Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad with Mintlime Dressing
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a Grilled Halloumi Salad , Then?
Ever get that hankering for something fresh and a bit fancy? This isn't your nan's cucumber and tomato salad, you know? I'm talking about a Watermelon salad recipe with squeaky halloumi and a zingy mint lime dressing .
Honestly, once you try Halloumi and Watermelon together, you’ll be hooked.
A Taste of the Med
This Mediterranean salad is inspired by those sunny, lazy days you dream about. It’s super simple, ready in under 25 minutes, and makes enough for 4 people.
Perfect for a light lunch or a stylish side. Plus, it’s an easy salad recipe !
Sunshine on a Plate
One of the best things? This salad is packed with goodness! Watermelon is super hydrating, which is exactly what you need on a hot day.
This refreshing summer salad is perfect for a BBQ or just chilling in the garden. It's not just any old salad; the contrast of the salty halloumi with the sweet watermelon makes it really special.
Let's dive into what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Grilled Halloumi Salad Toolkit
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. What do you actually need to whip up this refreshing summer salad ? It's easier than you think, honestly.
We're aiming for easy salad recipes here, not Masterchef. I remember trying to make a fancy salad once... disaster! Stick to simple.
Main Ingredients: Sweetness Meets Squeak
Here's the shopping list for this halloumi and watermelon dream:
- 400g (14 oz) Watermelon, cubed. Get a good one, you know? Heavy for its size. It should smell sweet too.
- 225g (8 oz) Halloumi Cheese, sliced about ½-inch thick. Go for a decent brand, you'll taste the difference. The best halloumi should be firm.
- 1 small Red Onion, thinly sliced. A mandoline slicer makes this a doddle!
- 100g (3.5 oz) Rocket (Arugula) or mixed salad greens. I love rocket, it adds a peppery kick.
- 50g (2 oz) Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved (Optional). I like a bit of salty olive goodness, but it's your call.
- 50g (2 oz) Feta Cheese, crumbled (Optional). For that extra salty, creamy element. This is not a feta and watermelon salad but if you want to add it, go ahead!
Seasoning Notes: Mint Lime Dressing Magic
The dressing is where the Mediterranean salad vibes really shine. The combo of fresh mint, lime, and honey is killer.
- Essential spice combo: salt and pepper. Don't skimp!
- Flavour enhancers: Fresh mint is a must. Lime zest would be amazing too.
- Quick substitutions: If you're out of honey, maple syrup works a treat. Or even a tiny bit of sugar.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need fancy gadgets for this watermelon salad recipe .
- Essential tools: Grill or grill pan. A decent knife. A mixing bowl.
- Common household alternatives: If you don't have a grill pan, a frying pan will do in a pinch. Honestly, I've even used a George Foreman grill before. Just keep an eye on the halloumi, it browns fast.
- I will also recommend you to have a whisk.
Making this salad with grilled cheese is super simple, and using this mint lime dressing will be a refreshing summer salad . It might become your new favourite lunch.
Alright, let's dive headfirst into grilling halloumi! Honestly, it's easier than making toast, promise. This is a core part of our Grilled Halloumi Salad , and nailing it makes all the difference.
Prep Steps: Halloumi Hero Time
Essential mise en place , yeah? Get your halloumi sliced, about half an inch thick. Too thin, and it’ll vanish on the grill.
Too thick, and the inside might stay a bit cold. Pat those slices dry with some kitchen paper. Honestly, do this! Halloumi holds water like a sponge.
Drying it helps it get those gorgeous grill marks.
Safety first : Grills get HOT. Use tongs, not your fingers, yeah?
step-by-step: Halloumi to Heaven
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat . Not too hot, or you’ll burn it.
Lightly brush the grill with oil. Prevents sticking!
Place the halloumi slices on the grill. Don't overcrowd the pan.
Grill for 2- 3 minutes per side . Look for those lovely golden brown stripes.
Flip carefully with tongs. We don't want any halloumi casualties.
Grill the other side for another 2- 3 minutes , until equally golden.
Remove from grill and place on a plate.
Visual cue? The halloumi should be soft, slightly browned, and squeaky. Critical temperature? Honestly, don’t worry about it. Just cook it until it looks good!
Pro Tips: Halloumi Hacks
Don't overcook it! Overcooked halloumi turns rubbery and sad. Aim for soft and slightly melty inside.
Common mistake: Leaving it too long before flipping. If it sticks, it’s not ready to flip. Be patient, mate!
make-ahead? You can grill the halloumi a few hours ahead. Just let it cool, then store it in the fridge.
