Background on Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
The Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad is a dish that beautifully showcases the Mediterranean love for bold, contrasting flavors. Its combination of salty, briny halloumi cheese and cool, sweet watermelon reflects a time-honored tradition of pairing fresh summer produce with cheese for a light yet satisfying meal. This dish is not only vibrant in taste and presentation but also deeply rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh ingredients and simple preparations create unforgettable culinary experiences.
Origins and Inspiration
The inspiration behind this dish comes from the Mediterranean region, particularly from cuisines in Cyprus, Greece, and the Levant. Halloumi cheese, the star ingredient, originates from Cyprus and has been a staple of Mediterranean cooking for centuries. This semi-hard cheese, typically made from a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk, is known for its high melting point, allowing it to be grilled or pan-fried without losing its shape. Halloumi’s salty and chewy texture pairs wonderfully with juicy fruits, making watermelon an ideal counterpart.
Watermelon, on the other hand, has been enjoyed since antiquity, with its roots tracing back to North Africa. It became a popular summer treat across the Mediterranean due to its high water content and refreshing nature. The combination of halloumi and watermelon mirrors the region’s culinary philosophy: using few but high-quality ingredients to craft dishes bursting with flavor.
Why This Salad Works
One of the reasons why this salad is so appealing is its contrast in textures and flavors:
- Salty and Sweet: The mild saltiness of halloumi perfectly balances the natural sweetness of watermelon.
- Warm and Cool: Grilling the halloumi provides warmth and depth, complementing the cool, juicy bites of watermelon.
- Crunch and Creaminess: The cucumber adds a crisp element while the halloumi brings a creamy, slightly chewy texture.
The addition of extra virgin olive oil, fresh mint, and lemon juice enhances the dish with herbal brightness and tang. A final touch of black pepper lends a hint of spice to round out the flavors.
A Celebration of Summer
This salad is a quintessential summer dish, often enjoyed as a side at Mediterranean barbecues, picnics, or al fresco dinners. It is light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for hot days when heavy meals are less desirable. The recipe can also be easily adapted by adding toasted nuts (such as pine nuts) or swapping lemon juice for balsamic glaze for added complexity.
Beyond its refreshing taste, this dish is nutrient-rich. Halloumi provides a good dose of protein and calcium, while watermelon delivers hydration, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Combined with heart-healthy olive oil and hydrating cucumber, this salad is both nourishing and delicious.
Whether served as an appetizer, a side for grilled meats, or a light lunch on its own, Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad embodies the rustic elegance of Mediterranean cuisine, bringing people together over simple, wholesome ingredients that shine on their own.
Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
Equipment
- 1 Grill pan
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 9 ounces halloumi cheese sliced into 1cm thick slices
- 2 cups watermelon cubed
- 1 medium cucumber sliced into half-moons
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 200°C (392°F).
- Place the halloumi slices on the grill pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the cheese is golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, olive oil, mint, lemon juice, and black pepper. Gently toss until well mixed.
- Transfer the salad to serving plates and top with warm grilled halloumi slices. Drizzle any remaining dressing over the dish.