Do Share Recipe

Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Watermelon Recipe: You Will Love

I just finished making this salad, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer for summer meals. The salty, charred halloumi combined with sweet, juicy watermelon is an incredible flavor pairing.

It’s so light yet completely satisfying, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a beautiful appetizer for guests. After mastering this, you might want to explore our guide for a hearty main like the Pesto Pinwheels with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe, but for now, let’s enjoy this vibrant dish.

Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Watermelon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create this amazing salad.

For the Salad:

8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces – This semi-hard cheese is key, as its high melting point allows it to grill beautifully without falling apart.
3 cups watermelon, cubed or cut into triangles – Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for the best sweet and juicy flavor.
1 cup arugula or baby spinach – Arugula adds a peppery bite that contrasts nicely with the other flavors.
½ red onion, thinly sliced – Soaking the onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow their sharp flavor.
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped – This adds a burst of refreshing coolness to the salad.
¼ cup pistachios or walnuts, toasted – Toasting the nuts brings out their deep, earthy flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.

For the Dressing:

2 tbsp olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
1 tbsp balsamic glaze – This provides a tangy sweetness that complements both the cheese and the fruit.
1 tsp honey (optional) – A touch of honey can enhance the dressing’s sweetness if desired.
Juice of ½ lime – The citrus brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season lightly, as the halloumi is already quite salty.

Note: The ingredient quantities provided will make approximately 4 servings.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick to assemble, making it ideal for any day of the week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Make Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Watermelon Recipe

Follow these simple steps to bring this colorful and flavorful salad to your table. The process is straightforward, ensuring you get a perfect result every time. From grilling the cheese to assembling the final dish, you’ll see how easily it all comes together.

Step 1: Grill the Halloumi

First, heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, slice your halloumi cheese. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the cheese from sticking.

Place the halloumi slices on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until you see beautiful golden-brown grill marks and the cheese is slightly softened. Once grilled, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Now for the fun part. On a large platter or in a big salad bowl, start by arranging the bed of arugula or baby spinach. Add the cubed watermelon, thinly sliced red onion, and the grilled halloumi slices.

Gently toss the components together or arrange them artfully on the platter for a more dramatic presentation. The mix of colors and shapes already looks incredible.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing and Serve

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, lime juice, and optional honey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle this tangy dressing over the salad. To finish, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint and toasted nuts over the top. This final touch adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that completes the dish.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this salad a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks to make it even more delicious.

Dry the Halloumi: I always pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel before grilling. This helps it get a better sear and prevents it from steaming on the grill.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When grilling the cheese, I make sure to leave space between the slices. This ensures each piece gets evenly cooked and develops those perfect grill marks.
Chill the Watermelon: I find that using very cold watermelon makes the salad extra refreshing, especially on a hot day. The temperature contrast with the warm halloumi is fantastic.
Make the Dressing Ahead: The dressing flavors meld together nicely if you let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before using it. I usually whisk it together before I even start grilling the cheese.

Variations to Try

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have or your dietary preferences.

Add More Greens: Mix in other greens like kale or romaine lettuce for added crunch and nutrients.
Swap the Fruit: If watermelon isn’t in season, this salad works wonderfully with grilled peaches, cantaloupe, or fresh strawberries for a different kind of sweetness.
Try a Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, you can substitute the halloumi with firm tofu that has been pressed and grilled, or use a vegan feta-style cheese.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a drizzle of spicy honey over the top for a little kick.

Exploring different flavor combinations is what makes cooking great dinner recipes so much fun.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much to make this simple yet elegant salad.

Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: Essential for getting those perfect char marks on the halloumi.
Chef’s Knife: For slicing the cheese, onion, and cubing the watermelon.
Large Salad Bowl or Platter: For assembling and serving the salad beautifully.
Small Bowl or Jar: For whisking or shaking the dressing ingredients together.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the halloumi on the hot grill without breaking it.

How to Serve Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Watermelon Recipe

Presentation can elevate this simple salad into a show-stopping dish.

Serve it on a large, white platter to make the vibrant colors of the watermelon, mint, and arugula pop.
For an appetizer, arrange individual portions on small plates with a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze.
Pair it with a side of crusty bread or quinoa to turn it into a more substantial meal.
For a stunning dessert to follow, consider making our Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 700mg

How to Store

Proper storage is key to enjoying any leftovers.

Storing: Store leftover salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day for best results.
Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the watermelon and greens will become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating: You can gently reheat the halloumi in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to restore its warmth and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this grilled halloumi salad will become a favorite in your household.

Incredible Flavor Combo: The salty cheese, sweet fruit, and tangy dressing create a perfectly balanced and unforgettable taste.
Quick and Easy to Make: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute get-together.
Healthy and Refreshing: Packed with protein from the cheese and hydration from the watermelon, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t feel heavy.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors make it a beautiful centerpiece for any table, sure to impress your family and friends.
Highly Versatile: You can easily customize it with different fruits, nuts, or greens based on the season or your preference.

Ben Carraoli