Spicy Watermelon Salsa
Years ago a friend brought a Spicy Watermelon Salsa appetizer to a neighborhood BBQ. I had never come across salsa made with watermelon before. It was love at first scoop, thanks Joe!
If you are looking for a refreshing and easy summer appetizer, this is it! Watermelon Salsa is a great stand alone recipe served with tortilla chips. However its also lovey served alongside things like grilled meats, fish and even crab cakes. You can also enjoy it as a salad.
For whatever reason, mu children could care less about watermelon (gasp), while my husband and I are OBSESSED with it. Especially is summer when watermelon is at its magnificent peak. Crazy but true.
Table of Contents
Why you'll enjoy this fruit salsa recipe
- It's easy to make and highlights summer produce.
- Its refreshing and light.
- People really seem to enjoy this as BBQ appetizer.
Ingredients
- watermelon
- fresh jalapeno
- red onion
- fresh lime
- tortilla chips
- cilantro
Variations
- If you don't have a tolerance for spicy food, either put only a little jalapeno in the salsa or use a different pepper. Sweet red pepper, or yellow, orange or mini peppers. Any fresh pepper can work in the recipe for a little crunch.
- If you dislike cilantro swap it for parsley or even mint for a different flavor.
- Serve alongside grilled meats and fish instead of chips.
- Add in diced mango or pineapple.
Tips
- Dice up your watermelon, small pieces are the best eating experience.
- Remember jalapenos can lean tame or very spicy, test yours before adding so you know its heat level.
- Make a day ahead however, don't combine ingredients until shortly before serving so that no one ingredient becomes overposering.
- Add in feta cheese crumbles for a change of flavors.
- Serve ice cold.
- If serving outside set bowl over another bowl of ice or ice packs to help keep the salsa cold & refreshing.
How to select the best watermelon
Per watermelon.org, the way to select the best watermelons is to look, lift and turn.
- Look the watermelon over.
Looking for a firm watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents. Scratching is ok as these guys endure a lot of handling on their way to your kitchen. - Lift it up.
The watermelon should be very heavy for its size. Watermelon is 92% water, most of the weight is water. - Turn it over.
The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
What about the thumping method? We don’t promote beating up the watermelons by thumping, patting, slapping, flicking or knocking.
Hope you enjoy this fun fruit salsa recipe! XO Colleen
Originally posted June, 2013. Updated July, 2024.
Summer recipes to try
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon cut into small dice
- 1.5 TBS minced red onion
- 2 TBS minced jalapeno
- 1 TBS cilantro more to taste
- Squeeze fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Taste and adjust.
- Keep chilled until serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips or enjoy as a salad.
Colleen, I couldn't be happier for you! They always say good things happen to good people, and you totally had this coming. I love you to pieces and it's fabulous to see you have such a wonderful weekend. Totally deserved. I'm 100% making that watermelon salsa this week! Congrats again!!
So amazed (and excited!!) for all your wins!! You really were the queen of EWR, and very deservedly so!!
I need to get some of this salsa into my summer. So delicious and refreshing!
You are awesome!! No surprise at your wins - well deserved! Just pinned that farro dish... sounds perfect for summer!! xo
So cool reading your summary of the weekend - it was so awesome to meet you and you deserve all of your recipe wins, for sure! Thanks for making EWR extra tasty and fun 😉
BTW - that watermelon salsa looks a-ma-zing.
Hey girlfriend, no such thing as luck, you're just a very talented cook! Loved meeting you and having time to chat!
What a wonderful thing to read, but even MORE wonderful for YOU! Congratulations!! You always have the BEST recipes. You deserve it!
Oh that sounds awesome! Congratulations. The salsa is on my list to create, yum!!
What an amazing weekend! And I'm with Chris -- you ARE very talented. We make our own luck, right? 🙂 Congrats to you!
I've heard from so many ppl that EWR was an amazing weekend! And congrats on your "crown"! Love the photo. And the watermelon sound delish!
You were the W-I-N-N-E-R that weekend and you deserved it all! SO much fun at EWR!I will have to try this recipe. Yummy!
Pinning this one! Seeing so many different salsa recipes lately. Yum!