🥗 Warm Halloumi & Watermelon Salad with Basil Oil

 

Why It’s Refreshing: A sweet-salty Mediterranean salad—grilled halloumi, juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, and fragrant basil oil—perfect for “summer salads,” “grilled cheese recipes,” and “Mediterranean diet.”

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1. Salad

   • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2″

   • 4 cups watermelon cubes

   • 4 cups arugula

   • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

2. Basil Oil

   • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

   • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

   • 1 clove garlic

   • Pinch salt

3. Finish

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Flaky sea salt & cracked pepper

Method

1. Make Basil Oil: In a blender, pulse basil, oil, garlic, and salt until smooth; strain.

2. Grill Halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Grill halloumi slices 2–3 min per side until golden.

3. Toss Salad: In a bowl, combine arugula, watermelon, and red onion. Drizzle with lemon juice.

4. Assemble: Arrange salad on a platter, top with warm halloumi, drizzle basil oil, and finish with sea salt and pepper.

Pro Tips

• Halloumi Crisp: Pat cheese dry and preheat pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

• Oil Brightness: Blend basil with chilled oil for vivid green color.

• Fruit Variations: Swap watermelon for mango or peaches in season.

Final Thoughts

This Warm Halloumi & Watermelon Salad is summer in a bowl, delivering sweet, salty, and herbal notes in one Instagram-ready dish. Tag #DaillyRecipes for peak visual and flavor appeal!