This fresh watermelon salsa recipe is a vibrant, sweet and spicy salsa perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summer picnics, or potlucks, or any time you need a delicious appetizer.
Made with juicy watermelon, fresh strawberries, and jalapeño pepper, it’s a fruit salsa that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Serve it with tortilla chips, corn chips, on a burrata board or with other Salsas on a salsa bar, as a topping for blackened catfish, fish tacos, or Grilled Mahi Mahi for a delicious meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Fresh Watermelon Salsa
Versatile: Pair with pita chips, use as a watermelon pico de gallo topping, or elevate dishes like grilled salmon or chicken.
Sweet and Spicy Balance: The ripe watermelon and strawberries blend with jalapeño pepper for a refreshing, flavorful kick.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes using fresh ingredients like fresh cilantro and lime juice.
How To Make Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon Salsa Ingredients
- Seedless Watermelon: Choose a ripe watermelon for the best flavor; pre-diced saves time. Time-Saving Tip: Buy watermelon at the grocery store that is already diced.
- Fresh Strawberries: Add sweetness and color to this fruit salsa.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Remove seeds for less heat or add a second for spicier salsa.
- Red Onion:Sweet red onion enhances flavor; white onion works too.
- Fresh Cilantro, Basil, Mint: Substitute parsley or extra fresh mint if cilantro isn’t preferred.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the salsa; lemon juice is an alternative.
- Honey: Optional for a sweet salsa; adjust to taste or omit.
Directions
Using a sharp knife, dice a seedless watermelon into small pieces to avoid excess liquid, or buy store-bought watermelon already diced.
Pro Tip: Drain diced watermelon in a colander to keep your salsa from becoming watery, ensuring a perfect texture for dipping.
Combine the watermelon with fresh strawberries, red onion, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, and basil in a large bowl.
Add lime juice and a bit of honey for sweetness, adjusting to taste.
For a spicier salsa, include an extra jalapeño pepper or try serrano peppers. Stir gently and refrigerate in an airtight container for 2 hours to meld flavors.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Salsa
Experiment: Add orange bell peppers or a splash of lemon juice for a unique twist.
Choose a Ripe Watermelon: Look for a whole watermelon with a deep, hollow sound when thumped and no bruises.
Customize Spice: Swap jalapeño pepper for red bell pepper for a milder flavor or add red pepper flakes for heat.
Prep Ahead: Make this fresh salsa 2 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing can make leftover watermelon mushy, so enjoy fresh for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Drain any excess liquid before serving.
When selecting a watermelon, look for the green color, and no bruises. Also, try thumping the watermelon. You should hear a deep, hollow sound.
Yes, prepare 2 hours in advance and chill in an airtight container to enhance flavors. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo parties.
Watermelon Salsa does not stay fresh for that long. I recommend using it within a day or two.
Yes, you can freeze it, but you may not want to because it will likely be mushy when it thaws out.
Then you’re in luck because this recipe does not include cilantro. Instead it uses chopped mint and basil.
Add another jalapeño pepper or use serrano peppers with seeds for extra heat.
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Recipe
Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon, diced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 jalapeno, destemmed, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey, optional
- 3 tablespoons red onion, diced small
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients together in a bowl and stir gently to combine.
- You can serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
- Serve with chips, crackers or on tacos.
Video
Notes
- Dice everything small so you can get a lot of salsa on a chip.
- Let this marinate for a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Add another jalapeño or two for more spicy flavor.
- Omit the honey if you don’t like it quite so sweet.
- You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lime juice for another bit of flavor.
Nutrition
What To Serve With Watermelon Salsa
Scoop this best watermelon salsa with tortilla chips or corn chips for a hot summer day appetizer. It’s also a great way to top our Grilled Mahi Mahi or Pineapple Salsa tacos for a tropical twist.
For a fun presentation, serve in a hollowed-out watermelon bowl. For more serving suggestions, the watermelon salsa goes well with the recipes below.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Blackened Fish Tacos
- Oven Baked Chicken Breast
- Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Sara says
This salsa is the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy; easily, a new favorite recipe. So unique and tasty, indeed!
Vicky says
So many yummy watermelons this time of year. Love how you have incorporated them into this salsa. Bet it would be a wonderful bruschetta topper too!
serena says
I love this salsa when watermelon is in season. So great for a summertime salsa
Angela says
Love sweet salsas! The combo of watermelon and strawberries is absolute perfection. YUM!
Anjali says
Love the idea of using watermelon and strawberries instead of tomatoes in salsa!! Can’t wait to make this as a side for our family taco night this week!