Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Craving a refreshing, low-carb salad for summer? This **keto watermelon salad with grilled halloumi** is your answer! After making it countless times for cookouts, I discovered the secret is grilling the halloumi to perfection. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Potatoes and Carrots for a hearty winter meal and Pair this salad with these Easy Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs for a perfect summer dinner.
Why This Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy grilled halloumi adds a savory contrast to sweet watermelon
- Fresh mint and tangy lime dressing balance flavors perfectly
- Easy to make ahead for summer cookouts and potlucks
- Satisfying and filling, yet low in carbs
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.
- Watermelon
- Halloumi cheese
- Fresh mint leaves
- Red onion
- Lime
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lime juice
- Honey (optional)
- Optional: Pepitas
- Optional: Feta cheese
- Optional: Balsamic glaze
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Watermelon: Seedless watermelon works best for this recipe.
- Halloumi cheese: Ensure your halloumi is not pre-grilled or marinated.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron grill pan — Achieves perfect grill marks on halloumi → See on Amazon
- High-speed blender — Makes smooth, creamy dressings in seconds → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Prepare watermelon: Cut watermelon into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Grill halloumi: Slice halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices, brush with olive oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Make dressing: Blend lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using) until smooth.
- Assemble salad: Add grilled halloumi, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh mint leaves to the bowl with watermelon. Pour dressing over the top and gently toss to combine.
- Serve: Divide salad among plates, garnish with optional toppings, and serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
- Pro tip: Grill halloumi at high heat to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid over-dressing the salad. Start with half the dressing and add more to taste.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Pro tip: Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add optional toppings just before serving.
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: Prepare all ingredients and dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Combine 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 applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegan version, omit the halloumi and add extra watermelon or avocado.
- Best substitution: Substitute feta cheese for halloumi if preferred.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If watermelon is not sweet enough, add a touch of honey to the dressing.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality chef's knife — Makes quick work of slicing watermelon and red onion → Check price on Amazon
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Watermelon
- Halloumi cheese
- Fresh mint leaves
- Red onion
- Lime
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lime juice
- Honey (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Pepitas
- Feta cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare watermelon: Cut watermelon into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Grill halloumi: Slice halloumi into 1/2-inch thick slices, brush with olive oil, and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Make dressing: Blend lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using) until smooth.
- Assemble salad: Add grilled halloumi, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh mint leaves to the bowl with watermelon. Pour dressing over the top and gently toss to combine.
- Serve: Divide salad among plates, garnish with optional toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegan version, omit the halloumi and add extra watermelon or avocado.
- Best substitution: Substitute feta cheese for halloumi if preferred.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If watermelon is not sweet enough, add a touch of honey to the dressing.
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 applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare all ingredients and dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Combine just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sat. Fat: 8g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Keto Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Summer Salad FAQs
Yes, prepare all ingredients and dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Combine just before serving.
Ensure your halloumi is not pre-grilled or marinated. Grill at high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Yes, watermelon is low in carbs and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for a keto diet.
Yes, feta cheese is a great substitute for halloumi.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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!
