Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Stacks

Name: Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Stacks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 400g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces; 1 small watermelon, cut into thick rounds; Fresh mint leaves, for garnish; Olive oil, for grilling; Salt, to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

For something this simple, it has no right being this good. I first tried this during a summer picnic, grabbing whatever was in the fridge and finding a surprising match with grilled halloumi and juicy watermelon. Honestly, the salty cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet watermelon, and my friends polished off the whole plate in no time. Trust me, if you’re looking for a refreshing, easy snack or appetizer, you’ve got to try this combination.

Created by

The Dishdune Team

Last updated on 2026-05-19T17:06:19.786Z

It was one of those sweltering afternoons when I decided to throw a little picnic in my backyard. I rummaged through the fridge and found halloumi cheese and some leftover watermelon. The idea of grilling the cheese intrigued me, and it turned into a delightful surprise when I stacked it with the watermelon. My neighbor popped by and was blown away; they asked if I'd make it again the next day.

Honestly, I didn't expect something so simple could impress so much, but the contrast of textures and flavors was something else. Next time, I might add a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top for a little extra zing, but even without it, this dish is a real winner.

Why This Works So Well

The combo of sweet and salty is just so satisfying
You can make it in 15 minutes, no kidding
Grilling halloumi gives it that perfect golden crust

Choosing Your Ingredients

For the best result, look for halloumi cheese that’s firm but not too rubbery. It should slice easily without crumbling. When picking your watermelon, choose one that feels heavy for its size, and check for a uniform, creamy yellow spot on one side. This indicates it’s ripe and sweet.

Fresh mint leaves really make a difference here, so don’t skip them. If you can’t find fresh mint, you could sprinkle in a bit of dried mint, but it won’t give you that same refreshing kick. And try to use good quality olive oil; it adds a lovely depth when drizzled on top.

A Quick Note on Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Stacks

This recipe comes together pretty quickly, which is just what you want during those hot summer days when you don't want to spend too long in the kitchen. Honestly, it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. I find that when the halloumi is still warm, it contrasts beautifully with the cool, juicy watermelon.

If you want to be extra fancy, try adding a squeeze of lime juice over the stacks before serving. It gives a nice little zing to the overall taste. That said, I sometimes forget this step and it still tastes great—don’t stress too much about it.

Ingredients

For the Stacks

400g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
1 small watermelon, cut into thick rounds
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Olive oil, for grilling
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Grill the Halloumi

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle a bit of olive oil on it. Once it's hot, add the halloumi slices. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown. Keep an eye on them, they can burn quickly!

Prep the Watermelon

While the cheese is grilling, slice the watermelon into thick rounds, about an inch thick. You want them sturdy enough to hold up with the cheese. I usually pat them dry a bit with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Assemble the Stacks

Place a watermelon round on a plate, then add a hot slice of grilled halloumi on top. Layer another watermelon slice on top, and repeat until you're out of ingredients. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt.

Garnish and Serve

Add fresh mint leaves on top for some color and extra fragrance. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm. You’ll definitely want to dig in right away!

Pro Tips

If you can't find halloumi, try using any firm cheese that can be grilled.
Make sure your grill is hot enough; this helps you achieve a nice char without overcooking.
This dish is best served fresh. If you need to prep ahead, keep the components separate until you're ready to serve.

How to Store Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Stacks

These stacks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day. Just be aware that the watermelon will start to soften and leak a little juice, which isn’t a huge deal but might make things a bit soggy if you wait too long.

If you're saving the grilled halloumi separately, it keeps well for a few days in the fridge. You can reheat it in a pan for a minute or two to warm it up again, though it won't be quite as crispy on the outside.

Ways to Switch It Up

Feel free to experiment with different fruits! Grilled peaches or nectarines work nicely too, giving a whole new character to the dish. You could even swap in feta cheese for a different taste, though it won’t quite achieve that same chewy texture.

If you're looking to add a little bite, consider drizzling a balsamic reduction over the finished stacks. It adds a nice sweet tang that pairs beautifully with both the cheese and fruit. The recipe is pretty forgiving—so have fun with it!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I grill the watermelon?

You can, but I wouldn't - the texture of the fresh watermelon is too good as is. It adds a nice crunch!

→ What can I use instead of halloumi?

Honestly, if you can't find halloumi, go for a firm feta or even some paneer. Just make sure it can hold up to grilling.

→ Is this gluten-free?

Yep! Since it’s just cheese and watermelon, you’re totally safe here.