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Watermelon Salsa is summer in a bowl! This easy recipe is a delicious alternative to a classic tomato salsa, made with watermelon, tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, and a 15-second lime and honey dressing.
Similar to my pineapple salsa, it makes a refreshing dip or snack, and is so flavorful you can even eat it straight out of the bowl. I keep it family-friendly without too much spice but feel free to add finely chopped jalapeรฑos or chili if you prefer a spicier flavor.
Enjoy the salsa with tortilla chips or serve it as a side salad for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with my cheddar tacos, fish, chicken, and even beef.
Watermelon Salsa Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Watermelon:ย I used half of a medium-sized watermelon for this recipe (it was approximately 22-24 cm in diameter / 8-9 inches).ย
- Red onion:ย A small red onion adds a sharp, sweet flavor.
- Tomatoes:ย I prefer using beefsteak tomatoes, but you can substitute with any type you like.
- Fresh herbs:ย Fresh cilantro and mint add a lot of flavor here, but basil is also fine to use.
- Lime juice:ย Freshly squeezed lime juice balances the sweetness of the watermelon and the sharpness of the onion.
- Honey:ย A runny honey is best, but you can use agave, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze instead.
How to Make Watermelon Salsa
- Dice the watermelon finely and pour it into a medium sized bowl.
- Top with finely chopped red onion.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs.
- Add diced and deseeded tomatoes.
- Mix lime juice with honey and pour over the salsa.
Watermelon Bowl
Scoop out the flesh from the other half of the watermelon and use it to serve the salsa. You can make a flower trim like I have, zig-zag it, or keep it simple. You can find myย tips on finding a good watermelon here.
Possible Variations
- Spice it up:ย Add chopped jalapeรฑo peppers, freshly chopped chili, or Tajin seasoning. You can even mix sriracha into the lime and honey dressing or use hot honey.
- Add cheese:ย Sprinkle a few tablespoons of crumbled feta or cotija on top.
- Make it zesty:ย Swap for lemon juice or add grated lemon or lime zest for extra tang.
- Soak the onions:ย If you find red onions a little too pungent, try soaking them in cold water for 20 minutes before draining and using. Or swap for yellow onion.
- Extras:ย Try adding diced red or yellow bell pepper, cucumber, or avocado for even more flavor and color contrast.
- Herbs: Add chopped fresh mint or fresh basil.
How to Store Leftovers
Add leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Enjoy with in 1 day. You may need to pour away some of the juice.
FAQs
Try cucumber slices, tortilla chips, or potato chips, or serve it as a side salad with chicken, beef, or fish.
The salsa is best when fresh, so wait to get started a few hours before serving it.
Salt makes the salsa watery over time, but if you feel it needs it, you can definitely add it at the last minute.
More Watermelon Recipes
If you make this recipe or any other recipe on Foodbites, then I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment and rating below.
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredientsย
- 4 cups watermelon, diced
- 40 grams red onion
- 4 beefsteak tomatoes
- 2 limes
- 10 grams cilantro, fresh
- 5 grams mint, fresh
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructionsย
- Halve the watermelon.
- Slice one half of the melon into thin pieces (about 6-7 mm / 0.2 inches)
- Remove the peel.
- Dice into small cubes.
- Quarter the tomatoes.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Dice the tomatoes and the red onion.
- Finely chop the cilantro and mint.
- Mix the melon, red onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a medium-sized bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of two limes into a small bowl.
- Add the honey to the lime juice.
- Pour the honey lime dressing over the salsa.
- Serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
