Prep Time: 20 min.
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.
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 jalapeños 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.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
• Watermelon - I used half of a medium-sized watermelon for this recipe (it was approximately 22-24 cm in diameter / 8-9 inches).
• Red onion - Red onion adds a sharp, sweet flavor.
• Tomatoes - I prefer using beefsteak tomatoes, but you can substitute with any type you like.
• Fresh herbs - Fresh cilantro and mint add a lot of flavor here, but basil is also fine to use.
• Lime juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice balances the sweetness of the watermelon and the sharpness of the onion.
• Honey - A runny honey is best, but you can use agave, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze instead.
How to Make Watermelon Salsa
1. Dice the watermelon and red onion.
2. Quarter the tomatoes, deseed, and dice them.
3. Chop the fresh herbs finely.
4. Add watermelon, red onion, tomatoes, and chopped herbs to a bowl.
5. Mix lime juice with honey to make a simple dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salsa.
7. Serve.
Possible Variations
• Spice it up - Add chopped jalapeño pepper, freshly chopped chili, or Tajin seasoning. You can even mix sriracha into the lime and honey dressing or use hot honey.
• Add cheese - Sprinkle a few tablespoons of crumbled feta or cotija on top.
• Make it zesty - Grate lemon or lime zest for an extra tangy flavor.
• Soak the onions - If you find red onions a little too pungent, try soaking them in cold water for 20 minutes before draining and using.
• Extras - Try adding diced bell pepper, cucumber, or avocado for even more flavor!
FAQs
What can I serve with this watermelon salsa recipe?
Try cucumber slices, tortilla chips, or potato chips, or serve it as a side salad with chicken, beef, or fish.
Can I make the salsa in advance?
The salsa is best when fresh, so wait to get started a few hours before serving it.
Why doesn’t this recipe have any salt?
I find the salt draws out too much moisture, but if you feel it needs it, you can add it at the last minute.
Other Watermelon Recipes
• Watermelon Feta Chessboard Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
Serves 4-6.
1. Halve the watermelon.
2. Slice one half of the melon into thin pieces (about 6-7 mm / 0.2 inches)
3. Remove the peel.
4. Dice into small cubes.
5. Quarter the tomatoes.
6. Scoop out the seeds.
7. Dice the tomatoes and the red onion.
8. Finely chop the cilantro and mint.
9. Mix the melon, red onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a medium-sized bowl.
10. Squeeze the juice of two limes into a small bowl.
11. Add the honey to the lime juice.
12. Pour the honey lime dressing over the salsa.
13. Serve.
Tip: 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.
Tip: You can find my tips on finding a good watermelon here.
Did you make and enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to tag @foodbites in your recreations on Instagram!
