Watermelon Halloumi Skewers Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite summer appetizer: Watermelon Halloumi Skewers! These irresistible skewers strike the perfect balance of sweet, salty, juicy, and just a touch of smoky, all crowned with a minty basil oil that will make you want to whip up double the batch every time. If you’re looking for something fresh, vibrant, and (secretly!) simple to wow your guests or treat yourself, this is the recipe that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few key ingredients to create bold flavors and color! Each one has an essential role—watermelon for juicy sweetness, halloumi for its unique, grill-friendly saltiness, and bright herbs for a burst of summertime freshness. Here’s what to grab before you get grilling:

• Watermelon: Use a ripe, seedless watermelon for maximum sweetness and easy prep. Cut into sturdy 1-inch cubes for the juiciest, most refreshing bites.
• Halloumi cheese: This salty, firm cheese is designed for grilling—it holds its shape and gets a delightfully golden crust! Cut it into even, 1-inch cubes for perfectly balanced skewers.
• Olive oil: A light drizzle or spritz helps achieve that signature char, preventing sticking and adding a hint of buttery richness to both fruit and cheese.
• Salt and pepper: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors—don’t skip this step, but taste as you go since halloumi is naturally salty!
• Fresh mint and basil leaves: Thread a few onto your skewers for extra pops of herby goodness (and gorgeous color!).
• Sweet basil & fresh mint (for minted basil oil): Blanched and blended with olive oil, lime zest, and seasoning, these make a bright, aromatic drizzle to finish the dish.
• Lime zest: Adds a zippy citrus accent to the infused oil, lifting the whole skewer with fragrance and pep.

Variations

One of the best things about Watermelon Halloumi Skewers is how easily you can make them your own. Whether you’re adapting for allergies, preferences, or just cleaning out the fridge, these creative twists will keep things interesting every time.

• Try different fruits: Swap in pineapple, cantaloupe, or even strawberries alongside or instead of watermelon for a whole new burst of flavor.
• Herb swap: Use cilantro, parsley, or even a touch of dill in your minted basil oil for a different herbal twist.
• Go fully vegetarian (or vegan): Grill cubes of firm tofu brushed with olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika as a delicious plant-based alternative to halloumi.
• Add spice: Dust your finished skewers with a pinch of Aleppo pepper or chili flakes for a little heat that pairs perfectly with the cool sweetness of the watermelon.

How to Make Watermelon Halloumi Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Ingredients

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to a steady medium-high—about 400°F is perfect. While it heats, cut your watermelon into chunky 1-inch cubes and slice the halloumi into similar-sized pieces. Rinse and pat dry your fresh mint and basil. Get everything lined up for easy assembly; this will make the skewering process smooth as can be!

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread pieces of watermelon, halloumi, and a few fresh herb leaves onto skewers, aiming for about 3 watermelon cubes to every 1 halloumi cube (the halloumi’s flavor is wonderfully assertive, so a little goes a long way). Arrange the skewers on a tray, then brush or spritz lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place your skewers directly onto the hot grill grates or a lightly oiled grill pan. Grill for just 1–2 minutes per side, turning with tongs so that all sides get a little sear. You’re aiming for golden-brown cheese and lightly caramelized watermelon—don’t wander off, it happens quickly!

Step 4: Make the Minted Basil Oil

To get that gorgeous green drizzle, blanch the basil and mint leaves briefly in boiling water (10 seconds is all you need), then shock them in an ice bath. Dry thoroughly, chop, and blend with olive oil, lime zest, and salt until vibrantly smooth. Let the oil rest for 30 minutes so the flavors marry and the oil separates, then strain through a sieve or cheesecloth for a silky finish.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once those Watermelon Halloumi Skewers are grill-marked and irresistible, transfer them to a serving platter, give them a luxurious drizzle of minted basil oil, and sprinkle on a little more fresh chopped basil and mint for a pop of color. Serve warm or at room temperature, and get ready for these to disappear in seconds!

How to Serve Watermelon Halloumi Skewers

Garnishes

The minted basil oil is a knockout garnish on its own, but don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh herbs, a shower of grated lime zest, or—even better—a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze for rich contrast. A scatter of flaky sea salt at the end also takes the flavor factor up a notch.

Side Dishes

These skewers are fabulous on their own, but they shine as part of a sun-soaked spread. Try serving with grilled flatbreads, a tangy Greek salad, buttery corn on the cob, or a mound of herby couscous. Even a simple bowl of marinated olives pulls everything together for the perfect alfresco meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra “wow” factor, arrange your Watermelon Halloumi Skewers standing upright in a vase or pint glass for a bouquet-like centerpiece. Or, remove everything from the skewers and toss in a big bowl as a colorful summer salad—just drizzle generously with that vibrant oil before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Watermelon Halloumi Skewers (rare, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors intensify and the halloumi stays delicious even when chilled, though the watermelon will release some juice.

Freezing

These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will change the texture of both watermelon and halloumi, making them mushy after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, freeze only the minted basil oil in a small container—it’ll stay vibrant for a month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the skewers on a hot nonstick pan or back onto the grill for 1–2 minutes per side, just until the halloumi warms and softens slightly again. Be gentle to keep the watermelon from breaking down, and always add the herb oil after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings sparkle to your table, Watermelon Halloumi Skewers are the answer every time. They’ll add color, flavor, and a joyful touch to any meal—whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself. Give these a try and let your taste buds take a sunny little vacation right at home!

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