Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad is the perfect light and refreshing dish for summer cookouts. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the perfect crispy halloumi every time. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup for Cozy Dinners and Easy Overnight Oats with Kiwi and Chia Seeds Recipe.
Why This Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy halloumi cheese with a salty tang
- Sweet and juicy watermelon for a refreshing contrast
- Fresh mint and a tangy lime dressing for a perfect summer salad
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prepping
What You'll Need for Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Red onion
- Optional: Cucumber
- Optional: Pine nuts
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Halloumi cheese: Make sure to pat it dry before grilling to get a nice crispy texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Grill Pan — Gives perfect grill marks and helps prevent the halloumi from sticking. → See on Amazon
- Mandoline Slicer — Makes quick work of slicing the watermelon thinly and evenly. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Prepare the halloumi: Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
- Prepare the watermelon: Using a mandoline slicer, slice the watermelon into thin rounds. Cut the rounds in half to make half-moons.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled halloumi, watermelon, fresh mint, and dressing. Toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Common mistake and fix: Don't skip patting the halloumi dry. This helps it get crispy instead of soggy.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the salad.
- Pro tip: Make sure to use seedless watermelon for easy prep and a better texture.
- Pro tip: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The watermelon may release some liquid, but it will still be delicious.
Storing & Reheating Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 1 hour ahead.
Freezing Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Using a grill pan helps get those beautiful grill marks and prevents the halloumi from sticking.
- Best substitution: Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for halloumi, but it won't be as crispy.
- Make-ahead: This salad can be made up to 1 hour ahead. The watermelon may release some liquid, but it will still be delicious.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi isn't crispy, try patting it dry again and increasing the heat of your grill pan.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mandoline Slicer — Makes quick work of slicing the watermelon thinly and evenly. Pays for itself in time saved and even slices. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves
Seasonings
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Red onion
- Cucumber
- Pine nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the halloumi: Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Grill the halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
- Prepare the watermelon: Using a mandoline slicer, slice the watermelon into thin rounds. Cut the rounds in half to make half-moons.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled halloumi, watermelon, fresh mint, and dressing. Toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Chef tip: Using a grill pan helps get those beautiful grill marks and prevents the halloumi from sticking.
- Best substitution: Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for halloumi, but it won't be as crispy.
- Make-ahead: This salad can be made up to 1 hour ahead. The watermelon may release some liquid, but it will still be delicious.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi isn't crispy, try patting it dry again and increasing the heat of your grill pan.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 hour ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 11g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad FAQs
Yes, you can make this salad up to 1 hour ahead. The watermelon may release some liquid, but it will still be delicious.
You might have skipped patting the halloumi dry before grilling. This helps it get crispy instead of soggy.
Yes, you can use feta cheese as a substitute for halloumi, but it won't be as crispy.
Yes, this salad is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great option for a low-carb diet.
Yes, you can add other ingredients like sliced red onion, cucumber, or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
