Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad

Sunshine on a plate! This Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon salad is one of the best salad recipes for easy summer BBQs. Fresh mint and lime brighten every bite! Get the recipe. ... Seasonal & Sustainable Cooking
Recipe Introduction: Sunshine on a Plate
Fancy something fresh? i was thinking about best salad recipes the other day and thought i’d show you all one of my favs.
This grilled halloumi and watermelon salad is a proper taste of sunshine, seriously.
Halloumi Recipes: A Summer Staple
This salad is inspired by Mediterranean flavors. It features grilled halloumi and juicy watermelon. Perfect for BBQs or easy lunches. Honestly, it's become a summer staple in my house.
It's super easy to make. prep takes about 15 minutes. grilling the halloumi only takes a few minutes. you'll have this ready in under 25 minutes.
This recipe makes enough for four people.
Why You'll Love This Watermelon Salad
This salad offers loads of flavor. the salty halloumi is unreal with the sweetness of watermelon. that's without mentioning fresh mint and tangy lime.
It’s surprisingly nutritious too. watermelon is packed with vitamins. halloumi provides protein. it's the perfect way to sneak in some goodness.
This salad is special for a few reasons. the flavors are unexpected. it's a total game-changer. plus, it's ready in a flash.
It really is one of the easy salad recipes out there.
Let's Talk Ingredients: Keep It Simple
Here's what you'll need to make this BBQ salad recipe . Don't worry it won't break the bank. It's all pretty common stuff.
Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk ingredients, yeah? honestly, the quality here really shines through. this grilled halloumi and watermelon salad is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, which make it one of the best salad recipes out there.
So, grab the good stuff!
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you need, with proper measurements. You know I like to be precise.
- Watermelon: 4 cups cubed (950g). Go for a small, seedless one. It needs to be sweet . I once used a bland watermelon. Trust me, it ruins the whole Watermelon Salad vibe.
- Halloumi: 8 oz (225g), sliced. Get the squeaky kind. You should almost hear it sing when you bite.
- Fresh Mint: ½ cup chopped (15g). Fresh mint is essential here, so no skimping! This is what makes it a Fresh Mint Salad .
- Red Onion: ¼ cup thinly sliced (30g). This gives the salad a needed sharpness, but not too much.
Seasoning Notes
Flavour town is calling, folks. The right seasoning transforms a good salad into one of the best salad recipes , especially summer salad recipes , right?
- Dressing: Olive oil, lime juice, honey. That is the magic formula. A tiny red pepper flakes adds a little spicy kick.
- Lime & Honey: I learned this from Nigella. They bring out the watermelon’s sweetness. I use 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml), 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml), and 1 tablespoon honey (15ml). It's that Mediterranean Salad vibe.
- Spice it up: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. It enhances everything .
Equipment Needed
Don't stress, we're not talking fancy kit here. Just the basics for easy salad recipes.
- Grill Pan: Essential for halloumi. A BBQ grill works even better for that smoky flavour!
- Large Bowl: You'll need space to toss everything. Honestly, a big serving platter would also work!
- Small Bowl or Jar: For whisking up that zingy dressing. A jam jar is fine.
That’s it! Ready to make one of the best salad recipes ? Let's do this!

Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad: Sunshine on a Plate
Oh my gosh, you have to try this. It's one of my favourite best salad recipes ! Forget boring salads. We're making sunshine on a plate!
This summer salad is sweet, salty, and totally addictive. the watermelon and halloumi are a match made in heaven. seriously, it's like a little holiday in your mouth.
It’s perfect as salad side dishes for your next bbq.
It's easy salad recipes , even I can't mess it up!
Prep Steps: Ready, Set, Salad!
First, the mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means "get everything ready". Chop your watermelon and slice the halloumi.
Next, whisk together the dressing. Olive oil, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Honestly, the red pepper is optional, but I love the kick!
Safety first! Be careful when grilling the halloumi. It can get a bit melty if you aren't careful.
