Watermelon salsa is the appetizer you need for your next pool party or cookout!
Sweet watermelon comes alive with spicy heat, thanks to fresh jalapeño and an optional sprinkling of Tajín seasoning. Along with a squeeze of lime juice and handful of fragrant cilantro, it’s a fresh and fruity dip that goes over well with crowds.
Serve this vegan and gluten-free appetizer with tortilla chips for dunking.
You know summer is here in earnest when big cardboard boxes full of watermelons are on display at the supermarket, ready to be picked like July’s answer to jack o’ lanterns.
There’s not much better than a slice of cold, juicy watermelon on a hot day. But why not take it to the next level by turning it into a craveable salsa?
Spicy heat from jalapeño and Tajín play off the watermelon’s sugary nature, while crunchy onion, tangy lime, and fragrant cilantro round out the flavor for good measure.
Get some tortilla chips at the ready, and dig in for an easy appetizer that’s sure to win over fans at your next family potluck, picnic, or July 4th gathering.
Pro tip: Don't toss the rind after making this salsa. Use it to make my quick pickled watermelon rind with garlic & dill! It’s a tangy, crunchy snack that puts every part of the watermelon to use.
In this post:
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.
Watermelon: You can use pre-chopped, but I recommend buying a whole seedless watermelon, and cutting it yourself for optimum flavor, texture, and freshness.
(Don't worry about dicing it in a perfectly uniform fashion. As long as the watermelon fits on a chip, a little variation in size is just fine.)
When buying a whole watermelon, pick one with a firm rind that feels heavy for its size. Give it a knock, and listen for a deep, hollow sound for the juiciest fruit.
Onion: White or yellow onion works best here. They have a milder bite than red onion and won't overpower.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best.
Jalapeño: Jalapeño peppers vary by spiciness. So if you’re spice-averse, check the heat level of your pepper before adding it to the salsa. If desired, use less. If you like spicier salsa, add up to one more pepper.
A note about spicy heat: Because watermelon is so sweet, it dampens some of the spiciness from the jalapeño. So it may take more jalapeño than usual to get the same amount of heat.
Cilantro: Look for fresh cilantro that is bright green, not slimy or blackened.
Tip: Don’t let the cilantro stems go to waste! They have the same great flavor as the leaves. You can discard any thick, hard parts of the stems, but use the rest in the salsa.
Salt: Salt makes the flavors pop.
Tajín Clásico Seasoning (optional): This popular Mexican seasoning is made with a blend of chili peppers, dehydrated lime juice, and salt. It’s used as a optional garnish on this salsa for a tangy, citrusy finish that enhances the watermelon’s sweetness.
Look for it in the center aisles of most grocery stores with other Mexican ingredients, in Latin markets, at Walmart, or online from retailers like Amazon.
If you prefer, Trader Joe’s also sells a chile lime seasoning blend that’s in the same wheelhouse, but with less lime flavor and more smokiness.
Easy step by step instructions
This section shows how to make this recipe at a glance with process photos of the steps. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.
1. Put the following into a mixing bowl:
- Seedless watermelon
- Yellow or white onion
- Jalapeño pepper
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Salt
Make ahead tip: This salsa is best served fresh. However, if you need to make it in advance, hold off on adding the salt and Tajín (below) until just before serving.
Both ingredients draw out moisture, which can lead to a watery salsa and softer watermelon.
2. Gently combine with a spoon.
5. Transfer the fruit salsa to a serving bowl, and garnish with a generous sprinkling of Tajín (optional) to make the zingy lime flavors pop.
Serve with tortilla chips for dunking.
Make it your own
Make this watermelon salsa recipe your own by varying the ingredients. Here are some ways to personalize this recipe:
- Get even fruitier and add fresh chunks of mango or strawberries
- Tamp down some of the sweetness and add diced cucumber, jicama, or red bell pepper
- Increase the tang by adding more lime juice or Tajin
- Add to the herbaceousness with fresh mint, in addition to cilantro
- For more heat, use a spicier jalapeño, add an additional pepper, or sprinkle on a pinch of cayenne
- For less heat, use a milder jalapeño or add less of it
Serving ideas
Of course, watermelon salsa is a simple and delicious snack on its own with tortilla chips for dipping.
This fruity pico de gallo also goes beautifully with veggie burgers, sandwiches, and other dishes to round out a meal.
Serve your chips & dip as an appetizer or side dish along with any of these main courses:
Storage instructions
Watermelon salsa is best when served fresh. However, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 or 3 days.
Over time, the watermelon will soften. As it releases its juices, it will seem to shrink. So when you’re ready to enjoy it, you can drain it with a fine mesh sieve before serving, if you like, and add more Tajín.
More salsa recipes you’ll love
For even more dipping opportunities, check out these delicious homemade salsas:
If you try this recipe and love it, let me know! Leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comment section below. It truly makes my day and is such a help!
📖 Recipe
Sweet & spicy watermelon salsa with jalapeño & lime
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped watermelon seedless, chopped in small to medium bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup chopped onion yellow or white, chopped in small pieces
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and chopped very small
- ¼ heaping cup chopped cilantro loosely packed (Remove any hard or thick parts of the stems)
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- Generous sprinkling of Tajin optional garnish
Instructions
- Put the watermelon, onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt into a mixing bowl and combine with a spoon.
- If you like, transfer the salsa to a serving bowl, or leave it in the mixing bowl. To intensify the lime flavor, garnish the top of the salsa with a generous sprinkling of Tajin (optional). Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Sharon
The watermelon salsa was a surprise. It was served at a party I attended. Late to the party, I was expecting salsa as usual made with tomatoes. To my surprise, it was watermelon instead of tomatoes. It ended up being a nice surprise as I found myself nabbing one more chip after another to keep giving it a try.
The salty chips added to the burst of flavors.
I’m not usually a cilantro person but this had just a faint light taste not over-powering at all. This was a nice cool snack.
Cadry Nelson
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the great feedback.
Shell
A perfect summer dish! This will be made on repeat at my house this summer!
Cadry Nelson
So glad to hear it! I can’t think of a tastier way to beat the heat!