Watermelon salsa is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. It’s the perfect salsa to entertain with during the hot summer months. This salsa is easy to make and requires all fresh ingredients that are currently in season!
Watermelon season has arrived! My family and I could not be happier! We absolutely love watermelon. We typically only eat it and it’s traditional form, but I always love to try to create other ways for us to enjoy it. That’s where this sweet and savory watermelon salsa came into play. It has just enough crunch and packs a little heat that makes you craving those watermelon salsa over and over again. I find myself entertaining a lot over the summer months, since we own a pool. I’m always trying to have snacks prepped before friends and family come over to swim. There is salsa is perfect for poolside entertaining.
Why this Recipes Works
Balance of Sweetness and Zing – This watermelon salsa recipe works because it achieves a perfect balance between the natural sweetness of the watermelon and the zing of other savory ingredients. The sweetness of the juicy watermelon chunks is complemented by the tangy lime juice, crisp bell peppers, and the mild heat from the jalapeños. This harmonious combination of flavors creates a salsa that is both refreshing and exciting to the taste buds.
Texture and Visual Appeal – Another reason why this watermelon salsa recipe works is its delightful texture and vibrant appearance. The juicy watermelon chunks provide a juicy and refreshing element, while the crisp bell peppers add a satisfying crunch. The combination of colors, from the bright red watermelon to the green peppers and the pops of jalapeño, make this salsa visually appealing and inviting. The contrasting textures and colors make each bite a feast for the senses.
Versatility and Adaptability – This watermelon salsa recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer or snack. However, it doesn’t stop there. The salsa can also be used as a topping for grilled meats, such as chicken or fish, adding a burst of flavor and freshness. Additionally, it can be served alongside summer salads, tacos, or even as a topping for bruschetta. Its adaptability allows you to incorporate it into a wide range of dishes, making it a versatile and valuable recipe in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- Watermelon – A few cups diced works perfectly for this recipe. I love making this recipe when I have a large watermelon and not sure if we can eat it all in a few days time.
- Cucumber – Sounds odd, but the coolness and crunch balance out the sweetness of the watermelon and mango.
- Mango – When mango’s are in season you will find me putting them in everything.
- Jalapeno – I love to add a little jalapeno for a little added spice.
- Red Onion – Finely diced red onion gives a little zip to the dip.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is a must for salsa. However, see my tips and tricks below for other fresh herb ideas.
- Salt – A little salt is added to the fruit and veggies.
- Lime – You will need 1 lime zested and juiced.
- Honey – One tablespoon will give an additional layer of sweetness to this salsa.
Directions
In a large bowl, placed diced watermelon, cucumber, and mango in the bowl. Then add in the half minced jalapeno, red onion, fresh cilantro and salt.
In a small bowl mix together the lime zest, juice, and honey. Pour the mixture on top of the fruit.
Mix well until combined, cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Yes, watermelon salsa can be made in advance. In fact, allowing the flavors to meld together by refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight can enhance the taste. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
I love to serve the watermelon salsa with a chia flaxseed tortilla chip I recently discovered at my local Costco. They are so good–and have the perfect balance of flavor with lower fat and calories then the traditional tortilla chip. You can also serve watermelon salsa with plain pita chips or the cinnamon sugar pita chips. Another option–you can serve on top of your favorite piece of grilled or roasted fish. Trust me–it’s so good!
Get your knife sharpened, your cutting board out, and get ready to chop! For this recipe I opted to dice and mince all the ingredients oppose to using a food processor or even blender. I wanted chunky bite-size pieces of fruits and veggies so I opted to chop verse some of the more traditional methods where you would just throw all the ingredients in the food processor. It will turn out the same but a little finer in texture and not with consistent bite-size pieces.
The sky is really the limit when your making a fruit salsa. For this watermelon salsa I stuck to most of the basics; however, I’ll share with you a variety of ingredients you can put in watermelon salsa. Watermelon
Cucumber
Mango
Tomato
Bell Pepper
Jalapeno
Poblano Pepper
Red Onion
Chives
Green Onions
Cilantro
Basil
Mint
Lime
Honey
Sugar
Salt
Garlic
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, watermelon salsa can stay fresh for up to three days. However, it’s best to consume it within the first two days to enjoy the optimal flavors and textures of the fresh ingredients.
Due to the high water content of watermelon, freezing the salsa can affect its texture and make it watery upon thawing. It is generally recommended to enjoy watermelon salsa fresh for the best taste and texture.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks when making watermelon salsa.
- Choose a ripe and juicy watermelon – Look for a watermelon with a deep, uniform color, and a slightly dull skin. Give it a tap; if it sounds hollow, it’s likely to be ripe and juicy.
- Don’t skip the lime juice – The acidity of lime juice enhances the flavors of the watermelon and helps balance the sweetness. Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best results.
- Fresh Herbs – I love to use fresh cilantro in my watermelon salsa. However, if you don’t like cilantro you can use basil or mint or a combo of both
- Experiment with different ingredients – While this recipe is already a winner, feel free to add your own twist. Consider incorporating fresh herbs like mint or cilantro, diced red onion, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for added complexity.
- Use the salsa as a versatile topping – Watermelon Salsa is not just limited to chips and dips. Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, or even as a refreshing side to accompany your favorite summer salads.
Summertime Recipes
Here are a few of my favorite summertime recipes that you’ll find me cooking all summer long.
If you make this watermelon salsa recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Watermelon Salsa
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Juicer
- Zester
Ingredients
- 4 cups seeded watermelon diced small
- 1 cucumber peeled seeded and diced
- 1 mango peeled and diced
- ½ jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- In a large bowl, placed diced watermelon, cucumber, and mango in the bowl. Then add in the half minced jalapeno, red onion, fresh cilantro, and salt.
- In a small bowl mix together the lime zest, juice, and honey. Pour the mixture on top of the fruit.
- Mix well until combined, cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions – Serve with tortilla chips, bake pita chips, or cinnamon sugar pita chips.
- Fresh Herbs – If you don’t like cilantro you can substitute it for fresh basil or mint.
- Quantity Made – This recipe makes about 5 cups of salsa.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!