Watermelon and cheese? Yeah, I know, probably sounds like a really gross combination, but if you've ever experienced the awesomeness that is watermelon salad with feta, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Watermelon and Cheese - Sounds Weird, Tastes Delicious!
In theory, this combination of ingredients really shouldn't work together.
Watermelon is sweet and juicy and crunchy, and feta is briny and creamy and soft. They're two polar opposites on the flavour spectrum, and not in a good way.
But when you add a little fresh lime juice and shreds of fresh mint, though, they magically come together in a glorious salty-sweet-tangy-refreshing salad that satisfies absolutely every craving you could possibly have on a hot summer's day.
(Well, except for a Fudgesicle craving. The only thing that fixes a Fudgesicle craving on a hot summer day is a Fudgesicle. Period, full stop, accept no substitutions.)
This particular version takes all of those same elements that make the classic so surprisingly good, and then ups the ante by adding my own personal weakness - gooey-in-the-middle, crispy-around-the-edges halloumi cheese fresh off the grill.
Meet Halloumi, Your New Favourite Cheese
Halloumi, if you've been living under a rock these past few years, is a semi-hard Cypriot cheese made from a mixture of goat and sheep's milk.
What makes it so great is its amazing ability to hold its shape even when it's exposed to heat, which is why Greek restaurants often use it for saganaki (aka "that flaming cheese thing").
Traditionally, it's pan-fried until crispy and golden-brown on the outside, and deliciously gooey on the inside. Add a few slices of crusty bread or toasted pita, and you've got yourself a little slice of heaven.
However, I must prefer it grilled on the barbecue... because if you know me, I'll take any opportunity I can to throw something on the grill.
Grilled halloumi still has that golden crispy outside and gooey inside, but there's the added benefit of that flame-kissed smoky flavour that you just can't get from a pan.
Still think I'm weird? Just trust me on this... this may just be the best thing you'll eat all summer.
Cool crunchy sweet watermelon. Hot gooey cheese. Your two summertime BFFs, together at last.
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Watermelon Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This salad pairs the refreshing sweetness of watermelon with the gooey saltiness of grilled halloumi cheese for a totally addictive summertime side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1" chunks
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup finely shredded fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
- Pinch salt
- ½ lb halloumi cheese, cut into ½" slices
- Mixed spring greens or baby arugula, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the watermelon with red onion, mint, lime juice and a generous pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Lightly brush the grill rack with a little olive oil. Arrange the halloumi on the hot grill and cook with the lid closed for about 1 minute per side or until the cheese is nicely golden brown around the edges and starting to melt.
- To serve, arrange a couple big handfuls of mixed greens on a large serving platter. Spoon the watermelon salad onto the greens, then arrange the slices of grilled haloumi on top. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad
M says
I have just tried this recipe; it's delicious and perfect for the season.
★★★★
shannon says
i love everything about this: watermelon pairs PERFECTLY with grilled halloumi, and it's one of my favorite summer salads. Plus, it's gorgeous, so that doesn't hurt. :)
Shareba @ In Search Of Yummy-ness says
I keep hearing about Halloumi but I haven't tried it yet. I like how you paired it in this salad though, it looks delicious!
Janice @Kitchen Heals Soul says
Halloumi + fruit makes the best salads! I love this. I often add peaches or nectarines with halloumi, but I bet watermelon would be fantastic too. I love the salty buttery flavour of halloumi. So, so good.
Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean says
I love watermelon and feta salad, so I'm thinking I'd love this even MORE. Thanks for the inspiration!
★★★★★
Julia (@Imagelicious) says
Love love love Halloumi (did I mention that I love Halloumi?)
Such a good salad idea. Must try it this summer!
★★★★★
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
I will confess to being rather picky about cheese (I grew up thinking Kraft singles were the only kind of cheese out there so understandably, my palate is sorta limited when it comes to cheese). That being said, I LOVE me some grilled cheese and I could totally see how it would be perfectly refreshing with watermelon. The only thing better would be a fudgesicle :)