Halloumi Watermelon Salad
Sweet, salty, warm, cold — this salad has it all. Juicy watermelon cubes meet golden seared halloumi rounds, with crumbled feta, briny Kalamata olives, and torn mint leaves in between. Just like the photo, it's finished with good olive oil and a squeeze of lime. The ultimate summer plate: refreshing and satisfying at once.
Why You'll Love This
Warm golden halloumi against cold sweet watermelon, just like the photo.
The classic Mediterranean sweet-salty combination.
Vegetarian and naturally gluten-free.
A BBQ and summer-party showstopper.
Anti-Inflammatory & Mediterranean Recipes
Halloumi Watermelon Salad
- Prep10 min
- Cook5 min
- Total15 min
- Servings4 servings
- Calories320 kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into large cubes and remove the seeds. Chill until serving — cold watermelon makes the contrast.
- Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.
- Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear the halloumi 1–2 minutes per side until deep golden with crisp edges. Work quickly — it firms up as it cools.
- Arrange the watermelon cubes on a platter. Scatter over half the feta and half the olives.
- Lay the hot halloumi over the top immediately.
- Finish with the remaining feta, olives, and mint leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and honey if using. Sprinkle flaky salt and black pepper. Serve at once.
Notes & Tips
- Serve the second the halloumi comes off the heat. Warm halloumi is soft and squeaky; cold halloumi is rubbery.
- Pat the halloumi dry first. Brine on the surface stops it browning.
- Keep the watermelon properly cold. The hot-cold contrast is the whole dish.
- Cut watermelon in big cubes. Small pieces water out and shrink against the hot cheese.
- Season lightly — halloumi, feta, and olives are all salty already.
- Nutrition: Per serving (estimate):
- Nutrition: Net Carbohydrates: 16g
- Nutrition: These are estimates and will vary with exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Assemble at the last moment. Watermelon releases juice as it sits.
- Leftover watermelon and feta keep 2 days in the fridge. Halloumi does not reheat well — sear fresh slices each time.
- The undressed components can be prepped 4 hours ahead and chilled separately.
- Do not freeze.
- The Secret to the Sweet-Salty Magic
- The secret is contrast — in temperature and in flavor. Cold, sweet watermelon against hot, salty halloumi wakes up every taste bud at once. If the halloumi is lukewarm or the watermelon is room temperature, the dish goes flat. Sear the cheese last, plate it immediately over fridge-cold melon, and let feta and olives double down on the salt while mint and lime keep everything bright.
Variations & serving ideas
- No halloumi: use grilled feta slices or fresh mozzarella.
- No olives: capers or diced cucumber work.
- Different fruit: try grilled peaches or fresh figs in late summer.
- Add greens: serve over a bed of rocket for a fuller salad.
- Nutty finish: scatter toasted pistachios over the top.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 4 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total fat | 22 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 18 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grill the halloumi on the BBQ?
Yes. Oil the grates well and grill thick slices 1–2 minutes per side over direct heat. Work fast and serve immediately.
Why is my salad watery?
The watermelon sat too long after cutting, or it was cut too small. Cut large cubes, assemble at the last second, and serve right away.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Prep the watermelon, feta, and olives up to 4 hours ahead and chill separately. Sear the halloumi and assemble only when guests are ready to eat.
More questions about this recipe
How long does it take to make Halloumi Watermelon Salad?
About 15 minutes in total: 10 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking.
What ingredients do I need for Halloumi Watermelon Salad?
The key ingredients include halloumi, feta cheese, mint, lime juice, honey and watermelon. The recipe card lists every ingredient with exact amounts.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover watermelon and feta keep 2 days in the fridge.
How many servings does this recipe make?
It makes 4 servings.
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