Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Craving a refreshing, low-carb salad that’s perfect for summer cookouts? This easy keto grilled halloumi and watermelon summer salad is just what you need. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the perfect balance of salty and sweet in every bite. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Sausage Gravy Enchiladas for a Cozy Dinner and Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils Recipe for Easy Dinner.
Why This Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad Is Pure Comfort
- The perfect balance of salty and sweet
- Easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts
- A refreshing, low-carb option that's satisfying
- Beautiful presentation that's sure to impress
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
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Pine nuts
- Optional: Balsamic glaze
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Halloumi cheese: Make sure to use unsalted halloumi for this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Grill pan — Even grilling and easy cleanup → See on Amazon
- Kitchen scale — Accurate portion control for a keto diet → 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 sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and grill marks appear.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Grill the watermelon for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled halloumi, grilled watermelon, and fresh mint. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to combine. Top with pine nuts and balsamic glaze, if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking the watermelon can make it mushy. To prevent this, keep an eye on the watermelon as it grills and remove it as soon as grill marks appear.
- Tip: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the salad.
- Tip: Make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together and become even more delicious.
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 fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time.
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: Using unsalted halloumi allows you to control the saltiness of the salad.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with feta cheese.
- Make-ahead: This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not browning, try increasing the heat of your grill pan or using a grill instead.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality balsamic glaze — Adds a rich, tangy flavor to the salad → Check price on Amazon
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese
- Watermelon
- Fresh mint
- Lemon
- Olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Pine nuts
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the halloumi: Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and grill marks appear.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Grill the watermelon for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled halloumi, grilled watermelon, and fresh mint. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to combine. Top with pine nuts and balsamic glaze, if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Using unsalted halloumi allows you to control the saltiness of the salad.
- Best substitution: If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with feta cheese.
- Make-ahead: This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your halloumi is not browning, try increasing the heat of your grill pan or using a grill instead.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge 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: This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- 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, this salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Overcooking the watermelon can make it mushy. To prevent this, keep an eye on the watermelon as it grills and remove it as soon as grill marks appear.
While this salad is perfect for summer cookouts, you can still enjoy it in the winter. Simply omit the grilling step and cook the halloumi and watermelon in a pan on the stove.
If you can't find halloumi, you can substitute it with feta cheese.
Yes, you can make this salad without the grill. Simply cook the halloumi and watermelon in a pan on the stove.
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!
