The 15-Minute Lunch That Feels Like a Vacation
Hey friends! If you have been stuck in the sad desk lunch cycle of soggy sandwiches and boring leftovers, let me introduce you to the wrap that is going to save your week. These Mediterranean Hummus Wraps with Halloumi are everything I love about food crispy, salty, creamy, and ready faster than you can order takeout.
I fell in love with halloumi years ago because it is the only cheese you can grill without it melting into a puddle. It gets this golden, crispy crust while staying squeaky and soft inside. Paired with smooth hummus and crunchy veggies, it reminds me of the fresh flavors in my halal grilled chicken shawarma bowls, but it is completely vegetarian and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Why This Combo Wins Every Time
This wrap works because it hits every texture craving you have. You have the warm, soft tortilla, the cool and creamy hummus, the crisp snap of fresh cucumber and peppers, and then the star of the show: salty, pan-seared halloumi cheese.
It is also super adaptable. Sometimes I toss in leftover chickpeas from my Mason Jar Greek Salad prep or add a few roasted veggies if I have them on hand from making baked feta cod. It is hearty enough for dinner but quick enough for a work-from-home lunch that actually fuels you.
The Simple Ingredient Lineup
- Halloumi Cheese: You can find this in the specialty cheese section. It is a firm, briny cheese that holds its shape when heated.
- Hummus: Grab your favorite store-bought tub (garlic or roasted red pepper flavors work great!) or make your own.
- Tortillas or Flatbreads: Large flour tortillas wrap easiest, but pita bread works too if you prefer a pocket.
- Fresh Greens: Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens add freshness and crunch.
- Crisp Veggies: I love sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. It’s like a salad inside a wrap.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley brightens the whole thing up.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh juice over the hot cheese is the secret finishing touch.
Mediterranean Hummus Wraps with Halloumi
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Hummus Wraps with Halloumi are a quick, vegetarian lunch ready in 15 minutes. Featuring salty, pan-seared halloumi cheese, creamy hummus, and crisp fresh vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla, they are packed with texture and flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz block halloumi cheese, sliced into 8 slabs
4 large flour tortillas (or flatbreads)
1/2 cup hummus (classic, garlic, or roasted red pepper)
2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1/2 English cucumber, sliced into rounds or strips
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
1/2 lemon, juiced
Fresh mint or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice the halloumi cheese into slabs about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add halloumi slices to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side without moving them, until a deep golden brown crust forms.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the halloumi in the last 30 seconds of cooking. Remove from heat.
5. While cheese cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-20 seconds to make them pliable.
6. To assemble: Spread 2 tablespoons of hummus down the center of each tortilla.
7. Layer with spinach, red pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
8. Place 2 slices of hot halloumi on top of the veggies. Garnish with fresh mint or parsley.
9. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly like a burrito. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
Halloumi is best served immediately while warm and soft; it can become rubbery if it sits too long.
Do not over-salt the other ingredients, as halloumi is naturally very salty.
For a low-carb version, use lettuce cups instead of tortillas.
Add a drizzle of hot honey or chili flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
How to Get That Perfect Golden Crust
Step 1: Slice your halloumi block into thick slabs, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Pat them dry with a paper towel moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. You can brush the cheese lightly with olive oil, but halloumi releases some of its own fat, so you don’t need much.
Step 3: Place the slices in the hot pan. Don’t touch them! Let them sizzle for 2-3 minutes until they develop a deep golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Squeeze a little lemon juice over them right at the end it creates a zesty glaze.
Step 5: While the cheese cooks, warm your tortillas in a dry pan or the microwave so they are pliable and don’t crack.
Step 6: Assemble! Spread a generous layer of hummus down the center of each tortilla. Top with greens, cucumber, peppers, and the hot, crispy halloumi slices.
Step 7: Wrap it up tight like a burrito and slice in half.
Make It Your Own
- Add Grain: To make it even more filling, add a spoonful of leftover quinoa from your grilled lemon herb chicken bowls.
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot honey or sriracha if you like a little heat with your sweet and salty.
- Meat Lover’s Version: It doesn’t need meat, but a few Turkish spiced meatballs tucked inside would turn this into a protein powerhouse.
- Sauce Upgrade: If you have it, a drizzle of tzatziki or garlic sauce takes this over the top.
Your New Go-To Lunch
These wraps are proof that you don’t need meat to have a satisfying, protein-packed meal. They are salty, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. Give them a try, and I promise you will be keeping a block of halloumi in your fridge from now on!
