Introduction

This spiced halloumi and pineapple burger is a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic burger. With a zingy slaw and smoky chipotle flavors, it’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. The combination of creamy halloumi, sweet pineapple, and spicy slaw makes every bite exciting.

A close-up view of a burger held by two woman's hands with red nail polish against a pink background. The burger has a shiny, golden brown sesame seed bun on top. Below the bun, there is a thick layer of grilled, white and slightly browned cheese. Underneath, there is a colorful mix of thinly sliced purple cabbage, red onion, and red bell pepper, with some green herbs mixed in. The bottom bun is light brown and soft looking. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ red cabbage, grated

2 carrots, grated

100g radishes, sliced

1 small pack coriander, chopped

2 limes, juiced

1 tbsp cold-pressed rapeseed oil

Big pinch of chilli flakes

1 tbsp chipotle paste

60g halloumi, cut into 4 slices

2 small slices fresh pineapple

1 Little Gem lettuce, divided into 4 lettuce cups, or 2 small seeded burger buns, cut in half, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the barbecue. In a bowl, combine the grated cabbage, carrots, sliced radishes, and chopped coriander.

Step 2: Pour over the juice of 2 limes, add ½ tablespoon rapeseed oil and a big pinch of chilli flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well with your hands. You can prepare this slaw a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Step 3: Mix the remaining ½ tablespoon rapeseed oil with the chipotle paste. Coat the halloumi slices evenly in this mixture.

Step 4: Place the halloumi slices on a sheet of foil and add the pineapple slices. Grill on the barbecue or a hot griddle pan for 2 minutes on each side, until the halloumi is golden and the pineapple starts to caramelise.

Step 5: If using burger buns, brush them with the remaining chipotle oil and toast cut-side down on the barbecue for 30 seconds.

Step 6: Assemble your burgers by layering the lettuce cups or buns with a handful of the slaw, followed by halloumi and pineapple. Serve with the remaining slaw on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slaw.

Swap the chipotle paste for smoked paprika and garlic paste for a milder smoky flavour.

If you prefer a vegan option, substitute halloumi with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the chipotle oil.

Using little gem lettuce cups instead of buns helps keep this dish light and gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I cook this burger indoors?

Yes, you can cook the halloumi and pineapple on a hot griddle pan or grill pan if you don’t have access to a barbecue.

Is halloumi suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, halloumi is a vegetarian cheese made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk and sometimes cow’s milk, making it suitable for most vegetarians.