On a hot day, there aren't many things better than a bowl filled with cold, juicy fruit. But sometimes a classic fruit salad can dull down even the snazziest of events. So why not add some cheese? And to really ramp things up, add halloumi, the magical grill-able cheese from the island of Cyprus. 

If you're unfamiliar with halloumi It's a sheep's milk cheese that originated on the Greek island of Cyprus. If you're able to visit this lovely country, locals can be seen eating their cheese with juicy chunks of watermelon. Aside from having the ability to be grilled or fried, halloumi is special in another way. Unlike most cheeses, which are made with animal rennet (enzymes produced in the stomachs of ruminant mammals), halloumi doesn't have any, so it's a true vegetarian cheese.

The next time you get the gang together, treat them with this grilled halloumi salad. And when it's time to grill the cheese, make sure you have an audience.

Grilled Halloumi Salad

  • Prep Time:10 mins
  • Cook Time:10 mins
  • Total Time:20 mins
  • Servings:4
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • 1 package halloumi cheese
  • 3 cups cubed watermelon
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/3 cup fresh mint
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
watermelon, salsa, tomato, pepper, vegetable
Alexis Clark
  • Step 1

    Slice rind off the watermelon and cube 3 cups-worth of fruit.

    salmon, tuna, seafood, fillet, ham, sashimi, beef, pork, steak, fish, meat
    Alexis Clark
  • Step 2

    Slice 2 cups of strawberries (using a straw makes it easier to remove the stem).

    sweet, berry, strawberry
    Alexis Clark
  • Step 3

    Chop 1 cup of spinach. Set aside.

    basil, spinach, vegetable
    Alexis Clark
  • Step 4

    Take halloumi cheese out of package and rinse. Then broil two slices on high for 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and bubbly.

    meat, sweet, dairy product
    Alexis Clark
  • Step 5

    Add watermelon, strawberries, spinach and grilled cheese to bowl.

    watermelon, tomato, strawberry, salad
    Alexis Clark
  • Step 6

    Sprinkle fresh mint on top, a 1/3 cup or more if you're so inclined.

    cheese, basil, lettuce, pepper, salad, tomato, vegetable
    Alexis Clark
  • Step 7

    Mix in juice from half a lemon, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1/3 cup of olive oil. Mix and enjoy.

    lettuce, salsa, basil, salad, pepper, vegetable, tomato
    Alexis Clark