This scrumptious Watermelon Salsa is the perfect hot weather treat! Best of all, it takes minutes to make ... pair it with crunchy tortilla chips or serve it with your fave tacos all summer long!
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Ginnie's Take
I can't let summer pass by without buying at least one watermelon. With just two people in my household though, one melon is a lot of fruit! After going a little watermelon crazy the past couple weeks (I may actually turn into a melon soon!), I've created lots of fun and simple recipes. There are truly so many tasty ways to eat watermelon, but this vibrant Watermelon Salsa has to be one of my favorites! You're going to love the amazing sweet, savory, and (mildly) spicy flavors in this yummy recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make - This unique salsa is sooo simple to make, and the recipe uses basic ingredients. You can whip up a big batch in minutes.
- Delicious Flavor - You'll love this mouthwatering salsa's combination of sweet and savory flavors. This dip is simultaneously cooling and spicy (from the refreshing watermelon and the hot jalapeño), which is why it's sometimes called Fire and Ice Salsa.
- The Perfect Snack + Appetizer - Just add chips and you have a party, or a wonderful snack! And it's great with other Mexican foods, like tacos, too.
Jump to:
Ingredients
If you ever made pico de gallo before, this easy fruit salsa recipe may look familiar. This is basically a Watermelon Pico de Gallo with watermelon instead of tomatoes. Here's what you'll need to make it:
- Watermelon - You'll need a watermelon, of course! Choose the sweetest, most flavorful one you can find for the best results (see my tips below).
- Onion - A little red onion is a great counterpoint to the sweet melon.
- Jalapeño - What would salsa be without a little heat? A jalapeño adds just enough kick without making the recipe too spicy.
- Lime - Fresh lime juice is a must for salsa. The acidity brightens all the other flavors.
- Cilantro - A little fresh cilantro gives the recipe it's classic flavor, although you can leave it out if you're not a fan.
- Salt - I recommend using Kosher Salt.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, nut free, and gluten free, so everyone at your table can enjoy it!
How to Pick a Watermelon
Choosing the best watermelon can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Try these three simple tips the next time you go shopping:
- Pick it up. A juicy melon should feel heavy for its size.
- Look for a yellow spot. This spot is where the watermelon rested on the ground, and a creamy, yellow spot (versus a pale, white one) is a sign that it was allowed to fully ripen before picking.
- Give it a thump. The surface should be firm, and a juicy watermelon should have a deep hollow sound.
How to Make Watermelon Salsa
This recipe couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Prep the ingredients. Start by dicing the watermelon and onion into small uniform pieces ... something you can easily scoop up with a chip. Cut the jalapeño into a small dice (remove the seeds and membranes unless you like really spicy salsa). Squeeze the lime and give the cilantro a rough chop (you want mostly leaves, but a few stems are okay).
- Mix everything together. Once you've prepped the ingredients, combine everything in a bowl and mix well. Season to taste with salt and lime juice (the flavors should pop), and you are done.
And that's really all there is to it ... so simple, right? You can start making a batch of this delish Watermelon Salsa and be snacking minutes later!
Variations
I purposely kept this recipe basic and quick, but you can get really creative with the ingredients. Here are some easy ideas to inspire you:
- Tomatoes - Watermelon and tomatoes make excellent partners. So if you have a fresh, juicy tomato waiting for the perfect recipe, dice it up and add it in!
- Fruit - Play up the sweeter side of this salsa by adding your fave fruit. Pineapples, mangos, strawberries, and peaches (or other stone fruit) would all be a great additions.
- Cucumber - The cool crunch of cucumber would be so tasty this simple dip. I'd recommend using an English cucumber, but a regular one will work, too. Make sure to remove the seeds before dicing.
- Herbs - Not a fan of cilantro? You can replace it with fresh mint or basil. Garden overflowing? A combination of herbs would be delish, too.
- Peppers - Try replacing the jalapeño with your fave peppers, such as serrano or habanero ... pretty much any kind will work. For less heat, make sure to remove the membranes and seeds from your peppers before chopping, or use a smaller amount of pepper. For more heat, keep the membranes in, add more, or use spicier peppers.
- Sweetener - This recipe isn't overly sweet. If you'd prefer it a little sweeter, simply mix a little honey or sugar with the lime juice before stirring it into the dip.
- Black Beans - Give this light recipe a little more heft by adding in a can of black beans. Make sure to drain and rinse them well first.
Tip: If you do add additional ingredients, don't forget to adjust the seasoning with extra salt and lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to eat this delicious Watermelon Salsa is with tortilla chips. The sweet melon pairs perfectly with salty chips! Serve it a Watermelon Margarita or Watermelon Mojito for a guaranteed fun night.
This tasty dip is versatile though, so don't be afraid to go beyond snacks / appetizers. You can use it anywhere you'd normally enjoy tomato-based salsa. Personally, I love it with tacos ... try it with my Crunchy Black Bean Tacos, Tofu Tacos, or Portobello Poblano Tacos. A lot of people like spooned it over fish or chicken, too.
You could even serve this salsa over lettuce as a salad (no dressing needed), or on its own as a spicy fruit salad. It makes a refreshing side for any summer meal.
Storage
I prefer to serve this salsa shortly after making it, though you can store it in the refrigerator for a couple days. Just keep in mind that watermelon releases lots of liquid once it's cut. If you do make it ahead of time (or have leftovers), you many want to drain a little bit of that excess liquid and re-season it before serving the salsa.
Related Recipes
Looking for simpilar recipes? Make sure to check out my Black Bean and Corn Salsa or this unique Pink Pineapple Salsa next. And you'll love these other savory watermelon recipes, too:
- This yummy Watermelon Quinoa Salad makes a wonderful summer meal!
- Treat yourself to this light, refreshing, and delicious Watermelon Gazpacho.
- This classic Watermelon Feta Salad is simple to make and super scrumptious!
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced watermelon
- ½ medium red onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 large, juicy lime)
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well.
- Taste salsa, then add additional salt and / or lime juice, if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Yum! I will be trying it this weekend!
I think you're going to love it! 🙂