Watermelon Salsa (Without Mint)
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Watermelon salsa is a refreshing snack or topping that mixes simple ingredients like sweet watermelon with fresh herbs, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and simple seasonings. With just a few easy ingredients and no cooking required, you can enjoy this tasty salsa in just minutes!
Best Watermelon Salsa
Adding watermelon salsa to your meals adds bright color and amazing flavor, making plain dishes exciting. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or any time of the year!
For more Mexican style recipes try sweet potato tacos, tofu sofritas and 4-ingredient guacamole.
Ingredients Needed For Watermelon Salsa
The full recipe and ingredients are in the recipe card below this post.
- Watermelon. The juicy watermelon is the main ingredient in this salsa, bringing a sweet and crunchy texture. Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon and cut it into small pieces.
- Red onion. This pairs nicely with watermelon, but you can also use scallions or sweet onions.
- Jalapeño pepper. You can control the spice level by leaving the seeds and membrane in or removing them. To make it less spicy, add green bell pepper.
- Fresh cilantro. A popular herb for salsa! If you don’t like it, swap it for fresh chopped parsley, mint, or a mix of herbs.
- Salt. Please don’t skip it. It helps balance the sweetness of the watermelon and enhances all the flavors!
- Lime juice. Preferably fresh lime juice, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. If you don’t have lime, use lemon juice. Lime zest can also be added.
How To Make Watermelon Salsa
- In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the watermelon, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno, drizzle with lime juice.
- Add a pinch of salt to the mix for better flavor. Serve this homemade salsa at room temperature for a burst of tasty flavors or chill it for a refreshing twist!
Tips
- Always use ripe watermelon and fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. A ripe watermelon will sound hollow when tapped and has a sweet aroma.
- Remove the membrane and seeds from the jalapeno before dicing it.
- If you store leftover fresh salsa in the serving bowl, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the salsa from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- To intensify the flavors in this fresh fruit salsa, allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
- Serve it cold. Watermelon salsa tastes best when chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon. This will help you make small, even pieces more easily.
- Don’t hesitate to try different twists on this recipe! You can adjust the seasonings by adding more salt or lime juice to suit your taste.
- You definitely won’t need an entire watermelon for this classic salsa recipe. One watermelon can hold as much as 32 cups. Most stores sell pieces of watermelon for convenience, but if you do buy an entire watermelon, use the rest of the flesh as a juicy snack during the week or freeze some for later use in homemade sorbet, fruity popsicles, watermelon margaritas, or smoothies.
Variations/Substitutions
- Other fruit or vegetables. For more sweetness, you can add extra diced fruits like mango, peaches, or pineapple. Red bell pepper is great for adding some crunchy texture and sweet flavor. If you want, you can mix in diced avocado, too.
- Make it less spicy. For a milder salsa, leave the jalapeño or replace it with red or yellow bell peppers. If you like it spicy, try using hotter serrano peppers or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
- Sweet flavors. For a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of honey or agave. You can also use fresh mint or basil instead of cilantro.
- Lime juice substitution: For a different flavor, swap lime juice for lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. If you have dried cilantro, use half the amount of fresh.
- Mix in ½ teaspoon of cumin, coriander, or chili powder for an extra kick!
What To Serve With Watermelon Salsa?
Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips. Top grilled or pan-fried tofu with this sweet salsa, turn it into a side salad, or add it to lettuce cups or wraps.
You can also enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish or use it as a topping for tacos!
Freezing And Storing Instructions
Leftover watermelon salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, it always tastes best when enjoyed fresh.
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Watermelon Salsa: FAQs
I’ve added diced jalapenos to this watermelon salsa, giving it a gentle kick of heat. You could increase the heat by leaving the seeds in the jalapenos or by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, harissa, or another type of Sichuan pepper.
YES! That extra chill time in the fridge will enhance the flavors in this salsa by allowing all of the ingredients to meld.
Cut the flesh away from the rind, then use a spoon to scoop out the inside.
NO, the flavor will be different and not so great!
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Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon, diced small
- ¾ cup cilantro, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced small
- 1 large jalapeno, membrane removed and seeded, diced small
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or small mixing bowl, gently combine the sweet watermelon, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno, drizzle with lime juice.
- Enhance the medley with a pinch of salt for a balanced flavor profile. Serve this homemade salsa either at room temperature for a burst of vibrant flavors or chilled for a refreshing and invigorating twist.
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