Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad with Mintlime Zing

Recipe Introduction: Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad

Ever find yourself craving something that's both savory and sweet? Well, get ready, because this Grilled Halloumi Salad is it .

Honestly, it's become my go-to Summer Salad Recipe when the sun's blazing. This recipe is going to knock your socks off.

Quick Hook

This Watermelon Salad Recipe is a total game changer. It’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and tangy. Okay, right then , let's get cracking.

This grilled halloumi and watermelon combo is just chef's kiss .

Brief Overview

Originating from a Mediterranean inspired twist, this salad showcases the beautiful simplicity of combining fresh ingredients. It's surprisingly easy to make, clocking in at just 25 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields 4 servings perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue.

Main Benefits

One of the best things? It's packed with nutrients. The watermelon is super hydrating and full of vitamins. Serve this up at your next picnic or garden party.

What makes this Mediterranean Salad so special is that unexpected burst of flavour from the Mint Lime Dressing . Right then, you'll be asking yourself why didn't I think of that.

Time to gather the goods. Let's get cracking with the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, right then, let's get cracking with the ingredients and gear for this smashing Grilled Halloumi Salad . You know, sometimes the simplest things are the best. And this salad? It's proof.

Main Ingredients For a Summer Salad

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces ( 225g ) halloumi cheese, sliced about 1/4 inch thick. Quality indicators? Look for halloumi that's firm and squeaky.
• 4 cups ( 600g ) cubed watermelon, seedless. Sweetness is key here! Give it a taste before you cube it.
• 1/2 cup ( 75g ) thinly sliced red onion.
• 1/4 cup ( 30g ) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved.
• 4 ounces ( 115g ) mixed salad greens (rocket, baby spinach, romaine - whatever tickles your fancy).
• Optional: 1/4 cup ( 30g ) toasted pine nuts, because why not?

For the Mint Lime Dressing:

• 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) extra virgin olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) fresh lime juice. Honestly, bottled just won't do here.
• 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) fresh mint, finely chopped.
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) honey or maple syrup.
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) salt.
• 1/8 teaspoon ( 0.6ml ) black pepper.

Seasoning Notes for a Refreshing Salad

This salad is all about the flavour punch. The mint and lime are essential they bring that zing! Don't skimp.

If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing adds a nice kick. Think Mediterranean Salad with a twist! As for subs, if you don't have mint, a little basil can work in a pinch, but seriously, get some mint!

Equipment Needed

Honestly, this recipe is pretty low-tech.

• Grill or grill pan. I've even used a ridged cast iron skillet.
• Cutting board.
• Sharp knife. Because blunt knives are just dangerous.
• Mixing bowl.
• Whisk.

That's it! No fancy gadgets needed. It really is an Easy Salad Recipe.

I'll put my SEO hat on and think like someone who's just discovered "BangersandMash.com" and is after a smashing salad.

Right then, remember to dry the halloumi before grilling it. That's key. Now, let's grill this cheese and whip up a masterpiece.

Cooking Method: Grilled Halloumi

Okay, right then, let's get cracking with grilling. And not just any grilling, we're talking about halloumi . Honestly, is there anything better than slightly charred, salty halloumi in a fresh Grilled Halloumi Salad ? Didn't think so.

I'll put my SEO hat on and think like someone who's just discovered "BangersandMash.com" and is after a smashing salad.

Prep Steps for Halloumi Perfection

Essential mise en place. First thing's first, get organized! That means slicing your 8 ounces (225g) of halloumi into roughly 1/4 inch thick pieces.

Very important. This helps it cook evenly. Then, grab some paper towels.

Time saving organization tips. Pat that halloumi DRY. I mean, really dry. This is crucial! Wet halloumi steams instead of grills, and nobody wants that.

Get all your salad bits prepped too! Cube your 4 cups (600g) watermelon, slice that 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, and halve your 1/4 cup (30g) Kalamata olives.

Safety reminders (if applicable). Just a heads up: grilling can get hot, so be careful around the grill. Common sense, really, but worth saying!

step-by-step to Golden Goodness

1. Prep the halloumi. Again, make sure it's dry. We can't stress this enough.
2. Preheat your grill. Medium high heat is what you're after.
3. Grill those slices! About 2- 3 minutes per side . Keep a close eye; it goes from golden to burnt fast .
4. Remove from grill. Place the halloumi slices on top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately. Enjoy when it is at it's best!

