Grilled Summer Vegetable & Halloumi Stack with Basil Pesto Drizzle

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
• 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into large flat pieces, seeds removed
• 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Brush the zucchini, eggplant, and red bell pepper slices with olive oil on both sides. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. Remove and set aside.
4. Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the grill and set aside.
5. Prepare the basil pesto by combining basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a food processor. Pulse while drizzling in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
6. Assemble the stacks by layering grilled vegetables and halloumi slices in this order: eggplant, halloumi, zucchini, bell pepper, and repeat slightly or until ingredients are used. Drizzle generously with basil pesto.
7. Serve the grilled stacks warm, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Chef tips

• If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler but watch carefully to avoid burning, especially the halloumi.
• Halloumi can be substituted with paneer or firm tofu, but texture and flavor will vary.
• For a nut-free pesto, substitute pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.
• Prepare the pesto in advance and keep refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.