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Home » Recipe Index » Appetizers

Published: Jun 28, 2024 · Modified: Jul 10, 2024 by Tanya · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

Quick Watermelon Salsa (Refreshing and Tasty)

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This delicious and refreshing watermelon salsa is full of bold flavors. Fresh-cut watermelon, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and zesty lime juice make the perfect appetizer.

watermelon salsa in blue bowl


 

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

As someone who loves summer flavors and watermelon, I just had to make this salsa. I developed this recipe because I bought a watermelon, ate most of it as a snack, and had some leftovers. I looked at the watermelon, looked at my family, and said, "I'm making salsa." They responded with looks of confusion, but once I made it and everyone ate it, everyone loved it.

This watermelon salsa recipe includes jalapeño, cilantro, and red onion for flavor and crunch. A tasty twist on traditional salsa. It does not use tomatoes but uses watermelon as the main ingredient. It's a refreshing twist on the classic chunky salsa recipe.

If you like salsa recipes, try my blender salsa or black bean salsa recipe.

Ingredients Needed

  • Fresh watermelon - diced into small cubes, seedless or seeds removed.
  • Vegetables and Herbs - Jalapeño (seeds and membrane removed for less spice), Red onion, fresh Cilantro.
  • Seasonings - Lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
ingredients for watermelon salsa on wooden cutting board

How to make Watermelon Salsa

Dice your watermelon, red onions, and jalapeno.

Finely chop the cilantro.

Add these ingredients to a bowl—season with lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the amount of salt to your preference.

watermelon salsa ingredients in a wooden bowl before mixing
watermelon salsa ingredients in bowl, mixed, with spatula mixing it

Serve at room temperature (or chilled). Enjoy!

How to serve Watermelon Salsa

This salsa has so many uses. I like to use it in ways you typically would use pico de gallo. Serve it these ways:

  • A side for grilled fish, jerk fish, chicken, or shrimp.
  • As a salsa with tortilla chips on the side.
  • A topping for your favorite taco recipe.
  • In a burrito bowl or wrapped in a burrito.
  • A fruit side for breakfast.

Storage Options and How Long It Will Last

Watermelon salsa is best when eaten immediately. It can also be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for 2-3 days. I do not recommend freezing the salsa.

To prepare in advance, chop ingredients ahead of time (1-2 days) and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to keep the salsa crisp and fresh.

watermelon salsa in bowl with cilantro in front

Variations

You can change your watermelon salsa by adding fruits like mango or pineapple, veggies like cucumber or bell pepper, or a combination of the above. Mixing things up with different ingredients can give your salsa a unique flavor.

Common Questions

Is watermelon salsa spicy? You can adjust the level of spice to your preference. Remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeño if you prefer a milder salsa.

Can I use a different type of pepper instead of jalapeño? Yes, you can use serrano pepper, habanero pepper, or any other pepper you choose. Just be mindful of the heat level and adjust the amount accordingly.

watermelon salsa in bowl with chips sticking out

I hope you enjoy this watermelon salsa as much as we do. If you need to use up a watermelon and need watermelon recipes, here are a few you will enjoy:

  • Watermelon Juice
  • Watermelon Mimosa
  • Watermelon Martini

If you tried this recipe, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps others find and enjoy this recipe.

watermelon salsa in blue bowl
Tanya

Watermelon Salsa

5 from 2 votes
This delicious and refreshing watermelon salsa is full of bold flavors. Made with fresh-cut watermelon, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and zesty lime juice, it's the perfect appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 32

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Cups cubed, diced fresh watermelon
  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
  • ⅓ cup diced red onions
  • ⅓ cup diced jalapeno seeds and membrane removed
  • ½ teaspoon Chilli Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 1 The juice of 1 Lime about 2 Tablespoons

Instructions
 

  1. Add watermelon, cilantro, red onions, and jalapeño into a large bowl. Add chili powder, salt, and lime juice. Mix.
  2. Serve at room temperature (or chilled).

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 102mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 602IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

  • This salsa can be served as soon as it's made, or let chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
  • Modify the amount of heat by removing the seeds and membrane of the jalapeño. If you want more spice, use a hotter pepper or leave a bit of the membrane on the jalapeño while dicing it.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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Comments

    5 from 2 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jacqui Yoke says

    June 19, 2025 at 12:41 pm

    Haven't made it yet, but I know it will be 5 stars. Your recipes haven't disappointed me yet! I have a few "potluck"BBQ's on the calendar this month so definitely going to make this! Question, substitute for cilantro? Not a fan and I know some peeps don't like the "soapy" taste of it. Mint or basil perhaps??? Also thinking of using Tajin seasoning???

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      June 22, 2025 at 1:08 am

      Thanks so much Jacqui! I think both would be good subs, but I love watermelon and mint. And yes, I think Tajin would be a good sub for the chili powder. I’d only add a little so it doesn't overpower the freshness of the watermelon.

      Reply
  2. Tanya says

    June 28, 2024 at 8:25 am

    I served this to family and friends and they all loved it. The addition of chili powder is what sets it apart.

    Reply

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Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

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