This fresh watermelon salsa recipe is refreshing twist on a classic salsa. Bursting with flavor, this is a delicious and healthy dip that’s perfect for any get togethers or holiday gatherings. It’s not only great with tortilla chips but even as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
I have a weakness for chips and salsa! If you are too then you will love this easy pico de gallo and this cucumber avocado salsa. They are all so fresh, made with simple ingredients and have big flavor!
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Best Watermelon Salsa Dip
This fresh fruity salsa is always raved over when I make it. My favorite is scoop with chips but it is also wonderful with pita chips and crackers. I have even added it on top of fish tacos and salads too.
Watermelon is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense fruit that’s packed with vitamins and minerals and since it’s made up of mostly water, it’s also a great source of hydration! It’s rich in vitamins C and A and loaded with fiber so this salsa recipe is a double winner on a hot summer day!
Serve it in a watermelon bowl after scooping out the inside of the rind for a fun presentation.
Ingredients Needed
Watermelon – Juicy watermelon is the star of this salsa with it’s sweet crisp texture. Select a ripe, seedless watermelon to cut into small pieces.
Red onion – pair so well with watermelon but feel free to use scallions or sweet onions if you’d like.
Jalapeño pepper – adjust the level of spiciness by leaving in the seeds and membrane or taking them out.
Fresh cilantro – a salsa favorite herb. If you’re not a fan substitute with fresh chopped parsley or mint or a combination of fresh herbs.
Lime juice – Fresh is best in my opinion but use bottled lime juice if you’d like.
Salt – balances the sweetness in the watermelon and enhances the other flavors so well.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Add additional diced fruit like mango, peaches or pineapple.
- Add diced avocado if desired.
- Leave out the jalapeno pepper for a less spicy version or or use red bell pepper or yellow peppers instead.
- Swap the jalapeño pepper for a hotter serrano peppers or sprinkle with cayenne pepper if you are a big spicy lover.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or agave for a sweeter flavor.
- Use fresh mint or fresh basil instead of cilantro.
- Swap the lime juice for lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- Use dried cilantro if you’d Just be sure to use half the amount of dried cilantro as you would fresh cilantro.
- Add in a ½ teaspoon of cumin, coriander, or chili powder for even more flavor
How to Make this Salsa Recipe
Step One – In a large bowl, add the diced watermelon, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.
Step Two – Drizzle the lime juice over the top of the mixture and sprinkle with salt.
Step 3 – Add salt and gently toss to combine well. Refrigerate or serve immediately.
Tips
- Serve it cold. Watermelon salsa is best served cold so keep it chilled until ready to serve.
- Use a sharp knife cutting the watermelon. This will make it easier to cut into small, even pieces.
- Choose a ripe watermelon. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, uniform color and a hollow sound when tapped.
- Use fresh ingredients to give the salsa the best flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe. Adjust the seasonings as well by adding more salt or lime juice.
How to Store?
You can store leftover any salsa in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. However, it is best if consumed within 24 hours since it has a tendency to become more watery.
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Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon seedless and chopped
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeno pepper finely diced
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Juice of one lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the diced watermelon, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.2 cups watermelon, ½ red onion, 1 jalapeno pepper, ½ cup cilantro, 1 garlic clove
- Drizzle the lime juice over the top of the mixture and sprinkle with salt.Juice of one lime, ½ teaspoon salt
- Toss gently to combine well.
- Refrigerate or serve immediately.
Notes
Add diced avocado if desired.
Leave out the jalapeño pepper for a less spicy version or or use red bell pepper instead.
Add a tablespoon of honey or agave for a sweeter flavor.
Use fresh mint instead of cilantro.
Use dried cilantro if you’d Just be sure to use half the amount of dried cilantro as you would fresh cilantro.
Add in a ½ teaspoon of cumin, coriander, or chili powder for even more flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclosure
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Jeannette
Somebody told me about this at a wedding. I am going to make it tomorrow. What do you serve this with? Or is it like a salad?
Sherri
We use it as both actually. I love it was a dip and eating it by itself 🙂
usl
I followed the recipe from this site, it’s amazing that we both succeeded