Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint
A refreshing Greek-inspired salad combining crispy golden halloumi cheese with sweet watermelon and bright mint leaves. This greek-inspired greek (vegetarian) ready in about 16 minutes pairs cubed watermelon, chopped fresh mint leaves, medium, diced cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces halloumi cheese
- 2 cups, cubed watermelon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups, washed and dried arugula
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz halloumi slices and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 2 cups cubed watermelon, 4 cups arugula, 1 medium diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Step 3: Add the warm halloumi to the salad bowl. Drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over everything and sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Toss gently to combine and serve immediately while halloumi is warm and salad is crisp and refreshing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint?
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 cubed watermelon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint?
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 Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint 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 Pan-Seared Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint 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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