Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad

Refreshing Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad Recipe

Creating Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad

The creation of this Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad was a happy accident during one of those lazy summer afternoons when you’re not quite sure what to cook. It was a blistering hot day, and I wanted something refreshing yet satisfying. I rummaged through my fridge and found half a watermelon, a block of halloumi cheese, and some fresh herbs from my garden. The ingredients seemed perfect for a light summer salad.

I remembered a similar salad I had at a beachside café a few summers ago. It was a simple mix of watermelon and feta, but I wanted to add a twist. Halloumi came to mind because of its fantastic grilling properties. I decided to give it a try, thinking the salty, slightly crispy cheese would be a great complement to the juicy watermelon.

How to Make a Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad

First, I cubed the halloumi and grilled it until it was golden brown and crispy on the edges. The smell alone was mouthwatering! While the halloumi was grilling, I prepped the rest of the salad. I cut the watermelon into cubes, thinly sliced a cucumber, halved some vibrant cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion for a bit of sharpness.

For the dressing, I wanted something light and herby. I whisked together extra-virgin olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a squeeze of lime juice. From my herb garden, I picked fresh mint and basil, chopped them finely, and added them to the dressing for a burst of freshness.

Once everything was ready, I assembled the salad. The vibrant colors of the watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes looked beautiful together, and the grilled halloumi added a lovely contrast. I drizzled the dressing over the top, gently tossed everything together, and took a bite.

The combination was perfect – the juicy sweetness of the watermelon, the crisp cucumber, the savory halloumi, and the zesty, herby dressing created a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. It was exactly what I needed on that hot summer day, and it quickly became a favorite in my household.

Chef’s Notes – Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad

• Cut the halloumi into thicker slices to prevent it from melting too quickly on the grill.
• Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar in the dressing to balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon for a unique flavor profile in the dressing.
• For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds over the salad just before serving.
• Serve the Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast of warm grilled halloumi with cool, crisp vegetables.
• Chill the watermelon cubes before assembling the salad for an extra refreshing touch on hot summer days.
• This is a refreshing pair with our Delicious Vegan Zucchini Fritters or our Spicy Grilled Chow Fun Skewers

Grilled Cheese Halloumi and Watermelon Salad

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Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Watermelon & Grilled Cheese Salad! Perfect for a quick meal or a delightful side dish, this vegetarian recipe combines juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and savory grilled cheese, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing. It's a burst of freshness in every bite!

Course: Salad, Side DishCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

198

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• Salad Base

• 4 cups watermelon cubes

• 1/2 large cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 cup yellow or orange cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small red onion, finely sliced

• 2 blocks halloumi cheese

• Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 lime, Juice of

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

• Grill Halloumi: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut the halloumi into cubes and place them on a roasting tray. Grill for about 5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown on all sides.
• Prepare Vegetables: While the halloumi is grilling, arrange the watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, and finely sliced red onion on a large serving platter.
• Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, chopped mint leaves, and chopped basil leaves until well combined.
• Assemble Salad: Once the halloumi is grilled to perfection, add it to the platter with the vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together to ensure even coating.
• Serve: Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm for the best flavor experience.

Equipment

• grill
• roasting tray
• bowl

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 198kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Vitamin A: 800IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 300mg
• Iron: 1mg

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