Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad is your new go-to summer dish. After making this dozens of times, I’ve mastered the perfect balance of crispy halloumi and juicy watermelon. The trick I discovered is grilling the halloumi until it’s golden and slightly charred. This salad is fresh, light, and better than takeout. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe With Creamy Texture and Easy Sausage Gravy Enchiladas for a Cozy Dinner.
Why This Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy grilled halloumi
- Juicy watermelon
- Fresh mint and basil
- Easy to make, perfect for summer cookouts
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
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Pine nuts
- Optional: Feta cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Halloumi cheese: Make sure to slice the halloumi thickly for best results.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Grill Pan — Even grilling for perfect halloumi → See on Amazon
- Chef's Knife — Easy slicing of watermelon and halloumi → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Slice halloumi into thick slices and brush with olive oil. Grill until golden and slightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Cut watermelon into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, grilled halloumi, fresh mint, and fresh basil.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overcooking the halloumi. It can become tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the grill as soon as it's golden and slightly charred.
- Time-saving tip: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent the watermelon from breaking down.
- Nutrition tip: This salad is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great choice for a keto diet.
Storing & Reheating Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving.
Freezing Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary for this recipe. Microwave: Not necessary for this recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with feta or paneer cheese.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not melting, it's likely not fresh. Try using a different brand or make sure it's not too old.
Want to level up this recipe?
Grill Pan — Even grilling for perfect halloumi → Check price on Amazon
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Fresh mint
- Fresh basil
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Pine nuts
- Feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Slice halloumi into thick slices and brush with olive oil. Grill until golden and slightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Cut watermelon into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, grilled halloumi, fresh mint, and fresh basil.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with feta or paneer cheese.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not melting, it's likely not fresh. Try using a different brand or make sure it's not too old.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary for this recipe.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary for this recipe.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
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 prepare the salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent the watermelon from breaking down.
If your halloumi is not melting, it's likely not fresh. Try using a different brand or make sure it's not too old.
Yes, you can substitute halloumi with feta or paneer cheese.
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
This salad is great on its own or served with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein.
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!
