Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Skewers

Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Skewers

Mia

These stunning Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Skewers represent the very best of Mediterranean cuisine—simple, fresh ingredients combined in unexpected ways to create something truly magical. The contrast between warm, golden-brown halloumi cheese with its squeaky texture and cool, juicy watermelon cubes creates a flavor experience that delights every palate. Fresh mint leaves add an aromatic brightness that ties everything together, while a silky balsamic reduction provides the perfect sweet-tart finishing touch.

Halloumi, a traditional Cypriot cheese made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, has become a beloved ingredient across the Mediterranean region. Its high melting point makes it ideal for grilling, developing a beautiful caramelized crust while maintaining its distinctive texture inside. When paired with watermelon—a fruit that has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for centuries—the salty-sweet combination becomes utterly addictive.

Perfect for summer gatherings, poolside entertaining, or as an elegant appetizer for dinner parties, these skewers are as beautiful as they are delicious. They come together quickly, require minimal cooking, and can be assembled just before serving to maintain the perfect temperature contrast. The presentation is always impressive, with vibrant colors and architectural appeal that make them Instagram-worthy while remaining authentically rooted in Mediterranean culinary tradition.

This recipe embodies the Mediterranean diet's emphasis on fresh, whole ingredients, healthy fats from cheese, and the creative use of seasonal produce. It's a celebration of simplicity and quality, proving that sometimes the most memorable dishes are those that let exceptional ingredients shine with minimal intervention.

Mia

Mia

Recipe Author: Welcome to Mia's Kitchen, where every recipe is plant-forward, anti-inflammatory, and full of flavor. Her meals make it easy to eat well, support gut health, and enjoy balanced, wholesome cooking at home.

Nutrition

21 minutes
None servings
185 calories
Fat 11.00g
Carbs 14.00g
Protein 9.00g

Ingredients

1 lbhalloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cupsseedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
24 leavesfresh mint leaves, whole, medium-sized
1/2 cupbalsamic vinegar
1 tbsphoney
2 tbspolive oil
1/4 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 tbspfresh lemon juice (optional)
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
paper towels
tongs
small mixing bowl
measuring cups and spoons
pastry brush
serving platter
sharp knife
grill or grill pan
small saucepan
wooden or metal skewers (12)
spoon for drizzling

80/20 Diet

This recipe aligns with 80/20 principles as the majority of ingredients are nutrient-dense whole foods including fresh watermelon, mint, olive oil, and lemon juice (the '80'), with halloumi cheese and honey providing flavor and satisfaction (the '20'). The emphasis remains on fresh, minimally processed ingredients.

Clean Eating

These skewers exemplify clean eating principles with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh watermelon, natural halloumi cheese, fresh mint, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. The recipe avoids artificial additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients while celebrating simple, recognizable whole foods.

Flexitarian Diet

Perfect for flexitarian eating with its plant-forward approach featuring watermelon and fresh mint as primary ingredients, complemented by moderate amounts of halloumi cheese. The recipe emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods with abundant fresh produce.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing only halloumi cheese, watermelon, fresh mint, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and spices—all ingredients that are free from wheat, barley, rye, and gluten-containing grains.

Intermittent Fasting

These skewers are ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing nutrient-dense whole foods with protein from halloumi cheese, hydration from watermelon, and healthy fats from olive oil. The balanced combination supports satiety and stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating by offering a satisfying, balanced combination of flavors and textures without restriction or guilt. The sweet watermelon, salty halloumi, and fresh mint create a pleasurable eating experience that honors both taste preferences and gentle nutrition.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean cuisine with its emphasis on fresh, whole ingredients including olive oil, fresh herbs (mint), and moderate use of cheese. The combination of halloumi, watermelon, and balsamic reduction showcases the Mediterranean approach of simple preparations that let quality ingredients shine, while providing healthy fats and minimal processing.

Mindful Eating

Perfect for mindful eating with its engaging sensory experience—the contrast between warm, golden halloumi and cool, juicy watermelon, aromatic mint, and glossy balsamic reduction. The varied textures, vibrant colors, and complex flavor profile encourage slow, conscious consumption and full sensory appreciation.

Vegetarian Diet

This recipe is completely vegetarian, featuring halloumi cheese as the protein source alongside fresh watermelon and mint. It provides a satisfying meatless option that's rich in protein and calcium from the cheese while avoiding all meat, poultry, and seafood.

Instructions

1

Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. If using metal skewers, skip this step.

15 min
2
2 min

Prepare the balsamic reduction by combining balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

3
10 min

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the balsamic mixture, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.

4

While the balsamic reduces, cut the halloumi cheese into 1-inch cubes. You should have approximately 24 cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

3 min
5

Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing any seeds if present. You'll need approximately 24 cubes to match the halloumi.

3 min
6

Rinse and pat dry the fresh mint leaves. Select 24 medium-sized, unblemished leaves for threading onto the skewers.

1 min
7

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with freshly ground black pepper. Brush this mixture lightly over the halloumi cubes on all sides.

2 min
8

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot, about 3-4 minutes. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4 min
9
6 min

Place the halloumi cubes directly on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown grill marks appear and the cheese is warmed through but still holds its shape.

10

Remove the grilled halloumi from the heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes until just warm but still soft enough to pierce with skewers.

2 min
11

Assemble the skewers by threading ingredients in this order: one watermelon cube, one mint leaf (folded if large), one halloumi cube, another mint leaf, and another watermelon cube. Repeat to make 12 skewers with 2 pieces each of halloumi and watermelon per skewer.

5 min
12

Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic reduction generously over the skewers in a decorative pattern.

1 min
13

If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm.

Frequently Asked Questions