The Ultimate 5-Ingredient Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint

Looking for a recipe that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint! This salad is a burst of summery freshness, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the salty tang of feta and the satisfying chew of grilled halloumi. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds a delightful kick. I first discovered this combination at a friend’s summer party, and it instantly became a favorite. It’s the perfect dish for a casual get-together or a light yet impressive weeknight meal.

This Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal cooking time, and uses readily available ingredients. The beautiful colors and contrasting textures make it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

Before we dive in, here are the key details for this Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint recipe:

❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Summery Spicy Watermelon Salad

• Incredibly Delicious: The sweet watermelon, salty feta, and slightly spicy chili flakes create a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The grilled halloumi adds a lovely smoky element and a pleasing texture contrast.
• Easy to Make: This salad requires minimal effort. The halloumi grills quickly, and the rest of the assembly is a breeze. Ensure you properly mince your garlic for the best flavor infusion.
• Perfect for Summer Gatherings: This vibrant salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any summer celebration.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference, add other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers, or experiment with different herbs.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to gather to make this amazing Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint. We recommend using high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If you’re unfamiliar with halloumi, it’s a semi-hard, brined cheese that holds its shape well when grilled, making it ideal for this salad.

• ✓ 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• ✓ 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced
• ✓ 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• ✓ 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• ✓ 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ✓ 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• ✓ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• ✓ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For a truly authentic taste, consider using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You can also substitute the red onion with another type of onion, or leave it out altogether if you prefer.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this vibrant summer salad step by step. It’s easier than you think!

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cube the watermelon, slice the halloumi, chop the mint, and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside.
2. Grill the Halloumi: Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, grilled halloumi, crumbled feta, chopped mint, and thinly sliced red onion.
4. Season and Toss: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Grilling the halloumi gives it a beautiful golden-brown color and a delightful smoky flavor.

💡 Expert Tips for Success

Want to guarantee perfect results every time you make this salad? Keep these tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature ingredients helps ensure even cooking of the halloumi and better flavor blending overall.
• Measure Correctly: Ensure you accurately measure your ingredients, especially the olive oil and red pepper flakes, to achieve the desired flavor balance.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently toss the salad to avoid breaking up the watermelon or halloumi.
• Check for Doneness: Grill the halloumi until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy, but not burnt. The ideal internal temperature should be around 140°F (60°C).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

• Serve with crusty bread: The salty feta and grilled halloumi pair wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair with a chilled Rosé: A crisp Rosé wine complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the salad beautifully.
• Perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish: The salad makes a refreshing and flavorful side dish to grilled proteins.

The contrasting colors and textures make this salad a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

🥡 Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store leftover Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the watermelon may release some moisture over time.

Freezing Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint: We do not recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the watermelon and halloumi will likely change upon thawing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint recipe vegan?

To make this salad vegan, substitute the feta and halloumi with vegan alternatives. Many brands offer delicious vegan feta and halloumi cheeses that work well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to suit your preferences.

What’s the best type of watermelon to use?

Choose a ripe, sweet watermelon with a deep red color and juicy flesh. Seedless varieties are most convenient, but seeded watermelons work just as well.

Can I prepare parts of this Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint ahead of time?

You can certainly prep some components ahead of time! You can cube the watermelon and slice the red onion a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Grill the halloumi ahead of time and store it separately as well. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

📖 More Recipes You Might Like

If you loved this Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint, you’re sure to enjoy these other delicious recipes:

• Sunshine Honey Lime Fruit Salad with Poppy Seeds (Refreshing & Easy!)
• Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad recipe with Balsamic Dressing
• Easy Crab Ceviche Recipe (Ceviche de Jaiba )

Final Thoughts

Making this Spicy Watermelon & Feta Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Mint is always a rewarding experience-it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Happy cooking!