Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect crispy halloumi. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Fresh Spring Roll Bowl and Easy Mediterranean Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Why This Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy halloumi with a perfect char
- Juicy watermelon for a refreshing twist
- Tangy lime dressing that's better than takeout
- Easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts
What You'll Need for Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 block halloumi cheese
- 1 small watermelon
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: Red onion slices
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Halloumi cheese: Make sure to pat it dry before grilling to get a nice crispy exterior.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Gets a perfect char on the halloumi. → See on Amazon
- Sharp knife — Makes it easy to slice the watermelon thinly. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Prepare the halloumi: Slice the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and charred.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1/4-inch thick slices and then cut the slices into triangles.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the watermelon and grilled halloumi on a platter. Drizzle the dressing over the top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the halloumi. It can become tough and rubbery.
- : For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the salad.
- : Make sure to use a ripe watermelon for the best flavor.
Storing & Reheating Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The dressing can be made up to a day in advance.
Freezing Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary, as this salad is best served cold. Microwave: Not recommended for this recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the halloumi with pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with paneer or feta cheese.
- Make-ahead: The dressing can be made up to a day in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the halloumi is not crispy enough, try grilling it for a longer period or at a higher temperature.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality grater — Makes it easy to grate the halloumi for a different texture in the salad. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block halloumi cheese
- 1 small watermelon
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Red onion slices
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the halloumi: Slice the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and charred.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1/4-inch thick slices and then cut the slices into triangles.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the watermelon and grilled halloumi on a platter. Drizzle the dressing over the top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the halloumi with pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with paneer or feta cheese.
- Make-ahead: The dressing can be made up to a day in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the halloumi is not crispy enough, try grilling it for a longer period or at a higher temperature.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary, as this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Make ahead: The dressing can be made up to a day in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the watermelon from breaking down.
Overcooking the halloumi can make it tough and rubbery. Make sure to grill it for no more than 2-3 minutes on each side.
Yes, you can substitute the halloumi with paneer or feta cheese. However, the texture and flavor may vary.
While this salad is perfect for summer, you can make it year-round. Just use a ripe watermelon and serve it at room temperature.
Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the salad for a spicy kick.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
