Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon

Name: Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-in thick; 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or sliced; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tsp honey; 2 tsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or reduced); 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn; 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Salty, golden-seared halloumi cheese paired with sweet chilled watermelon, fresh mint, and a drizzle of honey and balsamic - a stunning summer appetizer ready in minutes.

21 minEasyServes 4260 cal/serving

MediterraneanAppetizerGrillVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-in thick
4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or sliced
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp honey
2 tsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or reduced)
2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1

Pat 8 oz sliced 1/2-in thick halloumi cheese dry with a paper towel and brush lightly with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil on both sides.
2

Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden grill marks appear. Do not move the slices until they release easily.
3

Arrange 4 cups cubed or sliced seedless watermelon on a serving platter. Place the warm halloumi slices over the watermelon.
4

Drizzle everything with 2 tsp honey and 2 tsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or reduced).
5

Scatter 2 tbsp torn fresh mint leaves over the top and finish with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

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Prints the ingredients and method only.

Questions

How do I know when Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until deep golden grill marks appear.

Why pat it dry first in Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon?

Step 1 reads: "Pat 8 oz sliced 1/2-in thick halloumi cheese dry with a paper towel and brush lightly with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil on both sides." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 1 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of halloumi in Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon?

The entry for Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon calls for 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-in thick. In its place: Paneer or queso para freir also holds its shape in a hot pan. Both are less salty, so season them.

Is Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon comes from 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the chili flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-in thick) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

Is Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-in thick and 2 tsp honey. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

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