Watermelon & Halloumi Salad
Servings 4, Total time 15 minutes
This refreshing and zesty watermelon salad is perfect for any summer day. The salad is extremely easy to prepare, making it ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or as a delightful backyard snack. Growing up, Cypriots savor the combination of watermelon and halloumi daily during summer, which is a staple of Cypriot culture. This is no exaggeration; it's a timeless pairing deeply rooted in our traditions. The savory halloumi, tangy pickled onion, and sweet watermelon come together to create an explosion of flavors.
Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon, peeled
½ block Halloumi/ 100gr
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
½ cup red onion, pickled
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
½ tsp kosher salt
Freshly cracked pepper
Steps:
Cut the watermelon into pieces approximately 2x1 inches. Sprinkle with kosher salt and refrigerate in your serving dish until you are ready to serve.
Thinly slice the halloumi cheese using a mandoline or grate it.
In a small bowl, pour the balsamic vinegar and whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
When ready to serve, remove the watermelon from the fridge and top it with pickled red onion. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and scatter the sliced halloumi on top. Garnish with mint leaves and freshly cracked pepper.
Notes:
You can find the pickled red onion recipe in the “Pantry Essentials” section of the Recipes page.