Low-Carb Marinara Halloumi Skillet

5 stars, average of 3 ratings

By Martina Slajerova, updated April 18 2023
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Looking for a quick and easy low-carb dinner option that doesn't compromise on flavor? Look no further than our Marinara Halloumi Skillet!

This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, including a homemade marinara sauce, zucchini noodles, and seared halloumi cheese, to create a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for two. And the best part? It's low in carbs and high in flavor!

With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this easy keto recipe is sure to become a weeknight dinner favorite in no time.

Recipe Tips

Homemade or store-bought marinara sauce? Just like in this Curried Halloumi Skillet, you will only need a few common ingredients to make it. This easy vegetarian keto meal uses a simple Marinara Sauce although you can use your favorite store-bought, sugar-free pasta sauce instead.

How about sides? This Marinara Halloumi Skillet is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of low-carb sides (not just zoodles!) — cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables such as green beans, asparagus or eggplant will work just as well.

More Recipes Using Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is really versatile and will work with plenty more options, including:

We all have different dietary needs so it's only natural that you may need to adjust the macros in this recipe. You can make any adjustments directly in the KetoDiet App by cloning any of the recipes from my blog and customizing them to fit your macros and preferences.

Low-Carb Marinara Halloumi Skillet Pin it Follow us 148.4k

0 days, 0 hours, 5 minutes

Hands-on 15 minutes Overall 20 minutes

Serving size 5 slices marinara halloumi + zoodles

Allergy information for Low-Carb Marinara Halloumi Skillet

✔ Gluten free

✔ Egg free

✔ Nut free

✔ Pork free

✔ Avocado free

✔ Coconut free

✔ Fish free

✔ Shellfish free

✔ Beef free

Pescatarian

Vegetarian

Nutritional values (per serving, 5 slices marinara halloumi + zoodles)

Net carbs10.1 grams

Protein27.6 grams

Fat58.8 grams

Calories678 kcal

Calories from carbs 6%, protein 16%, fat 78%

Total carbs13.2 gramsFiber3.1 gramsSugars7.6 gramsSaturated fat23.7 gramsSodium1,685 mg(73% RDA)Magnesium99 mg(25% RDA)Potassium710 mg(35% EMR)

Ingredients (makes 2 servings)

Marinara Sauce:

¹/₂ cup cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes, chopped (75 g/ 2.7 oz)
about ¹/₂ cup fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic
¹/₂ small shallot (30 g/ 1.1 oz)
2 tbsp tomato paste, unsweetened (30 g/ 1.1 oz)
2 cup extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
Optional: water, to thin down

Halloumi Skillet:

1 pack halloumi cheese (225 g/ 8 oz)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided (30 ml)
2 medium zucchini, spiralized (392 g/ 13.8 oz)
sea salt, to taste
fresh basil, to serve
2 tbsp grated Parmesan or other Italian-style hard cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Marinara Sauce by simply placing all ingredients for the sauce into a blender and process until smooth or chunky. Store any leftover curry sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, use your favorite sugar-free pasta sauce.
Cut the halloumi cheese into 10 slices. Heat a skillet greased with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over a medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook for a few minutes per each side, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn the halloumi.
Once browned, add the marinara sauce and cook for a minute or two to heat through. Optionally, thin down with a tablespoon or two of water. Set aside and keep warm.
Use a julienne peeler or a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into thin or wide “noodles.” Chop the soft cores. Place the noodles in a large bowl or a baking tray. Add the chopped zucchini cores. (Try to keep them in one place as you'll be cooking these first.) Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes.
Use a paper towel to pat them dry and remove excess moisture. Set aside. Alternatively, place in a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Grease a skillet with the remaining oil. Add the chopped zucchini cores and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your preference.
Serve the halloumi (5 slices per serving) with the prepared zucchini noodles, marinara sauce and grated Parmesan (or use other Italian-style hard cheese). Eat while still hot.
To store, let it cool down and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Halloumi should always be reheated before serving.

Ingredient nutritional breakdown (per serving, 5 slices marinara halloumi + zoodles)

Net carbs	Protein	Fat	Calories
Marinara sauce
3.5 g	0.9 g	13 g	135 kcal
Halloumi (Cypriot cheese)
2.3 g	22.5 g	30.4 g	370 kcal
Olive oil, extra virgin
0 g	0 g	13.5 g	119 kcal
Zucchini (summer squash, courgette)
4.1 g	2.4 g	0.6 g	33 kcal
Salt, sea salt
0 g	0 g	0 g	0 kcal
Parmesan cheese
0.2 g	1.8 g	1.3 g	20 kcal
Basil, fresh
0 g	0.1 g	0 g	1 kcal
Total per serving, 5 slices marinara halloumi + zoodles
10.1 g	27.6 g	58.8 g	678 kcal