Craving a vibrant, vegetarian taco that bursts with flavor? Look no further than these Halloumi Tacos with Mango Salsa!
This recipe combines the salty, squeaky goodness of grilled halloumi cheese with a sweet and spicy mango salsa, all wrapped in warm tortillas.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new go-to and how to make it step-by-step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavors: The savory, slightly tangy halloumi pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy mango salsa, creating a delightful balance of tastes.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Vegetarian-Friendly: No meat needed—these tacos are hearty and satisfying.
Customizable: From tortilla types to spice levels, you can tailor this dish to your preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Halloumi Tacos
8 oz (225g) halloumi cheese, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup shredded red cabbage
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Mango Salsa
1 ripe mango, diced
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ red onion, finely diced
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for spice preference)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Mango Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Squeeze in the lime juice and add honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Stir gently and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Season the Halloumi:
Pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder (if using).
Brush the halloumi slices with the seasoned oil mixture on both sides.
Cook the Halloumi:
Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Warm the Tortillas:
In the same skillet or a separate pan, warm the tortillas for 20-30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Tacos:
Place a few slices of grilled halloumi on each tortilla.
Top with a spoonful of mango salsa, a few slices of avocado, and a handful of shredded red cabbage.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve:
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and mango salsa on the side.
Tips for Perfect Halloumi Tacos
Dry the Halloumi: Removing excess moisture ensures a crispy, golden crust when grilling.
Adjust the Spice: Control the heat by adding more or less jalapeño and chili powder.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mango and lime juice make the salsa pop with flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Halloumi: Cook just until golden to keep it soft and squeaky inside.
Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas add authenticity, while flour tortillas are softer and kid-friendly.
Variations and Substitutions
Tortilla Options: Swap corn or flour tortillas for lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas.
Salsa Variations: Try pineapple or peach salsa for a different fruity twist.
Cheese Alternatives: If halloumi isn’t available, paneer or firm tofu can work (though they won’t have the same squeaky texture).
Veggie Add-Ins: Add grilled zucchini, roasted corn, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
Spice It Up: Drizzle with hot sauce or add chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version or skip the honey in the salsa for a vegan-friendly dish.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Rice: A side of cilantro-lime rice complements the tacos perfectly.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing bean salad with corn and tomatoes adds protein and crunch.
Guacamole and Chips: Serve with homemade guacamole for a classic pairing.
Drinks: Pair with a chilled mango agua fresca or sparkling lime water for a refreshing touch.
Dessert: End with mango sorbet or churros for a sweet finish.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Mango Salsa: Prepare the salsa up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Halloumi: Slice and season the halloumi a day ahead, storing it in the fridge until ready to grill.
Tortillas: Warm tortillas just before serving for the best texture.
Storing
Store leftover halloumi, salsa, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat halloumi in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side to restore crispiness.
Freezing
Halloumi can be frozen (ungrilled) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Mango salsa does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients, so make it fresh when possible.
FAQs
Q. What is halloumi cheese?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese from Cyprus with a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. It has a salty, tangy flavor and a unique squeaky texture.
Q. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, paneer or firm tofu can be used, but they won’t have the same texture or flavor. Look for halloumi at grocery stores or Mediterranean markets.
Q. How do I make the tacos spicier?
Add more jalapeño to the salsa, use chili powder on the halloumi, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Q. Are these tacos gluten-free?
Use corn or gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
Q. Can I make this vegan?
Swap halloumi for vegan cheese or grilled tofu and omit honey from the salsa for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Halloumi Tacos with Mango Salsa are the ultimate fusion of fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
The crispy, golden halloumi paired with the sweet-spicy salsa makes every bite a delight, while the customizable toppings and quick prep time make this recipe a winner for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a taco night or looking for a fun vegetarian dinner, these tacos will steal the show.
Try them today, and let us know how you make them your own!
Read More:- Halloumi Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Halloumi Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
- 8 oz halloumi cheese sliced
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder optional
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
- Mango Salsa: 1 mango ½ red bell pepper, ¼ red onion, 1 jalapeño, 2 tbsp cilantro, juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp honey (optional), salt, pepper
Instructions
- Mix mango salsa ingredients and set aside.
- Brush halloumi with olive oil, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
- Grill halloumi in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or oven.
- Assemble tacos with halloumi, mango salsa, avocado, cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Serve immediately with extra salsa and lime wedges.
