Watermelon Halloumi Salad

🌞 Watermelon and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Looking for the perfect summer salad that’s light, refreshing, and just a little bit different? This Watermelon and Halloumi Salad is a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and creamy in one easy, satisfying dish.

Featuring juicy chunks of watermelon, tender baby spinach, spiralized zucchini noodles, and golden, seared halloumi cheese, this salad is everything you want on a hot day. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with hydrating produce, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather lunches, al fresco dinners, or summer entertaining.

The star here is the grilled halloumi—a firm, brined cheese that holds its shape beautifully on the grill, offering a salty contrast to the sweet melon and the freshness of the greens. A quick drizzle of olive oil and a handful of mint and lime brighten everything up with minimal effort.

If you're craving something fast, fresh, and just a little unexpected, this salad delivers both flavor and texture in every bite.

🧀 What Is Halloumi?

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese usually made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, that’s known for its high melting point and chewy, squeaky texture. The best way to make halloumi is to grill it or pan-fry it with a bit of oil. When grilled or seared, it develops a caramelized, golden exterior while maintaining its shape. Its salty, savory flavor makes it perfect for salads and skewers.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Halloumi Salad

• Ultra-refreshing – Watermelon hydrates, zucchini noodles add crunch, and spinach balances flavors.
• Quick to prepare – Slices of halloumi grill in just a few minutes—blissfully fast.
• Bursting with flavor – A sprinkle of fresh mint, lime zest, and olive oil elevates taste and texture.

🍉 Ingredients for Watermelon & Halloumi Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing, summer-ready salad:

• Lime Juice – Adds brightness and tang to balance the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the watermelon.
• Extra virgin olive oil, divided – For dressing the salad and brushing on the halloumi before grilling.
• Sea salt – Enhances the natural flavors; adjust to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper – A little heat balances the coolness of the watermelon and mint.
• Baby spinach – Tender greens that form the fresh base of the salad. Can substitute arugula for a peppery twist.
• Zucchini – Spiralized into zucchini noodles (zoodles) using a spiralizer or julienne peeler.
• Greek olives – Adds briny depth and Mediterranean flair.
• Fresh basil – Infuses the salad with aromatic, herbal brightness.
• Watermelon – Juicy, sweet fruit adds hydration, color, and natural sweetness. Cut into easy-to-eat triangles or cubes.
• Halloumi cheese – Grill until golden and crisp on the outside. (Substitute with fresh feta if halloumi isn't available and skip grilling.)
• Fresh mint – Offers a cool, refreshing finish that pairs beautifully with the watermelon.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Watermelon Halloumi Salad Step by Step

This salad comes together quickly with just a few steps. Here's how to make it:

🔹 Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Lime Juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Set aside while you prepare the halloumi.

🔹 Step 2: Grill or Broil the Halloumi

• Preheat your grill or set your oven to broil.
• Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil.
• Grill or broil each side until the cheese is golden and bubbling with lightly charred edges.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

🔁 No halloumi? Substitute with fresh feta and skip the grilling step.

🔹 Step 3: Toss the Salad

• In a large bowl, toss the baby spinach with half of the dressing.
• In a separate bowl, combine the zucchini noodles with the remaining dressing, olives and basil.

🔹 Step 4: Assemble and Serve

• Start with a base of dressed spinach on each plate or shallow bowl.
• Top with a portion of zucchini noodle mixture.
• Arrange wedges of fresh watermelon and grilled halloumi slices over the salad.
• Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh mint.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch more salt or a final drizzle of olive oil if desired.

🔹 Step 5: Serve Immediately

This salad is best served fresh while the halloumi is warm and the watermelon is chilled. It makes a perfect light lunch, summer starter, or colorful centerpiece for a picnic or barbecue.

🌿 Variations & Serving Ideas

• Add freshness: Substitute cucumber noodles for the zucchini.
• Crunch factor: Toss in toasted pine nuts.
• Fruit swap: Replace watermelon with grilled peaches.

✅ Tips for the Perfect Salad

• Dry your halloumi – Helps it brown crisply without sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill – Grill in batches for even searing.
• Use ripe watermelon – A juicy, sweet melon makes all the flavor difference.
• Zucchini prep – Pat zoodles dry to prevent watering down the salad.

🥗 Final Notes: A Summer Salad Worth Savoring

This Watermelon and Grilled Halloumi Salad is everything a summer recipe should be—fresh, fast, and full of flavor. The sweet crunch of watermelon, the salty richness of grilled halloumi, and the crisp bite of zucchini noodles come together in a dish that feels both refreshing and satisfying.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. And with simple swaps—like using feta instead of halloumi, or tossing in other herbs or greens—you can make it your own every time.

Whether you’re serving it as a light main or a colorful side, this salad brings vibrant flavor to the table—and is sure to become a warm-weather favorite.