Watermelon salsa is a refreshing mix of sweet watermelon, fresh herbs, onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, and simple seasonings.
It’s quick to make and requires no cooking, so you can enjoy this tasty snack in minutes!
Why You'll Love This Easy Watermelon Salsa Recipe
💖 Adding watermelon salsa to your meals brings bright colors and delicious flavors, giving simple dishes a fresh twist.
💖 This is the best watermelon salsa for a taste of summer, perfect for those summertime meals or anytime you want a refreshing dish.
💖 With simple ingredients and easy swaps, this salsa takes a classic salsa and gives it a sweet spin.
If you’re looking for more Mexican-style recipes, try Pico de Gallo, shrimp avocado salsa, mango salsa, and juicy strawberry salsa.
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Ingredients Needed
- Fresh watermelon - The juicy watermelon is the star of this salsa, adding a sweet, crunchy texture. Pick a ripe, seedless watermelon one and cut it into small pieces.
- Red onion - It goes great with watermelon, but you can use scallions or sweet onions if you like.
- Jalapeno - You can make it as spicy as you want by keeping or removing the seeds and membrane. Chop it finely.
- Fresh cilantro - A popular herb for salsa! If you’re not a fan, you can use fresh parsley, mint, or a mix of herbs instead.
- Salt - Don’t skip it! Salt helps balance the sweetness of the watermelon and makes all the flavors pop.
- Lime juice - Fresh is best, but bottled lime juice works too. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice is a good substitute. You can also add lime zest for extra flavor.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make This Watermelon Salsa
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the diced watermelon, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño. Drizzle with lime juice.
- Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Serve this homemade salsa at room temperature for a burst of flavors or chill it for a refreshing twist!
- Serve with tortilla chips!
🍉 If you have leftover watermelon, read those tips on how long does watermelon last.
Tips
- Always use ripe watermelon and fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture. A ripe watermelon will sound hollow when tapped and have a sweet smell.
- Remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeño before chopping it.
- If you're storing leftover salsa in the serving bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- To bring out more flavor, let the salsa sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve it chilled - Watermelon salsa is best when chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon into small, even pieces.
- Don’t be afraid to try new ideas with this recipe! You can adjust the seasonings, like adding more salt or lime juice to match your taste.
- You won’t need a whole watermelon for this recipe. A single watermelon can hold up to 32 cups. Many stores sell smaller pieces, but if you do buy a full one, use the extra for a snack, or freeze it for homemade sorbet, fruity popsicles, watermelon margaritas, or smoothies.
What To Serve With Salsa
- Enjoy watermelon salsa with tortilla or pita chips, spoon it over grilled or pan-fried tofu, turn it into a side salad, or add it to lettuce cups or wraps.
- It’s also delicious with grilled chicken or fish, and makes a great topping for tacos!
Storing Leftovers
To Store. Leftover watermelon salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This salsa will always taste the best when enjoyed fresh.
Different Variations and Substitutions
- You can add extra diced fruits like mango, peaches, or pineapple to make it sweeter. You could also mix in diced avocado if you like.
- Add ons. Try diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes.
- Less spicy. For a milder salsa, skip the jalapeño or use green, yellow, redbell peppers instead. If you want more heat, try serrano peppers or sprinkle some cayenne pepper.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or agave if you want it sweeter. You can also switch out cilantro for fresh mint or basil.
- Feel free to use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar instead of lime juice for a different taste. If you’re using dried cilantro, use half the amount you would for fresh.
- For extra flavor, try adding ½ teaspoon of cumin, coriander, or chili powder!
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Recipe Card
Easy Watermelon Salsa
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INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups watermelon , diced finely
- ¾ cup cilantro, diced finely
- ¼ cup red onion, diced finely
- 1 large jalapeno membrane removed and seeded, diced finely
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- salt and black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the diced watermelon, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno. Drizzle with lime juice.3 cups watermelon, ¾ cup cilantro, ¼ cup red onion, 1 large jalapeno membrane removed and seeded, ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor (black pepper is optional). You can serve this homemade salsa at room temperature for a burst of flavors or chill it for a refreshing twist!salt and black pepper to taste
- Serve with tortilla chips!
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Easy Watermelon Salsa: Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve added diced jalapeños to this watermelon salsa for a mild kick. You can make it spicier by leaving the seeds in the jalapeños or adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, harissa, or even Sichuan pepper.
YES! Letting it sit in the fridge will improve the flavors as the ingredients blend together.
First, slice off both ends of the watermelon so it stands up flat. Then, cut the rind off by slicing down the sides. Once the rind is gone, cut the watermelon into large chunks.
Finally, chop those chunks into smaller bite-sized pieces for your salsa. If there are any seeds, remove them as you go.
NO, it won’t taste as fresh, and the flavor won’t be as good!
Julia
easy and fresh watermelon salsa recipe!