Experience the perfect balance of sweet and salty in this refreshing Mediterranean salad. Featuring grilled halloumi cheese, juicy watermelon, and aromatic mint, this 25-minute recipe is an elegant solution for hot summer days or sophisticated entertaining.
Ingredients for Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad with Fresh Mint | Mediterranean Summer Recipe
- 9oz Halloumi Cheese
- 18oz Watermelon (cubed)
- 20leaves Fresh Mint Leaves
- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 3.5oz Red Onion (thinly sliced)
Instructions for Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad with Fresh Mint | Mediterranean Summer Recipe
- Slice 9oz halloumi cheese into 1cm / 0.4-inch thick slices
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat
- Brush the halloumi slices with 1 tbsp olive oil
- Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown with visible grill marks
- In a large bowl, combine 18oz cubed watermelon and 3.5oz thinly sliced red onion
- Tear 15leaves mint leaves roughly and add to the bowl
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sea salt
- Cut the grilled halloumi into bite-sized pieces and add to the watermelon mixture
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine
- Garnish with remaining 5leaves mint leaves and serve immediately
Welcome to Your New Favorite Summer Salad: Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon
When the mercury rises and the sun blazes high in the sky, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad that combines unexpected flavors. This Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad is exactly what your summer menu needs - a perfect marriage of sweet and salty that takes just 25 minutes to prepare. As a chef who's always on the lookout for dishes that are both impressive and effortless, I can tell you this Mediterranean-inspired creation ticks all the boxes.
The star of this show is halloumi, that wonderfully firm cheese from Cyprus that transforms into golden perfection when grilled. Paired with sweet, juicy watermelon, the contrast is simply magical. Add in the fresh pop of mint leaves, the sharp bite of red onion, and a classic balsamic dressing, and you've got yourself a salad that's sure to become a regular in your summer rotation.
What I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility - it works beautifully as a light lunch, a sophisticated starter, or even as part of a larger Mediterranean feast. And with only 285 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free pleasure that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Halloumi Watermelon Salad
Let me share some insider tips that will help you nail this recipe every single time. First and foremost, make sure your halloumi is well-dried before grilling - pat it with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures you'll get those beautiful grill marks and that perfect golden crust.
When it comes to the watermelon, temperature matters. I recommend chilling it beforehand - the contrast between the warm, grilled halloumi and the cool, sweet watermelon is part of what makes this salad so special. Try to cut the watermelon into cubes that are roughly the same size as your halloumi pieces for the perfect bite.
For the mint leaves, don't chop them with a knife - tearing them by hand releases more of their aromatic oils and prevents them from bruising. And speaking of the mint, save some of your prettiest leaves for garnish - we eat with our eyes first, after all!
Serving Your Mediterranean Masterpiece
This Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad truly shines when served immediately while the halloumi is still warm and slightly chewy. I recommend bringing it to the table on a large, white platter to really show off the vibrant colors of the watermelon, the golden-brown halloumi, and the green mint leaves.
For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve it alongside some warm pita bread and a glass of crisp white wine - a light Assyrtiko from Greece would be perfect. If you're hosting a summer gathering, this salad works wonderfully as part of a buffet spread. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
A Summer Evening to Remember: My Halloumi Revelation
I'll never forget the first time I served this salad at a dinner party. It was one of those impossibly hot summer evenings in the city, when the air conditioning was working overtime and nobody felt like eating anything heavy. I had some skeptical looks when I mentioned the combination of watermelon and cheese - until the first forks hit the plates.
The silence that fell over my usually chatty friends told me everything I needed to know. The contrast between the salty, grilled halloumi and the sweet, cool watermelon was an instant hit. One friend, who had been particularly doubtful, actually asked for the recipe before dessert was even served!
It's become my go-to dish for summer entertaining, and I love watching people's faces light up with that same surprise when they taste it for the first time. There's something magical about introducing people to unexpected flavor combinations that just work - and this one works beautifully.
Smart Substitutions for Your Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad
Let's talk substitutions! While this Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect as is, I know we sometimes need to work with what we have on hand. Here are some tested alternatives that won't compromise the delicious sweet-and-salty magic of this dish.