Bring to room temperature before adding to your Refreshing Summer Salad or Feta and Watermelon Salad
You know, last summer, I tried to grill halloumi while simultaneously making a Mint Lime Dressing and prepping a Watermelon Salad recipe It was chaos! Burnt halloumi everywhere.
Learn from my mistakes, yeah? This Easy Salad Recipes is all about keeping it simple.
Honestly, grilling halloumi for this Mediterranean salad or even adding to your Salad with grilled cheese , will make it something unforgettable.
The sweet and salty combo with this Halloumi and watermelon is amazing! Now go make a Grilled Halloumi Salad !
Recipe Notes for Your Grilled Halloumi Salad
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You've got the recipe for this smashing watermelon salad recipe , but here are some extra bits and bobs to make it your own.
Think of these as your cheat codes to salad perfection.
Ace Presentation & Perfect Pairings
Plating this halloumi and watermelon beauty is a doddle. Get some nice big plates. Pile the salad high! Drizzle extra mint lime dressing for that wow factor.
Garnish with a few extra mint sprigs or a lime wedge. Bam! Instagram ready.
As for what to serve it with? This Mediterranean salad is fab on its own. It also is a belter with grilled chicken, fish, or even some veggie burgers.
Fancy a drink? A crisp white wine or even a fizzy elderflower presse works a treat!
Storing Your Summer Masterpiece
Got leftovers? No worries, mate! Pop the salad in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to two days.
Honestly, though, it's best eaten fresh. The rocket can get a bit sad if it sits too long.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this one. Watermelon doesn't do well in the freezer. It goes all mushy. Nobody wants that! When reheating the salad with grilled cheese , if you are using that instead of halloumi, gently warm in a pan.
Don't forget to add fresh herbs.
Get Creative: Salad Remixes
Fancy a bit of a twist? You can adapt this easy salad recipe to suit your needs.
Want to make it dairy-free? No problem. Just ditch the halloumi or feta. Use grilled tofu instead. It works surprisingly well.
For a seasonal swap, use peaches or nectarines instead of watermelon in the late summer. Honestly? Peaches with Grilled Halloumi are just brilliant!
All the Good Stuff: Nutrition Chat
Okay, I'm no nutritionist. This refreshing summer salad is packed with goodness. We are talking vitamins from the watermelon, protein from the halloumi, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
It's a winner! Each serving contains 350 calories. It includes 18g protein, 25g fat, and 15g carbohydrates.
So there you have it. Your summer salad recipes arsenal is now complete. Get in the kitchen and get creative. You'll have everyone begging for more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this halloumi and watermelon salad ahead of time?
While you can prep some elements in advance, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving. You can whisk the dressing and cube the watermelon earlier in the day, but hold off on grilling the halloumi and dressing the greens.
Dressing it too early will make the rocket go a bit soggy nobody wants a sad salad!
Help! My halloumi is sticking to the grill. What am I doing wrong?
Halloumi can be a bit cheeky and likes to stick sometimes! Make sure your grill pan is properly heated before adding the cheese. A light brush of olive oil on the grill grates and patting the halloumi dry with paper towels to remove excess water can also prevent sticking.
Also, don't be tempted to move it too early; let it form a nice golden crust before flipping.
I'm not a huge fan of halloumi. What else can I use in this salad?
No worries, there are plenty of alternatives! Grilled feta or paneer work well, offering a similar salty, slightly firm texture. For a vegan option, try grilled, well pressed tofu or marinated tempeh. You could even use avocado for a creamy texture, though it won’t be grilled. Get creative and make it your own!
How long will leftovers of this grilled halloumi salad last?
Honestly, this salad is best enjoyed immediately. But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Be aware that the watermelon might release some liquid and the greens may wilt a little, so it won't be quite as perky as when it was freshly made.
Think of it like leftover fish and chips, great when fresh!
Can I adapt this salad recipe to be vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian, simply ensure your feta (if using) is vegetarian friendly (some use animal rennet). For a vegan version, swap the halloumi for grilled tofu or marinated tempeh and omit the feta or replace it with a vegan alternative.
The rest of the salad is naturally vegan, so it's a doddle to adapt.
What are the nutritional benefits of this watermelon salad?
This salad is a nutritional winner! Watermelon is hydrating and packed with vitamins A and C. Halloumi provides protein and calcium, while the rocket and other greens offer vitamins and fiber. Olive oil contributes healthy fats, and the lime juice adds a boost of vitamin C.
Just remember that halloumi is relatively high in sodium, so keep that in mind if you're watching your salt intake. It's a bit like having your cake and eating it delicious and good for you (in moderation, of course!).
Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad With Mintlime
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |