Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad is the perfect light and refreshing dish for hot summer days. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the halloumi just right on the grill. The crispy exterior and melty interior pairs perfectly with the juicy watermelon and fresh mint. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Strawberry Matcha Sago Dessert Recipe and Easy Grilled Mexican Street Corn Recipe for Summer BBQs.
Why This Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy exterior with a melty interior
- Juicy watermelon for a refreshing twist
- Tangy dressing that complements the flavors
- Easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts
What You'll Need for Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Optional: Pine nuts
- Optional: Crumbled feta
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Halloumi cheese: Make sure to pat it dry before grilling to get a nice crispy exterior.
- Watermelon: Seedless watermelon works best for this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Grill pan — Even grilling for perfect halloumi → See on Amazon
- Kitchen scale — Accurate measurements for keto macros → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Prepare the halloumi: Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and remove any remaining seeds.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled halloumi, watermelon, and fresh mint leaves. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine. Garnish with pine nuts or crumbled feta if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the halloumi or it will become rubbery. If this happens, try using less heat next time.
- Substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can use feta or paneer as a substitute.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the halloumi and watermelon ahead of time, but don't dress the salad until ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the halloumi and watermelon ahead of time, but don't dress the salad until ready to serve.
Freezing Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary for this recipe. Microwave: Not recommended for this recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can use feta or paneer as a substitute.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the halloumi and watermelon ahead of time, but don't dress the salad until ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not melting, try using less heat next time.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality grill pan — Ensures even heat distribution for perfect grilling → Check price on Amazon
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
Optional Toppings
- Pine nuts
- Crumbled feta
Instructions
- Prepare the halloumi: Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and remove any remaining seeds.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled halloumi, watermelon, and fresh mint leaves. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine. Garnish with pine nuts or crumbled feta if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can use feta or paneer as a substitute.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the halloumi and watermelon ahead of time, but don't dress the salad until ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not melting, try using less heat next time.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary for this recipe.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the halloumi and watermelon ahead of time, but don't dress the salad until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the halloumi and watermelon ahead of time, but don't dress the salad until ready to serve.
You may have overcooked it. Try using less heat next time.
Yes, watermelon is low in carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet.
Yes, feta can be used as a substitute for halloumi in this recipe.
Pine nuts or crumbled feta work well as garnishes for this salad.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
