Watermelon salsa is a refreshing, easy to make appetizer using only 5 ingredients! It is similar to pico de gallo, however fresh, juicy watermelon is used in place of tomatoes. You only need 10-15 minutes to make this easy summer appetizer.
Watermelon salsa is also known as fire and ice watermelon salsa due to the “fire” of the jalapeno and the cooling of the watermelon. It is popular during the hot summer months! Watermelon is in season from May through September but the best months to buy watermelon (in the US) are typically July and August.
This fruity salsa pairs well with bbq cauliflower tacos, watermelon basil margaritas, and grilled eggplant sandwiches! I love the fresh summertime flavors and I think you will too!
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Why You'll Love This Fruit Salsa Recipe
- You only need 5 simple ingredients and it is easy to add other flavors if desired (consider adding peaches, mango or pineapple)!
- This refreshing summer fruit salsa is perfect to bring to a bbq, summer party or happy hour.
- No tomatoes? No problem! Make this tomato-less salsa in only 10 minutes!
Ingredient Notes
- Watermelon - I recommend using a seedless watermelon. Pick one that feels heavy, is lighter in color (rather than dark green) and has a light spot on one side which indicates it ripened in the sun.
- White onion - white onions tend to be more mild in flavor which allows the fruity flavors to shine through! Feel free to use red onion in place if you want a stronger onion flavor.
- Jalapeno - you will need 1 small jalapeno pepper! Choose your level of heat by either scraping out the ribs and seeds (less spicy) or leaving them in (very spicy).
- Lime - make sure to use the juice of a fresh lime rather than the bottled lime juice. Fresh juice will always taste better in this recipe.
- Cilantro - I love cilantro and it pairs well with the watermelon and lime juice!
Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy - leave the ribs and seeds in the jalapeno pepper for an extra spicy salsa or try using a habanero pepper.
- Peach watermelon salsa - add in 1 cup of diced fresh peaches in place of 1 cup of watermelon.
- Pineapple watermelon salsa - swap in 1 cup of diced pineapple in place of 1 cup of watermelon.
- Mango watermelon salsa - add 1 cup of diced mangos in place of 1 cup of watermelon.
- Mint - if you’re not a fan of cilantro try substitution in fresh mint leaves!
- Cucumber - add in 1 cup of cucumbers for an additional refreshing crunch!
- Avocado - diced 1 avocado to add to the fruit salsa for a creamy element.
- Feta - add in ½ cup of feta or goat cheese for a creamy and salty addition. I don’t think this would still be considered salsa but it sure tastes delicious!
- Cinnamon chips - serve with cinnamon flavored pita chips for a sweet twist!
- Crostini - serve on top of air fryer crostini for a beautifully plated appetizer.
- Chunky - diced the watermelon into large ½” pieces.
Step By Step Instructions
Dice the watermelon into small pieces. Add it to a strainer over a bowl to drain any excess juice. Let it stand for 5 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Add the diced onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice to a mixing bowl. Mix well, being careful not to squish the watermelon.
Tips & Tricks
- After dicing the watermelon, put it in a colander to strain out any extra juice. I like to save the juice and drink it immediately or add it to a summer cocktail!
- Buy extra limes to make frozen watermelon margaritas or basil watermelon margs!
- I did not add any salt to this recipe due to the saltiness of the chips! Additionally adding salt to the salsa will cause the watermelon to “sweat” more, creating more liquid.
How to Store
Watermelon salsa is best served fresh! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not recommend using bottled lime juice but if it is all you have then go for it. I prefer the fresh taste of limes and noticed a difference when using bottled juice which is why I always opt for fresh.
Tajin is the perfect spice to add to fruit salsa. Other spices that would pair well are cumin, brown sugar, salt and cayenne pepper for some heat!
More Watermelon Recipes You'll Love:
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon diced
- ¼ cup white onion diced
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 bag tortilla chips
Instructions
- Dice the watermelon. You can finely dice or or leave it larger for a chunky salsa. Add the diced watermelon to a strainer over a bowl and drain any excess juice. Let it stand for 5 minutes while chopping up the onion, jalapeno and cilantro.
- Add the watermelon, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice to a mixing bowl. Mix well. Serve with tortilla chips or try cinnamon sugar pita chips!
Notes
- Save the extra watermelon juice and simply drink it (it’s delicious!) or add it to a watermelon basil margarita!
- Try different variations by swapping out 1 cup of watermelon for 1 cup of diced peaches, mango or pineapple!
- To make this spicy, leave in the jalapeno seeds or try using a habanero pepper.
Kyle says
So refreshing and great for those of us not always wanting a spicy salsa, this is a hit!
Emily Toshiko says
Woo! I love that it's easy to control the spice on this one.
Cathy says
I can't wait to try this recipe. It sounds so refreshing!
Emily Toshiko says
You will love it!!
Anonymous says
I made this for a party the other day and it was a hit!!