These spicy red pesto halloumi burgers are great for busy weeknights. They're easy to make and delicious served on toasted brioche buns with lettuce and tomato.
It'll take you just 30 minutes to make these delicious spicy red pesto halloumi burgers.
20 minutes for the home made pesto and then 10 minutes to assemble the burgers.
These halloumi burgers are another great recipe that I use my versatile low fat red pesto dip for.
That dip is something I always have handy in the feezer so I can conjur up other quick vegetarian dishes like my baked aubergine with red pesto and cheese.
You can make the red pesto dip in just 20 minutes following my recipe and there will be plenty left over to freeze for other recipes!
If you're trying to reduce the amount of meat you eat but still want to enjoy a delicious burger then this halloumi cheese burger is one tasty veggie burger that will satisfy those cravings!
Unlike other cheeses, halloumi doesn’t melt. So it's perfect lightly fried on a griddle pan.
Halloumi has a slightly salty, chewy, squeaky texture. That might sound a bit strange, a salty cheese, but it really is delicious!
If you’ve never tried halloumi this is a great recipe to give it a go.
It's bound to be a huge hit with the whole family and is a great addition to your list of halloumi recipes!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Halloumi Cheese
- Olive Oil
- Brioche Buns
- Red Pesto Dip
- Chilli Flakes
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Tomato
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Halloumi Cheese - paneer cheese is the best substitute if you can't get halloumi or halloumi slices
- Olive Oil - any kind of cooking oil will work here.
- Brioche Buns - you could use any kind of burger buns here.
- Red Pesto Dip - shop bought is fine if you don't want to make my recipe but may alter the nutritional information.
- Chilli Flakes - optional. Just used to make the red pesto spicy.
- Iceberg Lettuce - any kind of lettuce you prefer. Or maybe just slices of red onion.
- Tomato - I use a regular large tomato but any kind of tomato would do.
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FAQ's
Are halloumi burgers healthy?
As a cheese, Halloumi is high in saturated fat and salt. It's a great vegetarian alternative to meat. You'll also find it rich in calcium and high in protein but it should be consumed in moderation.
Where does halloumi come from?
Halloumi originates from Cyprus and is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep or goats milk or sometimes the mixture of both.
What to serve halloumi burgers with?
As with any burger, you could serve these with some sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.
Other Popular Vegetarian Burgers For You To Try
- Homemade Quorn burgers are really easy to make and an ideal vegetarian meat substitute for you or your vegetarian friends cooked on your stove, or on your BBQ.
- These chickpea burgers are extremely easy to make, filling, high in fibre and low in fat! Everybody loves burgers, and these vegetarian burgers can be just as tasty as meat ones!
- Quick and easy black bean burgers are perfect for cooking in a pan or on your BBQ. No matter what the weather or if you're short on time, these delicious budget vegan burgers are the business!
- Quick healthy kidney bean burgers that are easy to make and made with only 6 ingredients. They're meat free, gluten free, low calorie and delicious too!
Spicy Red Pesto Halloumi Burgers Recipe
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Ingredients
- 250 g block halloumi cheese cut 8 thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 brioche buns*
- 4 tablespoon red pesto**
- ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
Instructions
- Use a pastry brush and brush each side of the halloumi slices with a little olive oil.
- Heat a grill pan (or frying pan) on a medium-high heat untilhot then brown each side of the halloumi slices. About 2–3 minutes. Toast brioche buns under a medium heat grill or in a toaster, if using.
- Mix together the red pesto and chilli flakes.
- Assemble the burgers with iceberg lettuce on the bottom of the brioche bun, then sliced tomato then two slices of halloumi in a single layer then spicy red pesto on top.
Notes
** You can use normal burgers buns if you can't get brioche buns.
Nutrition
Nutrition Label
Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.
Rate The Recipe
If you’ve made these spicy red pesto halloumi burgers, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.
I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂
David @ Spiced
What a great idea for mixing up the routine, Neil! I do enjoy halloumi, but I've never thought about using it to make a "burger." This is going on the list for sure! And that spicy red pesto sounds like it could be used in so many ways, too!
Neil
The spicy red pesto just goes so well with the halloumi, David. It really does make an excellent tasting burger. One that is so easy to make too! Thank you.
Chef Mimi
Oh yum! Halloumi is such a magical cheese, and to add red pesto as a condiment is brilliant!
Neil
Thanks Mimi. Yes, the two do go together so well! 🙂
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!
What an interesting sandwich! I don't think I've ever had halloumi. But I've also never had a cheese I didn't like, so I'm sure I'd be down for it. The red pesto also sounds very interesting!
Neil
You've got to try Halloumi Jeff. It's such a unique cheese that's great for cooking with and has a really unusual but distinct taste and texture.
Charlie DeSando
Neil, not familiar with Halloumi Cheese but I will be on the lookout for it
Neil
Hope you can find it and give it a try Charles.
Michelle
Love the idea of your spicy red pesto -- I tried halloumi once and it was magical! I can imagine how tasty they'd be in these burgers! Yum!
Neil
Glad you've had the chance to try Halloumi Michelle. It's one of those cheeses that I think once you've tried it you're hooked in it for life!
Easyfoodsmith
You had me at halloumi. It is one of my favourite cheese. I used to have a halloumi sandwich whenever I visited the Starbucks in the Dubai Mall. It was so good. Having said that, we do not get it that easily here. You tempted me so much with these burgers. Drooling here!
Neil
Thank you! Glad you like these burgers. I have been to the Dubai Mall but I never knew they had a halloumi sandwich otherwise I would have definitely had one!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
Mmmm salty halloumi, red pesto sauce with a hint of hot spices, and subtly sweet brioche buns? That's my kind of burger. Sounds fantastic and looks great!
Neil
You would love it Ben! Thanks for your comment!