For the Halloumi:
- Feta cheese (though it won't grill, it offers a similar salty punch)
- Grilled firm tofu (marinated in salty brine for a vegetarian option)
- Queso fresco (it won't grill as well but provides a similar texture)
For the Watermelon:
- Peaches or nectarines (grilled or fresh)
- Cantaloupe (for a different sweet note)
- Fresh figs (when in season)
For the Red Onion:
- Shallots (for a milder onion flavor)
- Spring onions (scallions)
- Sweet white onion
For the Mint:
- Fresh basil
- Combination of basil and oregano
- Fresh parsley (though it will change the flavor profile)
For the Balsamic Vinegar:
- Pomegranate molasses
- Red wine vinegar with a touch of honey
- Sherry vinegar
Remember that while these substitutions work, they will create slightly different flavor profiles. The key is maintaining the balance between sweet, salty, and fresh elements that makes this salad so special.
Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
This Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad isn't just a treat for your taste buds - it's also packed with nutritional benefits! Let's break down what you're getting in each serving:
Per Serving (recipe serves 4):
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 11g
- Sugar: 12g
The combination of ingredients offers some impressive health benefits:
- Watermelon provides hydration and is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene
- Halloumi cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium
- Mint aids digestion and adds refreshing antioxidants
- Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Red onions offer quercetin, a powerful antioxidant
- Balsamic vinegar contains beneficial compounds that can help regulate blood sugar
This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates while providing a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying choice that won't weigh you down. It's perfect for those hot summer days when you want something nutritious yet refreshing.
Important Allergen Information
Safety first! Here's what you need to know about potential allergens in this Mediterranean salad:
Main Allergens:
- Dairy (Halloumi cheese)
While this recipe is relatively allergen-friendly, here are some important considerations:
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your halloumi packaging as processing methods can vary
- Dairy: The main allergen concern is the halloumi cheese
- Sulfites: Some balsamic vinegars contain sulfites
- Nightshade-free: This recipe is nightshade-free
- Tree nuts/peanuts: None present
For dairy allergies, consider:
- Replacing halloumi with grilled marinated tofu
- Using a dairy-free cheese alternative designed for grilling
Always inform your guests about these allergens and check ingredient labels carefully, as manufacturing processes can change.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Guidelines
While this salad is best served fresh, here's how to handle storage and prep:
Immediate Storage:
- Keep assembled salad refrigerated for up to 4 hours
- Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container
- Best served at room temperature
Components Storage:
- Grilled halloumi: Up to 2 days refrigerated
- Cut watermelon: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Sliced onions: Up to 5 days refrigerated
- Dressing: Up to 1 week refrigerated
- Fresh mint: Up to 5 days wrapped in damp paper towel
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare dressing up to a week ahead
- Slice onions the day before
- Cut watermelon maximum 1 day ahead
- Grill halloumi just before serving for best results
Note: Once assembled, the salad will start to release water from the watermelon, so it's best to combine ingredients just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about this Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad:
Can I make this ahead for a party? While it's best served fresh, you can prep components separately. Grill the halloumi and assemble just before serving.
What if my halloumi is too salty? Soak it in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling to reduce saltiness.
Can I use frozen watermelon? Fresh is best for this recipe - frozen watermelon becomes too watery when thawed.
How do I know when the halloumi is properly grilled? Look for golden-brown grill marks and slight softening, typically 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I serve this salad cold? Yes, though it's most enjoyable when the halloumi is slightly warm and the watermelon is cool.
What can I do with leftover halloumi? Store it in brine or olive oil in the fridge and use within 5 days.
A Fresh Take on Summer Entertaining
This Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad is more than just a recipe - it's a celebration of summer's finest flavors. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty grilled halloumi, and fresh mint creates an impressive dish that's both sophisticated and simple to prepare.
Whether you're hosting a garden party, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a special lunch, this salad delivers on all fronts. It's nutritious, accommodating to various dietary needs, and can be partially prepared in advance - making it a practical choice for busy cooks.
Remember, the key to success lies in quality ingredients and proper timing. Use ripe, sweet watermelon, good quality halloumi, and fresh mint for the best results. And don't forget - sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable dishes.
Now you're ready to create this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Here's to fresh, flavorful eating that brings a touch of elegance to your table!
