Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing summer salad featuring smoky grilled halloumi paired with sweet watermelon and a zesty mint vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 21 minutes pairs halloumi cheese, cubed seedless watermelon, chopped fresh mint leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Slice 8 oz halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices and brush both sides with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and grill marks appear, then set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves until the vinaigrette is emulsified and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens and 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon. Drizzle with the prepared mint vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the grilled halloumi slices over the dressed salad and sprinkle any remaining mint on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm cheese and cool watermelon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halloumi cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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