As summer lingers (or maybe it’s already slipped away, who knows with this weather? ), I find myself craving something that’s both fiery and cooling—like watching a July fireworks show while sipping iced tea.
Watermelon salsa fits the bill perfectly: it’s a juicy, colorful contradiction, with sweet melon chunks that are like candy and jalapeños that give you a surprise kick, all mingling in a bowl.
It’s one of those snacks that feels like a mini vacation, transporting you to a backyard BBQ where laughter echoes, and the sun seems to set in slow motion.
Steps
- Dice four cups of seedless watermelon into small cubes.
- Finely chop one cup of red onion, approximately half of a medium-sized onion.
- Prepare two-thirds of a cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped into small pieces.
- Chop half a cup of fresh mint leaves into fine pieces.
- Seed and finely dice one to two jalapenos, adjusting the quantity based on your heat preference.
- Zest and juice one lime, ensuring to combine both the zest and juice.
- Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Serve the salsa immediately for the freshest taste, or cover it and refrigerate for up to two days.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced seedless watermelon
- 1 cup diced red onion (approximately half of a medium red onion)
- 2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1–2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced (adjust quantity to taste)
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
FAQ
- Can I prepare this watermelon salsa ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare watermelon salsa in advance. It can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it a convenient option for gatherings.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?
- To control the heat level, adjust the amount of jalapeno used. You can add more for extra spice or reduce the quantity for a milder version. Removing the seeds will also help in reducing the heat.
- What type of watermelon is best for this recipe?
- Seedless watermelon is recommended for this recipe as it makes preparation easier and provides a smoother texture to the salsa.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
- Fresh mint and cilantro leaves are suggested for this recipe to achieve the best flavor. However, if necessary, you can use dried herbs, but the taste may not be as vibrant.
- What other fruits can be used in a similar salsa recipe?
- Besides watermelon, you can experiment with other fruits like mango, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pears to create different variations of fruit salsa.
Tips
- Adjust Jalapeno to Taste: The level of spiciness in your salsa can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of jalapeno you use. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh cilantro, mint, and lime juice. Fresh herbs and citrus can significantly enhance the overall taste and freshness of the salsa.
- Chill Before Serving: If time allows, refrigerate the salsa for a couple of hours before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it even more refreshing.
- Keep Overnight: The salsa can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it a convenient option for gatherings or meal prep.
Equipment
- Zester – For zesting the lime.
- Juicer – To extract juice from the lime efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality, sharp knife for chopping watermelon, onion, cilantro, and mint.
- Cutting Board – A durable, non-slip cutting board for safely chopping ingredients.
