they cook evenly on the grill.

Is halloumi suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, halloumi is a vegetarian cheese made from a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk and does not contain animal rennet, making it suitable for most vegetarians.