This refreshing watermelon salsa recipe is fast and easy to prepare, and it tastes amazing! You can adjust the ingredients to create a mild, medium, or hot salsa, depending on your preference. Serve this watermelon salsa at summer barbecues and potlucks with corn chips for dipping! It’s also a wonderful topping for grilled fish or chicken. Only 5 ingredients!
Spring is in the air, and this eye-catching watermelon salsa is on the table! Juicy watermelon adds such a delicate, pleasant crunch that you don’t get from traditional salsas. The beautiful deep pink hue of the fruit also creates a very visually appealing appetizer.
Watermelon Salsa Ingredients
- Seedless watermelon
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper
- Cilantro
- Shallot or red onion
- Fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt
How to Make Watermelon Salsa
This salsa comes together very quickly, especially if you use pre-cut watermelon from the grocery store (more on that below). Here’s what you do:
Step 1: Combine the first 4 ingredients
Add the watermelon, hot pepper, cilantro, and shallot to a medium-sized bowl.
Step 2: Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine
Add the lime juice and salt, then stir to combine. At this point you’re technically done, but I recommend tasting the salsa to see if it needs adjusting. You can easily increase the heat level by adding more diced peppers. You might want another pinch of salt or a bit more acidity from lemon juice.
Watermelon Salsa Tips
- You can save time with this recipe by using pre-cubed watermelon from the produce aisle at your grocery store. Because the watermelon is being combined with so many other flavors, you won’t be able to tell the difference. The only negative is that prepared fruit and vegetables are almost always more expensive.
- Cut the pieces to a size that will be easy for scooping up with chips. I diced the shallot slightly larger than usual so they would be closer in size to the watermelon. This helps create a more balanced bite.
- I prefer using shallots over red onion because they’re milder and less astringent.
- If you want to get creative, try adding some additional ingredients! Diced cucumber would be amazing. You could also add some additional fruit like mango or pineapple.
- I like serving this salsa with blue corn chips for an appealing color contrast.
How to Cut a Watermelon
Learn how to cut a watermelon with this step-by-step photo tutorial from Fifteen Spatulas!
How Long Does Homemade Salsa Last?
Homemade salsa will technically keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but I recommend enjoying it within 5 days for the best flavor and texture.
More Homemade Salsa Recipes
If you love this watermelon salsa recipe, be sure to check out my Salsa Verde, Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salsa, and Mango Salsa.
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, diced
- 1 large jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and minced (or to taste)
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup shallot or red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, or to taste (about 3 limes)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Optional: tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the watermelon, jalapeño, cilantro, and shallot.
- Add the lime juice and salt, stirring until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping over grilled fish or chicken.
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but I recommend enjoying it within 5 days for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
What a refreshing salsa! This would go so well with my quinoa tortilla chips!
Savory Simple says
Those sound really delicious. Feel free to share a link!
Mad Dog says
Very exciting ;-)
Caroline @ Kitchen Simpatico says
I have so much watermelon at home and need to use it up fast. This is perfect!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
This salsa looks so good, I really think I could eat the whole bowl with my afternoon pita chips!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
What I would do for a bowl of this right now!! Sounds super awesome.
Lauren Kelly says
Looks delicious!!
Patty says
Great way to use up a slice of watermelon, love this recipe!
Riley says
I always head to the market with a strict grocery list too. But it never works… The salsa looks wonderful, Jen!
Mama's Gotta Bake says
This would be the perfect cool down for the So. Cal. heatwave we’re having now! I will give it a try!
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
Oh this would be wonderful for a hot muggy day like today! Looks delicious!
Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings says
this is such a unique idea! so refreshing…and like you, it’s very hard for me to control myself at farmers’ market!
spree says
refreshing, beautiful …and lovely as always.
Jenn and Seth (@HomeSkilletCook) says
so beautiful and refreshing! love it!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
Oh wow, I’ve never had watermelon salsa but I think I will like it, especially with the jalapenos!
Lorraine Not Quite Nigella says
I’m so saving this for summer! I’ve had a watermelon, feta and mint salad but not a salsa. I think it would be gorgeous!