Step-by-Step: Salad Assembly
- Cube the watermelon. About 4 cups (950g) is perfect.
- Make the dressing. Whisk it all together!
- Grill the halloumi. 2- 3 minutes per side. Golden brown, but not burnt!
- Add red onion and mint to the watermelon.
- Dress the salad. Toss gently.
- Serve immediately. Add the Halloumi over the top and enjoy this amazing BBQ salad recipes .
Pro Tips: Salad Master
Here's a little secret: pat the halloumi dry before grilling. It gets a better sear. Trust me. Avoid overcooking the halloumi. You want it soft, not rubbery. You know?
Make it ahead? you can chop the watermelon and make the dressing. assemble just before serving. the halloumi is best when fresh.
I think this could quickly become one of your go-to halloumi recipes , and it is delicious.
Recipe Notes: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Honestly, even the best salad recipes need a little love. Here’s how to take this Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad to the next level. And trust me, it's already pretty darn good.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? don't just dump the salad in a bowl. arrange the watermelon attractively! then scatter the mint and red onion.
Lay the grilled halloumi on top. it looks so fancy. try serving this summer salad recipes alongside some grilled chicken or fish.
It's also amazing with a glass of crisp white wine.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Leftovers? maybe? honestly, this salad is so good. but if you have any, store the watermelon mixture and dressing separately in the fridge for up to a day.
The halloumi is best eaten fresh, right after grilling. toss everything together just before serving. this will stop the salad from getting soggy.
You know how much we hate soggy salads.
Variations: Switching It Up
Want to mix it up? no problem. for a vegan option , swap the halloumi for grilled tofu or avocado.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick . and if you want a mediterranean salad , throw in some cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
So easy. best salad recipes are the one that can be changed on your taste.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This isn't just a tasty salad. it's good for you too. watermelon is full of vitamins and antioxidants. halloumi provides protein and calcium.
Fresh mint aids digestion. it’s a great source of protein as salad side dishes for your bbq. with the added benefit you can also serve one of the halloumi recipes that is good for you.
Honestly? you really can't go wrong with this salad. it's easy to make. it's bursting with flavor. and it's good for you.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad ahead of time? I'm planning a BBQ, you see!
You can prep some elements in advance, mate! Cube the watermelon and make the dressing a few hours ahead of time. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Halloumi is definitely best eaten hot off the grill – it loses its lovely squeak if it sits too long!
What if I can't find halloumi cheese? Is there a good substitute for this best salad recipes contender?
No worries, there are a couple of options! Feta cheese provides a similar salty flavor, though it won't grill in the same way – crumble it over the salad instead. For a vegan option, try grilling firm tofu slices or adding creamy avocado for a similar richness.
Help! My halloumi is sticking to the grill. Any tips for grilling halloumi properly?
Ah, a classic BBQ blunder! First, make sure your grill is nice and hot. Before grilling, pat the halloumi slices completely dry with paper towels - moisture is your enemy. A light brush of olive oil on the grill grates can also help. Don't overcrowd the grill pan and let each side cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice golden-brown crust before flipping.
I'm watching my sugar intake. Can I reduce the amount of honey in the dressing?
Absolutely! You can reduce the honey or even substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol to taste. You could also try adding a touch of Dijon mustard for a bit of tang that will balance the lime juice. Remember to taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
This Grilled Halloumi & Watermelon Salad sounds fab, but will it keep in the fridge if I have leftovers?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the watermelon will release some liquid, so the salad might be a little less crisp. The halloumi will also lose some of its grilled texture, but the flavors will still be delicious! It's always best to eat it sooner rather than later, though.
Can I add any other fruits or veggies to these best salad recipes?
Of course, get creative! Cucumber and cherry tomatoes are a classic addition. You could also add some grilled peaches or nectarines for extra sweetness. For a bit of crunch, try adding some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. It's your salad, make it your own!