Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad pairing smoky grilled watermelon and salty halloumi cheese, drizzled with a sweet and tangy strawberry vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs thick slices, about 1 inch watermelon, hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, extra virgin olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to about 400°F. Lightly brush 2 cups of thick 1-inch watermelon slices and 8 oz sliced halloumi cheese with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Grill the watermelon slices for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks develop and the flesh softens slightly; grill halloumi slices 2 minutes per side until golden and slightly melted.
  3. Step 3: In a blender or small bowl, combine 1/2 cup hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend or whisk until smooth to create the strawberry vinaigrette.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 3 cups of fresh arugula on a serving platter. Top with grilled watermelon, grilled halloumi, and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves over the top.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the strawberry vinaigrette evenly over the salad, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the halloumi is warm.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Strawberry 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Strawberry 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 Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Strawberry 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.

What goes well with Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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