Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon & Caper Breadcrumbs

3 min read
This halloumi salad has a great interplay of textures, temperatures, and flavours. Toss juicy watermelon with salty cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, capers, almonds, and mint.

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 750g watermelon
  • 2 small shallots, very finely sliced
  • 100ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 4 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 300g halloumi, sliced
  • Lemon juice
  • 75g slightly stale country bread, crusts removed, blitzed into coarse breadcrumbs
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2½ tbsp capers, rinsed
  • 50g blanched almonds, toasted and chopped
  • Small bunch of mint, leaves picked, half of them torn

Method:

  1. Cut the watermelon into either cubes or slices and transfer to a bowl with the shallots. Add 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic, then season with fresh black pepper. Cover and put in the fridge for 20 minutes.

  2. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan. Fry the breadcrumbs until turning gold. Add the garlic, chili, and capers and cook for another minute, then toss in the almonds. Remove from the heat, add the torn mint (it will wilt a little), then taste - it will be quite salty but, the watermelon won't be so you'll get a good contrast.

  3. Brush the halloumi with a little oil and heat a griddle pan. Griddle the cheese on both sides until just starting to melt but still holding its shape, with nice golden griddle marks. Toss the cold watermelon and shallots with the rest of the of the mint leaves and some salt. Divide between four plates, or pile onto a platter. Put the hot halloumi on top. Squeeze over some lemon juice and top with some of the breadcrumb and caper mix. Serve immediately.

Credit: Diana Henry

Add More to Compare Compare Show Differences Hide Differences Clear All
Features