Appetizer · Greek · Mediterranean ·

Traditional Cypriot Halloumi with Watermelon

Name: Traditional Cypriot Halloumi with Watermelon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Halloumi cheese, 250g, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces; Olive oil, 1 tablespoon; Watermelon, 1 kg, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes; Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons; Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh mint leaves, chopped; Sesame seeds, toasted

A classic combination of salty halloumi cheese paired with juicy, sweet watermelon for a perfect summer appetizer.

4.8(893 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 4, 2025

Traditional Cypriot Halloumi with Watermelon — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Halloumi

For the Watermelon

For the Dressing

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 369 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 20.75 g
Fat: 26.75 g
Fiber: 1.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1474 kcal
Protein: 56 g
Carbs: 83 g
Fat: 107 g
Fiber: 5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Halloumi cheese 250g, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces	755	48	4	60	0
Olive oil 1 tablespoon	120	0	0	14	0
Watermelon 1 kg, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes	300	6	76	1	4
Extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	28	0
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed	4	0	1	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Black pepper to taste	2	0	0	0	0
Fresh mint leaves chopped	1	0	0	0	0
Sesame seeds toasted	52	2	2	4	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Halloumi

1
Dry the halloumi
Pat dry the halloumi slices with a paper towel.
2
Oil the slices
Brush each slice with olive oil to prevent sticking during grilling.
Tip: Ensure that the halloumi is evenly oiled to avoid sticking to the grill.
3
Set aside
Set aside before grilling.

Preparing the Watermelon

1
Cube the watermelon
Slice the watermelon into cubes carefully, removing any seeds.
2
Chill the cubes
Refrigerate the cubes until ready to serve to keep them fresh and chilled.
Tip: Chill the watermelon pieces thoroughly for maximum refreshment.

How to Make Traditional Cypriot Halloumi with Watermelon

Total time: 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Grilling the Halloumi
Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat, then grill halloumi for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown with grill marks.
2
Mixing the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
3
Assembly
Layer grilled halloumi and watermelon cubes on a serving platter, then drizzle dressing over the top.