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    Home » Recipe » Appetizer » Watermelon Salsa

    Watermelon Salsa

    Published Aug 17, 2020 · Updated Aug 22, 2020 by Ginnie · 2 Comments

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    This scrumptious Watermelon Salsa is the perfect hot weather treat! Best of all, it takes minutes to make ... so pair it with crunchy tortilla chips and your fave tacos all summer long!

    A big bowl of Watermelon Salsa and chips.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I can't let summer pass by without getting at least one watermelon. It's just my husband and I though, so the only problem is figuring out how to eat it all!

    After going a little watermelon crazy the past couple weeks—I may turn into a melon soon!—I was craving something different. I ended up coming up with lots of fun and simple recipes for this tasty fruit, and I'm so excited to share them with you.

    There are truly so many delicious 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. 

    Best of all, it's sooo simple to make! You can whip up a big batch in minutes. Keep reading for all the juicy details.

    A hand dipping a chip into a bowl of the finished recipe.

    Ingredients

    This easy fruit salsa uses really basic ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

    • Watermelon
    • Red Onion
    • Jalapeño
    • Lime
    • Cilantro
    • Salt (I prefer Kosher Salt.)

    If you ever made (or eaten) pico de gallo before, these ingredients probably look very familiar. That's because, this recipe replaces the tomato found in the classic salsa recipe with watermelon ... it's basically a Watermelon Pico de Gallo.

    These simple ingredients create a tasty dip that's the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Surprisingly, it actually veers more savory than sweet, though you can certainly make it sweeter if you wish (see tips in next section). It's also simultaneously cooling and spicy (from the refreshing watermelon and the hot jalapeño), which is why it's sometimes called Fire and Ice Salsa.

    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.

    Recipe ingredients arranged on a wood cutting board.

    Substitutions / Additions

    I purposely kept this recipe basic and quick, but you can get really creative with the ingredients. Feel free to experiment!

    Here are some ideas for additions and substitutions:

    • 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 crunch of cucumber would be so tasty this simple dip. I'd recommend using an English cucumber, but if you use a regular one, 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 first.

    Tip: If you do add additional ingredients, don't forget to adjust the seasoning with extra salt and lime juice.

    A bowl of salsa surrounded by tortilla chips.

    How to Make Watermelon Salsa

    This recipe couldn't be easier to make!

    Start by prepping the ingredients. You want to dice the watermelon and onion into small uniform pieces ... something you can easily scoop up with a chip.

    The heat level of jalapeños really varies, but the membranes and seeds are always the spiciest part. So unless you like really spicy salsa, remove them. Then, chop the pepper into a small dice.

    Squeeze the lime and give the cilantro a rough chop. You want mostly leaves, but don't worry if a few stems get in there. They're totally edible. 

    Tip: Don't risk burning your hands—or worse, your eyes—with the jalapeños! Make sure to wash your hands, knife, and cutting board thoroughly (and immediately) after handling any hot pepper. Some people prefer to wear gloves for extra protection (especially with spicier peppers, like habaneros), though I rarely do.

    A photo collage showing the recipe ingredients in a bowl before and after mixing.

    Then, all you need to do is combine the ingredients (plus salt) in a bowl and mix well. So simple, right?

    Make sure to taste your salsa before serving. That way, you can adjust the seasoning with additional salt and lime juice if needed. The flavors should pop!

    I like 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 off before eating it. 

    Closeup of the finished dip in a white bowl.

    How to Eat

    My favorite way to eat this delicious Watermelon Salsa is with tortilla chips. The sweet melon pairs perfectly with salty chips! 

    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.

    Tip: For a show-stopping presentation that's perfect for parties, try serving this recipe in a hollowed out mini watermelon!

    A hand holding a tortilla chip topped with salsa.

    More Watermelon Recipes

    If you enjoyed this unique dip, then you'll love these other watermelon recipes, too!

    • Watermelon Mojito
    • Watermelon Quinoa Salad
    • Watermelon Juice
    • Watermelon Popsicles
    • Watermelon Punch
    • Watermelon Gazpacho
    • Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
    • Watermelon Lemonade
    • Watermelon Sorbet

    Looking for more salsa recipes? Make sure to check out my Black Bean and Corn Salsa next.

    The finished recipe on a platter with tortilla chips.

    Watermelon Salsa in a bowl surrounded by chips.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Watermelon Salsa

    This easy Watermelon Salsa is the perfect summer snack ... it's ready in minutes and so delicious!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 7 people
    Calories: 27kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    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

    Recipe makes about 3 ½ cups. One serving is considered ½ cup.
    Watermelon releases lots of liquid after it's cut. If you don't eat this salsa right away, you may want to drain it a bit (and adjust the seasoning) before serving. 
    This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to change it up by adding other fruit, tomatoes, cucumber, different herbs or peppers, black beans, etc. Find more tips in the information before the recipe. 
    Make sure to wash your hands, knife, and cutting board thoroughly (and immediately) after handling the jalapeño.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 27kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

    A hand holding a tortilla chip in a bowl of Watermelon Salsa.

    Watermelon SalsaWatermelon Salsa
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    2 Comments
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    Kristin
    1 year ago

    5 stars
    Yum! I will be trying it this weekend!

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    Ginnie
    1 year ago
    Reply to  Kristin

    I think you're going to love it! 🙂

    0
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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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