Visual cues for doneness. You want a nice golden brown colour with those lovely grill marks. The halloumi should be slightly softened, but still hold its shape.

Pro Tips for Halloumi Masters

Here's a stat for you: According to the Halloumi Association, 90% of people prefer halloumi grilled rather than fried. Who knew there was a Halloumi Association, eh?

Expert techniques or shortcuts. My secret? A tiny drizzle of olive oil on the grill grates before grilling. Helps prevent sticking.

Common mistakes to avoid. Don't overcrowd the grill! Give those halloumi slices some space. Also, don't walk away . Seriously. Halloumi is a fickle friend.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the cooking time is important, the key is doneness.

make-ahead options (if applicable). You can grill the halloumi a little ahead of time, but it's best served warm. If you do, just give it a quick warm-up on the grill before serving.

Honestly, this Watermelon Salad Recipe is so refreshing. You know? The saltiness of the halloumi with the sweetness of the watermelon and that zesty Mint Lime Dressing … Oh my gosh!

Recipe Notes

Okay, right then, let's get cracking with some extra notes to make this Grilled Halloumi Salad a real showstopper! I'll put my SEO hat on and think like someone who's just discovered "BangersandMash.

Com" and is after a smashing salad .

Serving like a Pro

Honestly, presentation makes all the difference. Arrange your Halloumi and Watermelon artfully on a plate, creating height and visual interest. A drizzle of extra Mint Lime Dressing right before serving? Chef's kiss!

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch. But, honestly, it sings alongside grilled chicken or fish.

And for a drink? A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is perfection .

Storing your leftovers

This Easy Salad Recipe is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored just be mindful of a few things.

Keep the dressed salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours . The watermelon might release some juices, so don't be surprised if it's a bit wetter.

Halloumi is best enjoyed when freshly grilled. If you do have leftovers, keep it separately and reheat it gently in a pan.

Freezing isn't really recommended. The texture of both the watermelon and halloumi will suffer.

Mix it Up

Want to make it your own? Go for it! For a Vegetarian/Vegan Option , grilled tofu (pressed well) works a treat instead of the halloumi.

And speaking of fruit, try using cantaloupe instead of watermelon for a slightly different flavour. For a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing does the trick.

Nutrition Bits

Each serving of this Summer Salad Recipes clocks in at about 350 calories. You get around 15g of protein and 25g of fat, and 20g of carbohydrates.

It's a good source of protein and healthy fats. Watermelon also gives you a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Honestly? This salad isn't just delicious; it's good for you. Enjoy it!

Refreshing Salad Ideas abound, and this one ticks all the boxes. So, go on, give it a whirl. You won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad ahead of time? It sounds cracking, but I'm a busy bee!

While the salad is best served fresh, you can prep some components in advance. You can grill the halloumi a few hours ahead and store it at room temperature. The dressing can also be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge.

However, it's best to combine everything just before serving to prevent the watermelon from getting soggy and the salad greens from wilting nobody wants a sad salad!

I'm not a big fan of watermelon. Are there any other fruits I can use in this salad? This is about the salad, after all!

Absolutely! Think of this recipe as more of a guideline. Cantaloupe or honeydew melon are great substitutes for watermelon and will provide a similar sweetness and refreshing quality.

Stone fruits like peaches or nectarines would also work beautifully, bringing a slightly different flavour profile but still complementing the salty halloumi.

Halloumi can be a bit pricey. Is there a cheaper alternative I can use for this salad recipe?

You're right, halloumi can sometimes break the bank! If you're looking for a more budget friendly option, consider using feta cheese. While it won't grill the same way (it tends to crumble), its salty flavour will still complement the sweetness of the watermelon.

You could also try grilling paneer, which has a similar texture to halloumi and is often more affordable.

How long will leftovers of this Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad last in the fridge?

Sadly, this salad isn't the best candidate for long term storage. Due to the high water content of the watermelon, the salad will become quite soggy after a few hours. If you have leftovers, it is still safe to eat up to 24 hours, but the texture and flavour will be compromised.

So, aim to make only as much as you'll eat in one sitting waste not, want not, as they say!

Can you make this salad vegan? What would you substitute for the halloumi?

Certainly! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the halloumi or substitute it with grilled tofu. Be sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture before grilling. You can also brush the tofu with a little olive oil and soy sauce for added flavour.