Halloumi tacos served with corn salad and cilantro sauce on a wooden plate

Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce

Get Ready to Taste the Mediterranean!

If you’ve ever thought taco night couldn’t get any better, think again! Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce deliver a delightful twist that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with the comfort of good ol’ tacos. Imagine the crispy, golden-brown halloumi paired with a zesty corn salad nestled in soft tortillas, topped with a creamy cilantro sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. You’ll want to keep this recipe close; it’s quick, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!

Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love a meal that’s delicious and easy to prepare? Here are a few reasons this recipe deserves a spot on your table:

  1. Minimal Cleanup: With just a few mixing bowls and a grill pan, cleanup is a breeze! Say goodbye to complicated kitchen disasters.
  2. Family-Friendly: Halloumi is a crowd-pleaser, and kids love assembling their own tacos. Also, who can resist anything served in a tortilla?
  3. Flavor Explosion: You get the smoky sweetness of corn, the creamy goodness of avocado, and that irresistible halloumi crunch. Seriously, it’s a flavor festival in every bite!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics to whip up these delectable tacos!

  • 2 cups grilled fresh or frozen/thawed fire-roasted corn (that’s about 2 ears of corn if using fresh)
  • 1 medium avocado, cut into small chunks
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1 small (or 1/2 large) jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 7 to 8 ounces halloumi cheese, patted dry and sliced crosswise into 1/3-inch thick pieces
  • 8 tortillas, warmed
  • 1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1/4 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil)
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (I use avocado oil mayo)
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for taco perfection:

  1. Make the Corn Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and paprika. Toss everything together and season with kosher salt (about 1/2 teaspoon should do). Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce: In a standard blender, combine the cilantro, yogurt, oil, mayo, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth with a few bright green flecks.
  3. Cook the Halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the halloumi slices for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a little creamy cilantro sauce on each warmed tortilla, add about 2 slices of halloumi cheese, then top it with a generous spoonful of corn salad. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with more cilantro, if desired.

Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce

How to Make Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce (Overview)

Cooking these tacos is as easy as pie! Just follow what we did above: whip up the corn salad while your halloumi sizzles away. Pro tip: make sure to keep the halloumi slices not too thick so they get that perfect crisp without losing their gooey, cheesy center. Seriously, don’t skip this step; it’s a game changer!

How to Serve Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce

These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or a lively taco night with friends. Serve them on a beautiful platter, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for that vibrant, fresh look. Pair them with a cool drink to enhance those flavor notes. Just think of the crunch from the tortillas, the creamy bites of avocado, and the zesty corn salad—pure heaven!

How to Store Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any extra components in separate airtight containers. The corn salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days, while halloumi is best enjoyed fresh (though you can reheat it gently). If you must, warm leftover halloumi slices in a skillet for a few minutes to regain that lovely crispiness!

Tips to Make Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce

Here are some insider tricks to elevate your taco game:

  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh corn if you can find it; it adds an unbeatable sweetness.
  • Customize Your Heat: Adjust the jalapeño to your spice tolerance level—leave it out entirely if you’re feeling less adventurous.
  • Have Fun with Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of feta for an extra flair.

Variation

Want to switch things up? Try adding grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost. Or keep it vegan by swapping out the halloumi for grilled tofu—the creamy sauce is delicious either way!

FAQs

Can I make Halloumi Tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare the corn salad and the creamy cilantro sauce ahead of time, but the halloumi is best cooked fresh for that crispy texture.

Can I freeze the halloumi?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you really need to, halloumi can be frozen, though it may change texture when thawed.

What can I use in place of halloumi?
Try tofu or other types of cheese that hold their shape when grilled, like queso blanco or paneer.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Halloumi Tacos with Corn Salad and Cilantro Sauce

Experience a delightful twist on taco night with these flavorful Halloumi Tacos, featuring crispy halloumi, zesty corn salad, and a creamy cilantro sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Corn Salad
  • 2 cups grilled fresh or frozen/thawed fire-roasted corn (about 2 ears of corn if using fresh)
  • 1 medium avocado, cut into small chunks
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, minced (or 1/2 large)
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Kosher salt to taste
For the Tacos
  • 7 to 8 ounces halloumi cheese, patted dry and sliced crosswise into 1/3-inch thick pieces
  • 8 tortillas warmed
For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce
  • 1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1/4 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil)
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (I use avocado oil mayo)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and paprika. Toss everything together and season with kosher salt. Set aside.
  2. In a standard blender, combine the cilantro, yogurt, oil, mayo, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth with a few bright green flecks.
Cooking
  1. Pat the halloumi slices dry. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, cook the halloumi slices for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Assembly
  1. Spread a little creamy cilantro sauce on each warmed tortilla, add about 2 slices of halloumi cheese, then top it with a generous spoonful of corn salad.
  2. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with more cilantro, if desired.

Notes

For best results, keep the halloumi slices not too thick for a perfect crisp without losing their gooey center. Store leftovers in separate airtight containers; corn salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge.

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