Dinner

The Ultimate Cypriot Halloumi Sandwich Recipe

Name: The Ultimate Cypriot Halloumi Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Cypriot
Ingredients: 1 bread roll or focaccia bread; ½ pack of halloumi, sliced; 1 tomato, sliced; 2 lettuce leaves; handful of black olives, halved; ½ red onion, finely sliced; 5 sprigs of oregano, finely sliced; ¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid; 2 tablespoons plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt; ½ tablespoon olive oil; ½ lemon, juiced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 5 sprigs of fresh mint, finely chopped

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

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Introduction

The Ultimate Cypriot Halloumi Sandwich is a deliciously fresh and savory treat that combines grilled halloumi cheese with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this sandwich offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes.

A sandwich held by two woman's hands is shown against a white marbled texture background. The sandwich has three layers of thick toasted white bread that are light golden brown, each layer separated with fillings. Inside, there are fresh bright green leafy lettuce leaves on both sides, followed by slices of red tomato and black olive pieces. Red onion slices add a purple touch near the middle. The center layers include creamy white melted cheese with a slightly browned edge. The ingredients are stacked thick and full, creating a colorful, fresh, and hearty look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bread roll or focaccia bread
½ pack of halloumi, sliced

1 tomato, sliced
2 lettuce leaves

Handful of black olives, halved
½ red onion, finely sliced

5 sprigs of oregano, finely sliced

Talatouri Sauce:

¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid

2 tablespoons plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt
½ tablespoon olive oil
½ lemon, juiced

1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt

5 sprigs of fresh mint, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber, yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, pepper, salt, and chopped mint to make the Talatouri sauce. Stir well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the sandwich ingredients by slicing the tomato, lettuce, olives, oregano, red onion, and bread.

Step 3: Heat a pan over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add the sliced halloumi and fry each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
Step 4: Lightly toast the bread. Spread a generous amount of Talatouri sauce onto one half of the bread.
Step 5: Layer the halloumi, red onion, tomato, olives, oregano, and lettuce over the sauce. Top with the other half of the bread.

Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Cypriot sandwich!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the Talatouri sauce.
Use whole grain or sourdough bread for added texture and nutritional value.

Swap black olives for green olives or capers for a different salty twist.
Grill the sandwich lightly after assembling for a warm, melty version.

Storage

It’s best to enjoy this sandwich fresh for the best texture and flavor. If you need to store leftovers, keep the halloumi and sauce separate from the bread and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the halloumi gently in a pan before assembling again.

How to Serve

A sandwich held by two woman's hands shows three thick layers of golden grilled halloumi cheese in the middle. On both sides of the cheese, there are fresh green lettuce leaves with visible veins. Next to the lettuce are slices of red tomato topped with black olive pieces and thin slices of red onion. The outside of the sandwich is made of thick, soft white bread with a light crust and airy texture inside. The background is a white marbled texture with some small food crumbs scattered. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of halloumi?

Halloumi’s unique texture and flavor make it ideal for this sandwich, but you could substitute with a firm, grillable cheese like paneer or queso fresco if needed.