If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful meal, these halloumi tacos with spicy pico verde and chipotle-lime yogurt are a must-try. I still remember the first time I made these: I was craving something quick, fun, and a little out of the ordinary. The result? A taco night that totally stole the show and had everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
I’m a huge fan of halloumi-any excuse to fry up those salty, squeaky slices and I’m there. But what really makes these tacos shine is the combination of crispy, golden halloumi, vibrant pico verde, and a zesty, smoky yogurt sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love These Halloumi Tacos
- Crispy, golden halloumi: That salty, rich cheese gets beautifully caramelized in the pan.
- Fresh, crunchy pico verde: Jalapeño brings a little heat, cucumber and avocado cool things down, and cilantro ties it all together.
- Smoky-lime yogurt sauce: Tangy, creamy, and just a little smoky from the ancho chili powder.
- Easy to make: You can prep everything in advance and assemble the tacos just before serving.
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are always a hit.

Ingredient Spotlight: Why These Tacos Are So Good
Halloumi:
This semi-hard cheese is originally from Cyprus and is famous for its ability to hold its shape when cooked. It’s salty, rich, and gets an irresistible crispy crust when fried. Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
Yes, it’s a little high on the sodium side, but all in moderation, right? Just wash it down with a glass of Prosecco… I mean water, he he
Pico Verde:
Think of this as a green salsa-meets-chunky salad. It’s loaded with green bell pepper, cucumber, jalapeño, avocado, green onion, and cilantro. You get vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and healthy fats all in one fresh, crunchy topping.
Smoky-Lime Yogurt Sauce:
Plain yogurt brings protein and probiotics, while lime zest and juice offer vitamin C and brightness. Ancho chili powder adds a subtle smoky heat that balances out the richness of the cheese and the freshness of the pico.
Tortillas:
Go for soft flour tortillas or make your own for that extra homemade touch. Warmed tortillas are key to a great taco experience! By the way, if you want to try a low-carb version of this, you can make it with my keto corn tortillas, which are made mainly with almond flour with a touch of corn flour.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Halloumi Tacos
1. Make the Spicy Pico Verde
Start by dicing your green bell pepper, mini cucumbers, and jalapeño. Add them to a bowl with chopped cilantro, green onions, half the minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Squeeze in half the lime and season with salt and pepper. Gently fold in the diced avocado last to keep it from getting mushy. Taste and adjust the seasoning-you want a balance of heat, citrus, and salt.
Tip: If you like extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of chili flakes.
2. Prepare the Smoky-Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together plain yogurt, ancho chili powder, the remaining garlic, lime zest, and the rest of the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. This sauce is tangy, creamy, and just a little smoky-perfect for drizzling over your tacos.
Tip: For a vegan version, use coconut yogurt or any unsweetened plant-based yogurt.
3. Warm the Tortillas
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until soft and lightly charred. Stack them up and wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
Tip: Don’t skip this step! Warm tortillas are much more flexible and flavorful.
4. Fry the Halloumi
Slice the halloumi into pieces about 1cm thick and pat them dry with a paper towel. Heat a little olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. You’ll hear that signature squeak as you flip them!
Tip: Halloumi is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so fry it just before you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Lay out your warm tortillas. Place a couple of pieces of fried halloumi on each one, then top with a generous spoonful of spicy pico verde. Drizzle with smoky-lime yogurt sauce and finish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime if you like.
Tip: For extra crunch, add some toasted pepitas or a few pickled onions on top.
Halloumi Tacos with Spicy Pico Verde
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 8 soft flour tortillas
- 8 oz or 250g salt reduced or regular halloumi sliced into desired size pieces
For the Pico Verde
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 large avocado diced
- 2 mini cucumbers diced
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 1 garlic clove finely grated (divided)
- 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy-Lime Sauce
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 –2 tsp ancho chili powder adjust to taste
- Remaining garlic and lime juice from above
Instructions
- Make pico verde: Combine bell pepper, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, green onions, half the garlic, half the lime juice, and olive oil. Season, then fold in avocado.
- Make sauce: Mix yogurt, chili powder, remaining garlic, lime zest, and juice. Season.
- Warm tortillas in a pan.
- Fry halloumi in olive oil until golden on both sides.
- Assemble tacos with halloumi, pico verde, and sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Healthy Taco Ideas
Tacos don’t have to be heavy or loaded with cheese and fried fillings. There are so many ways to make tacos that are both healthy and satisfying. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Vegan Brussels Sprout Tacos: If you haven’t tried these yet, you’re missing out! Roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy avocado, and crunchy pumpkin seeds make for a nutrient-packed taco night. (I’ll link my recipe for these below.)
Vegan Brussels Sprout Tacos Recipe
Grilled Veggie Tacos: Load up your tortillas with grilled zucchini, peppers, and onions. Top with salsa and a sprinkle of feta or vegan cheese.
Chickpea Tacos: Sauté chickpeas with cumin and smoked paprika, then serve with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos: Roast sweet potato cubes and toss with black beans, corn, and cilantro for a fiber-rich filling.
Cauliflower Tacos: Spiced roasted cauliflower with a tangy slaw and avocado crema is always a crowd-pleaser.
Mix and match your favorite veggies, beans, and sauces to create endless healthy taco combinations. Tacos are one of the best ways to sneak extra veggies and nutrients into your meals without anyone complaining.
Meal Prep Tips
Halloumi: Best eaten fresh, but you can reheat it in a pan or microwave if needed. It loses a bit of its crispiness but still tastes great.
Pico Verde: Holds up well overnight in the fridge thanks to the lime juice and olive oil. If you want to prep ahead, just add the avocado right before serving.
Tortillas: Warm them just before serving for the best texture. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These halloumi tacos are delicious as they are, but you can take them up a notch with:
Pickled red onions for tang
Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for crunch
A dash of your favorite Mexican hot sauce
Extra cilantro or sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick
Pair your tacos with a simple side salad, grilled corn, or even a refreshing watermelon salsa for a complete meal.
Why Halloumi Tacos Are a Weeknight Winner
Halloumi tacos are a fantastic way to switch up your taco night routine. They’re quick to make, packed with protein and calcium, and bursting with fresh flavors. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly and always a conversation starter (everyone loves that squeaky cheese!).
If you’re looking for a way to get more veggies into your meals without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is for you. The combination of crispy cheese, crunchy veggies, and zesty sauce is pure taco bliss.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little different, try these halloumi tacos. They’re proof that vegetarian meals can be just as satisfying and exciting as any meat-based dish. And if you’re on the hunt for more healthy taco ideas, don’t forget to check out my vegan Brussels sprout tacos-they’re another favorite in my kitchen!
Let me know in the comments how you like to build your perfect taco, or if you have any fun toppings I should try next. Happy taco night!