Fried Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-29 · Updated 2026-04-29

A refreshing salad combining salty fried halloumi cheese with sweet watermelon chunks and a bright mint dressing. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 16 minutes blends halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick, watermelon, cubed, fresh mint leaves, chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups mixed salad greens

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz halloumi slices and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges; remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the dressing.
3. Step 3: In a large serving bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens with 2 cups cubed watermelon, then drizzle the mint dressing over and toss gently to coat.
4. Step 4: Arrange the fried halloumi slices on top of the salad and serve immediately for a contrast of warm, salty cheese and cool, sweet watermelon.