Short Description

This Honey Roasted Cauliflower with Grilled Halloumi and Crunchy Chickpeas is a vibrant, texture-rich dish that combines sweet, savory, and smoky elements in a balanced, hearty veggie bowl. Roasted cauliflower glazed with honey and spices, crispy chickpeas, and golden-brown halloumi slices come together to form a nourishing and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures
A balanced vegetarian dish that’s both hearty and wholesome
Simple ingredients with a gourmet presentation
Great for meal prep and easy to customize
Naturally gluten-free and packed with plant-based protein
Crispy chickpeas add a satisfying crunch
Sweet and smoky spices elevate the cauliflower
Grilled halloumi provides rich, salty contrast
Can be served warm or at room temperature
A filling meatless main or side dish

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cauliflower:

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp curry powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp turmeric

For the chickpeas:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste

For the halloumi:

8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
1 tsp olive oil (for grilling)

Optional for serving:

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Lemon wedges
Greek yogurt or tahini drizzle

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Roast the cauliflower:
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, honey, curry powder, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Spread evenly on one of the prepared baking sheets. Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.

3. Crisp the chickpeas:
On a separate baking sheet, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy, shaking the pan occasionally for even browning.

4. Grill the halloumi:
While the cauliflower and chickpeas roast, heat 1 tsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Grill halloumi slices for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

5. Assemble the bowl:
Divide the roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, and grilled halloumi between serving bowls. Top with chopped herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Roasting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Estimated Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace halloumi with grilled tofu or tempeh.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the cauliflower seasoning.
Grain Base: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a more filling bowl.
Herb Upgrade: Toss with fresh mint or dill for a refreshing finish.
Sauce Swap: Replace yogurt with a garlicky hummus or lemon tahini sauce.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pine nuts before serving.
Seasonal Veggies: Add roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for variety.
Citrus Twist: Zest lemon or orange over the finished bowl for added brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain texture. Halloumi is best reheated in a skillet.
Freezing: Not recommended, as textures of halloumi and cauliflower may degrade when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, roast the components and grill the halloumi in advance. Reheat just before serving.

What’s the best substitute for halloumi?

Firm tofu or paneer can be used as a non-melting, grillable alternative.

Do I have to peel the chickpeas?

No, but drying them thoroughly ensures maximum crispiness when roasted.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, thaw and pat dry before seasoning and roasting to avoid excess moisture.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, but you can increase heat with cayenne or chili flakes.

What kind of honey works best?

Any pure honey will do. A mild floral honey pairs particularly well with the spices.

Can I air-fry the chickpeas?

Yes, air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I serve with this veggie bowl?

Serve with flatbread, pita, or a grain like quinoa or bulgur for a heartier meal.

How do I prevent the halloumi from sticking?

Use a non-stick skillet or lightly grease the pan before grilling.

Honey Roasted Cauliflower with Grilled Halloumi & Crunchy Chickpeas – A Flavor-Packed Veggie Bowl

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings

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Description

This Honey Roasted Cauliflower with Grilled Halloumi & Crunchy Chickpeas is a flavor-packed veggie bowl that combines sweet, smoky, and savory elements in every bite. A satisfying vegetarian meal that’s both protein-rich and full of texture!

Instructions

Roast the Cauliflower:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil, honey, and spices. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.
Crisp the Chickpeas:
- Pat chickpeas dry. Toss with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Grill the Halloumi:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush halloumi slices with olive oil and grill for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
Assemble the Bowl:
- Combine roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and grilled halloumi in bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Serve with a side of hummus or drizzle with tahini for extra richness.
To make vegan, replace halloumi with marinated tofu and omit honey or substitute with maple syrup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting, Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired