Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad with Olives and Mint
This salad is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh. Juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with crispy grilled halloumi, briny olives, and cooling mint, all brought together with a zingy lime-olive oil dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying summer dish with unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
3 cups watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
1½ cups baby arugula or spinach (optional for added greens)
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Grill the Halloumi:
Heat a grill pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Brush halloumi slices with a bit of olive oil.
Grill for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
Remove and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad:
On a large platter or bowl, spread watermelon, red onion, olives, and arugula (if using).
Gently toss with dressing.
Top with grilled halloumi slices.
Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top.
4. Serve:
Serve immediately while halloumi is warm.
Optionally drizzle extra lime juice or olive oil before serving.
Notes & Chef Tips
Halloumi Tip: Halloumi grills best when dry—pat it dry with paper towels before grilling.
Sweetness Control: If your watermelon isn’t very sweet, a drizzle of honey helps balance the dish.
Mint Swap: You can substitute fresh basil or parsley if you don’t have mint.
Add Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or pistachios add great crunch.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?
A: You can prep the ingredients ahead, but grill the halloumi just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s fully vegetarian. For a vegan version, use a plant-based halloumi alternative.
Q: Can I use feta instead of halloumi?
A: Yes, feta works well—use it crumbled, but skip grilling as it won’t hold its shape.
Q: What wine pairs well with this?
A: A chilled Rose or Sauvignon Blanc complements this salad beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugar: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg
Sodium: 6
10 mg
Potassium: 390 mg
Calcium: 320 mg