Fresh watermelon salsa recipe is the perfect cold appetizer to enjoy during the summer. With the combination of sweet and spicy from the sweet watermelon to the zesty lime, and a hint of spicy from the jalapeño. This easy recipe is ideal to take along to those summer picnics and cookouts.
Scoop into this zesty, sweet, and slightly spicy salsa with your favorite tortilla chips or cinnamon chips. This easy fresh salsa would go perfectly on your favorite taco recipe.
What Is This Fresh Salsa
Watermelon pico de gallo is a unique and refreshing take on classic salsa that is a blend of juicy watermelon, cilantro, mint, red onion, spicy jalapeño pepper, lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants making this salsa recipe a guilt-free snack that's not only nutritious but also satisfying.
This amazing salsa recipe can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Serve as a refreshing dip to scoop tortilla chips or pita chips into for a tasty snack. It also makes for a delightful topping for grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish. Use it to liven up salads, or even pair it with cheese and crackers on a charcuterie board.
Just like our blueberry salsa recipe or our strawberry salsa easy recipe, this versatile salsa is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
In this section, we will talk about the simple ingredients needed to make this fresh watermelon salsa recipe. Along with what each ingredient does for this recipe and any substations that can be made.
- Ripe Watermelon brings a refreshing sweetness and juiciness to this salsa recipe. It also adds to the visual appeal with its vibrant color. You could replace the watermelon with cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or pineapple for that juicy texture and sweetness.
- Red Onion adds a sharp tangy flavor as well as a little crunch to the fresh salsa. The vibrant color also adds to the visual appeal of this salsa dish. White onions, sweet onions, or even leaving the sweet red onion out would work in this recipe.
- Fresh Cilantro adds a bright and citrusy flavor to this fresh salsa recipe. This recipe does already call for mint but you could double the mint or use fresh parsley or basil as a replacement for the cilantro.
- Fresh Mint adds a cool and refreshing flavor that complements the watermelon. The fresh mint can be replaced with more cilantro, basil, or parsley.
- Jalapeño Pepper adds that little bit of spicy kick, you can control the amount of spice by adding more or less Jalapeno pepper. It also brings a little crunch factor to the sweet salsa. If you want that crunch factor without the spice you can replace the jalapeno with red, yellow, green, or orange bell peppers. Or if you want a little heat try poblano peppers but if you want more heat try serrano peppers
- Fresh Lime is used for both the juice and the zest in this spicy watermelon salsa. The acidity will help to brighten all the flavors. No fresh lime, you can use the bottled lime juice and leave out the zest.
How To Make
Now let's get to making this easy fruit salad recipe. Into a large bowl add the diced watermelon, red onion, cilantro, mint, jalepeños, and the zest and juice of 1 lime.
Toss all the ingredients together to coat with the lime juice. It can be enjoyed right away with cinnamon, pita, or tortilla chips. But for best results chill it for 30 minutes covered in the refrigerator.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The watermelon may produce extra juice, so you can drain any extra off before serving if you would like.
This crunchy watermelon salsa recipe is perfect to enjoy for Cinco de mayo, on a hot summer day, or any time of the year.
Answering Common Questions
It's best to use fresh watermelon to maintain the right texture. Frozen watermelon will become too mushy when it's thawed.
The level of spiciness will depend on the amount as well as what kind of peppers are used.
You can serve watermelon salsa with tortilla, cinnamon, or pita chips. Or even serve on top of grilled chicken, pork, fish, or salads.
Since it's made with all-fresh ingredients it is. It's also low calorie and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
You can make this sweeter by using a riper sweeter watermelon or adding a little bit of honey.
Yes, you can replace the lime juice and zest with lemon zest and juice.
More Appetizer Recipes With Fruit
If you enjoyed this fruity salsa recipe then you may also enjoy these other fruit-based appetizer recipes.
Fresh Watermelon Salsa Recipe
This delicious fresh watermelon salsa recipe is quick to make and perfect to enjoy all summer. Serve with tortllla chips, cinnamon chips, or on top of grilled chicken or fish.
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Watermelon- seedless cut into small cubes
- ¾ Cup Red Onion diced small
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro chopped
- ¼ Cup Fresh Mint chopped
- 1 Large Fresh Jalapeños diced small
- 1 Large Lime use the zest and the juice
Instructions
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Into a large bowl add in the watermelon, red onion, cilantro, mint, jalapeños, and the zest and juice of 1 lime.
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Toss all the ingredients together. For best result cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle together.
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Serve with tortilla chips, cinnamon chips, or on top of grilled chicken or fish.
Liz
This watermelon salsa was easy to make and tasted amazing. Great easy recipe.