If you have been searching for a dish that combines the satisfying chew of halloumi cheese with the fresh, vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables and herbaceous pesto, you’ve landed in the right place. This Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Recipe is a delicious celebration of textures and tastes that come together in perfect harmony. It’s a go-to for anyone who loves a colorful plate filled with wholesome ingredients and bold flavor, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with uncooked yellow spiral pasta. Surrounding it are smaller bowls and whole vegetables: a white bowl near the top right contains white cheese cubes, a clear bowl at the bottom right holds red grape tomatoes, and a small bowl above the pasta has green pesto sauce. To the left, there is a whole zucchini, a red bell pepper, and a small bowl with yellow minced garlic. Other small clear bowls contain dried herbs, salt, and a dark liquid, possibly vinegar, with a whole red onion near the top right. Everything is arranged with lots of space between each item, showing clear colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to creating a dish that feels both comforting and vibrant. Each element brings something special: the halloumi adds a salty, squeaky chew; the roasted vegetables offer sweetness and a beautiful caramelized depth; and the pesto injects a burst of herbaceous richness that ties everything together.

10 oz dried pasta shapes: Choose your favorite small pasta that will hold onto the sauce and veggies well.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast evenly.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Provides a pleasant tangy sweetness that elevates the vegetables.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note complementing the halloumi.
8 oz halloumi (cut into ½ inch cubes): The star ingredient, delivering a satisfyingly firm texture and salty flavor.
1 red bell pepper (chopped into 1 inch pieces): Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
1 small red onion (sliced into ½ inch wedges): Brings a mild sharpness that mellows when roasted.
1 small zucchini (halved lengthwise and cut into ½ inch pieces): Offers subtle earthiness and soft texture.
1 cup grape tomatoes: Bursting with juicy, sweet acidity.
½ cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade): The vibrant finish, full of basil freshness and nutty depth.

How to Make Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Roasting Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and dried oregano. This aromatic blend is the glue that will bring your vegetables and halloumi to life with flavor during roasting.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

On a large baking sheet, toss together the chopped red bell pepper, red onion wedges, and zucchini pieces with two tablespoons of the oil mixture. Be sure to spread them out in a single layer; this helps them roast evenly and develop that beautiful caramelization. Pop the tray into the oven and roast for about 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and their natural sweetness to intensify.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the vegetables work their magic in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your dried pasta according to the package directions until just al dente—remember, it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce and roasted ingredients.

Step 4: Roast the Halloumi and Tomatoes

When the initial roasting time is up, remove the baking sheet and add the halloumi cubes and grape tomatoes. Drizzle with the remaining oil mixture and toss everything gently to coat. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye out for the halloumi to turn a subtle golden brown and the tomatoes to blister slightly. This step delivers savory, melty texture and juicy bursts to your dish.

Step 5: Combine All Components

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl. You have two options here: either stir the pesto into the pasta followed by the roasted vegetables and halloumi to coat everything evenly, or serve the pesto in dollops atop each plate for a vibrant presentation. Either way, this combination of warm, roasted delights with fresh pesto is simply unbeatable.

How to Serve Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Recipe

In a close-up view, a white bowl holds a layered pasta dish with spiral-shaped rotini at the base, creamy off-white in color with a soft texture. On top, there are pieces of grilled vegetables including a yellowish-green zucchini slice, bright red cherry tomatoes, and deep purple-red onion slices, all slightly charred and glossy. Scattered on the dish are dollops of vibrant green pesto sauce, thick and textured, being added by a woman's hand holding a utensil, dripping the pesto over the vegetables and pasta. The background is a smooth white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add an irresistible crunch and depth. For a pop of freshness, scatter torn basil leaves or a few chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, letting your guests customize their experience.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of halloumi and pesto. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia would also complement it perfectly, soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your dish family-style in a large, vibrant bowl to showcase the colorful medley of roasted vegetables. Another dazzling option is to plate individual servings with artful dollops of pesto and a scattering of microgreens or edible flowers for those special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.

Freezing

Because of the delicate nature of the pasta and cheese, freezing is not ideal for this dish. The texture of the halloumi and pesto can change upon thawing, so it’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the integrity of the halloumi and keep the roasted vegetables tender but not mushy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?

Absolutely! Fresh oregano will give a brighter, more pungent flavor. Just add it towards the end of roasting or toss it in with the pasta to preserve its aromatic qualities.

Is there a substitute for halloumi in this recipe?

If you’re not a fan of halloumi or need a dairy-free option, firm tofu tossed in the same marinade and roasted can be a good alternative. Just expect a different texture and slightly milder flavor.

Can I make my own pesto for this dish?

Definitely! Homemade pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil will elevate the dish to new heights. However, store-bought pesto also works wonderfully for convenience.

What type of pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta shapes with ridges or twists, such as fusilli, rotini, or penne, are ideal because they catch the pesto and mix well with the vegetables and halloumi.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly and makes for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s free from meat or fish.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the combination of salty halloumi, sweet roasted veggies, and fragrant pesto all tossed with your favorite pasta. Give this Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto Recipe a try the next time you want a meal that feels special but comes together with ease. I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for delicious and comforting dinners that the whole family will adore.