Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon (Printable)

Golden grilled halloumi, caramelized watermelon and fresh mint on skewers for a bright summer starter.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese & Produce

01 - 250 g halloumi cheese, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
02 - 400 g watermelon, rind removed, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
03 - 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
04 - 1 small bunch fresh mint leaves

→ Marinade

05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tsp lemon zest
07 - 2 tsp lemon juice
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Cook:

01 - In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
02 - Add halloumi cubes and red onion chunks to the marinade. Toss gently to coat. Marinate for 10 minutes.
03 - Thread skewers alternately with halloumi, watermelon cubes, red onion, and mint leaves.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Oil lightly if needed.
05 - Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until the halloumi is golden and slightly charred but not melted, and the watermelon is lightly caramelized.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh mint if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The snappy, salty halloumi next to sweet, juicy watermelon is one of those flavor combinations you don't forget.
  • I was surprised how quickly this impressed even the most skeptical guests—it's as much a conversation starter as an appetizer.
02 -
  • If you let the halloumi grill for too long, it softens and can slip right off the skewers.
  • Marinating the onion with the cheese mellows its bite and keeps it juicy, which I learned after many failed, dry experiments.
03 -
  • Grill the cheese just until the edges are crisp; wait too long, and it toughens up fast.
  • Brush your grill or grill pan with extra oil right before adding the skewers for the perfect golden crust.
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