: The Perfect Balance Of Juicy Fruit And Crispy Cheese
15 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
6
Ingredients
Veg + Dairy
Diet
Halloumi watermelon salad is the kind of dish that truly captures the feeling of summer on a plate. With its juicy, refreshing watermelon and warm, golden halloumi, it brings together a beautiful contrast of flavours and textures. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the salty, slightly firm cheese, creating a balance that feels both light and satisfying. It’s simple, fresh, and exactly the sort of dish you’ll crave on hot days when you want something easy yet full of flavour.
This watermelon salad is also wonderfully quick to put together, which is why it stands out among watermelon recipes. The halloumi is lightly fried until crisp and golden on the outside while staying soft inside. A fresh herb dressing made with mint, basil, and olive oil adds a burst of brightness. Once everything is ready, the salad comes together by simply arranging the watermelon and halloumi on a platter and drizzling the dressing over the top. It’s effortless but looks impressive enough for guests.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a larger spread, this salad fits in easily. This watermelon recipe highlights the natural freshness of the fruit, and the addition of halloumi makes it more filling and satisfying. The mix of sweet, salty, juicy, and crisp textures creates a dish that feels vibrant, summery, and perfect for a relaxed meal anytime.
Cut the halloumi into large cubes and the watermelon into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry the mint and basil leaves. Keep everything ready to make the cooking process smooth and quick.
Description - Step 2
Fry the halloumi
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat. Add the halloumi cubes and fry them. Turn occasionally so that they turn crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove them gently and place them on a plate.
Description - Step 3
Make the herb dressing
In a small blender or food processor, add mint leaves, basil leaves, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
Description - Step 4
Assemble the salad
Arrange the watermelon cubes on a serving platter. Place the warm, crispy halloumi on top or around the watermelon. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Lastly, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top.
Halloumi is a traditional Cypriot cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a mild flavour, slightly salty taste, and a firm texture perfect for frying or grilling.
Halloumi watermelon salad is a fresh summer dish made with juicy watermelon, crispy fried halloumi, and a light herb dressing, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and refreshing flavours.
For this watermelon recipe, you can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to fry the halloumi and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the texture crisp and the flavours fresh.
Yes, halloumi is great in salads. It can be used raw, grilled, or fried, adding a salty flavour and firm texture that pairs well with fresh vegetables and fruits.