This vibrant watermelon salsa combines sweet melon with lime, jalapeño, and cilantro for a zesty dip! Perfect with chips or grilled meats, this simple recipe serves as a delightful summer appetizer that’s also vegan and gluten-free.
One summer, Alex’s mom introduced watermelon salsa at a family barbecue, and initially, I was a bit doubtful—but one taste transformed my perspective! The blend of sweet, succulent watermelon with tangy lime and fiery jalapeño was enchanting. She encouraged Alex and me to create our variation of the recipe: and I’m so grateful she did.
Now this vibrant watermelon salsa is a go-to summer appetizer at my place! It’s simple to prepare, requires no cooking, and always vanishes quickly at gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, and it’s also excellent alongside grilled fish, chicken, or tacos. Just be sure to serve it with a slotted spoon, as it’s extremely juicy!
Key components in watermelon salsa
Salsa simply translates to “sauce” in Spanish, encompassing a broad range of sauces within Mexican cuisine that can be prepared with or without tomatoes. While the most common salsa features red tomatoes, there are numerous popular variations such as corn salsa, peach salsa, and mango salsa.
This watermelon salsa follows the same principle as a fresh tomato salsa but incorporates cubed watermelon instead! I prefer cutting the cubes fairly small for a uniform texture, but you can leave them in larger chunks for a chunkier appearance. The ingredients you’ll include are:
– Fresh ripe watermelon: The main attraction
– Tomato: Adds conventional salsa taste (optional but suggested)
– Red onion: I favor this over white onion due to its milder flavor
– Jalapeño pepper: Begin with half and modify according to your spice level
– Fresh cilantro: Key for that genuine Mexican taste
– Fresh lime juice: Always use fresh—bottled is not an option
– Granulated sugar: Balances acidity and boosts the fruit’s sweetness
– Kosher salt: Unites all the flavors
How to chop a watermelon into cubes
Often, we used to feel intimidated by watermelon recipes due to the notoriously tricky nature of cutting this melon. However, here’s a method for slicing a watermelon that makes it quick, easy, and hassle-free:
1. Halve the watermelon. Use a large Chef’s knife to cut the watermelon in half through the center (not lengthwise).
2. Slice into sections. Flip the half onto its flat side, then cut into sections.
3. Remove the rinds with a paring knife. Switch to a small paring knife for better control. Cut away the rind from each section.
4. Create a grid for cubes. Return to your knife and cut a grid pattern to cube the watermelon.
Pro tips for watermelon salsa
Watermelon salsa is similar to any fresh salsa: the only time-consuming aspect is chopping all the fruits and vegetables! However, here are a few things to consider when adjusting the flavors:
– Tailor the heat level according to preference. This watermelon salsa recipe is on the milder side since we’ve advised removing the jalapeño seeds. But if you enjoy spicy salsas, incorporate some seeds, or even use the whole pepper.
– Add sugar or salt to suit your taste. Depending on your melon’s ripeness, you might want to incorporate more sugar into the salsa. It also might need an additional pinch or two of salt: be sure to taste and adjust as needed!
Storage guidelines
This watermelon salsa is at its best on the day it’s prepared. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It will release liquid during refrigeration, so you may need to drain it or use a slotted spoon for serving. Personally, I prefer to enjoy it the day it’s made, with extra tortilla chips!
Serving suggestions
The best way to enjoy watermelon salsa? Pair it with a large bag of tortilla chips and you’re set! It also pairs wonderfully with plantain chips or your favorite dipping option. But don’t limit it to chips: it’s a zesty sauce for grilled fish and beyond. Here are some serving ideas:
Dietary considerations
This watermelon salsa recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Watermelon Salsa
This vibrant watermelon salsa combines sweet melon with lime, jalapeño, and cilantro for a zesty dip! Perfect with chips or grilled meats, this simple recipe serves as a delightful summer appetizer that’s also vegan and gluten-free.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8
Category: Appetizer
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
– 2 cups finely diced fresh ripe watermelon
– ½ cup diced tomato (