Summer will be here soon. That means it’s almost time for a hotly debated topic in the South; watermelon. Should you purchase the melon with the traditional pink center or the yellow center? Should it be eaten with or without salt? My vote is for the with salt option. What should you do with the seeds? Traditionally, this resulted in a spitting contest among the kids, which brought down the wrath of our parents. My kids still have spitting contests when they think I’m not looking. I know it seems impossible, but suppose you have lots of leftover watermelons. Or maybe you just want to create something a little different. That’s where this easy and delicious watermelon salsa recipe comes in. It’s great with grilled chicken or pork dishes. If you need (or want) a sweet-sour relish with your meal, this is perfect.
Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Watermelon salsa is a fruity twist on traditional salsa recipes and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. The youngest kids in our family enjoy this, although we leave out the jalapenos when making it for them. Although the recipe might sound complicated, it comes together quickly. Plan to make the salsa at least one to two hours in advance of serving to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Choose the Perfect Watermelon
No one wants to choose a non-ripe watermelon. Part of summer fun is chopping a piece from an ice cold melon and eating it with your hands, while the juice drips onto your hands. Here’s some tips on how to get the watermelon everyone will want to eat:
- Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. Give it a gentle tap on the bottom. It should sound hollow.
- Look for the yellow spot on the bottom. Watermelons get this spot when they rest on the ground. When the spot becomes a creamy yellow, the watermelon is ripe.
- Check to be sure the melon doesn’t have any soft spots or mushy patches.
- Check the stem-it should be a yellow-brown color and feel dry.
- Choose a medium-sized watermelon.
Cooking Tips:
- Store onions in a cool, dark place. This will keep them fresh for up to four weeks.
- Love onions but hate the tears? Store them in the freezer for 30 minutes prior to cutting.
- Never touch your nose, eyes, or face while cutting jalapenos or directly afterward.
- Remove the membrane and seeds from the jalapeno peppers to reduce the heat.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preferred sweetness. Start with the smallest amount called for in the recipe and add more gradually.
- Fun Fact- Did you know they make watermelon knives (affiliate link)? I have one of these and they make deseeding a watermelon quick and easy.
- This salsa can be made up to a day in advance. Store prepared salsa, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.
- The salsa will keep up to 3 days after preparation.
How to Deseed Jalapenos
- Using a knife, slice both ends off the peppers.
- Slice the pepper in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scrape the seeds out of the pepper.
- Note: You might want to wear kitchen gloves while deseeding peppers.
- An Alternate method is to slice and half the pepper as directed above and then place the pepper in a small plastic bag. Use the spoon to gently scrape the seeds from the pepper. Be sure not to break the plastic!
What You Need to Make the Salsa:
- fresh cilantro leaves
- jalapeno peppers
- white vinegar
- fresh garlic
- sugar
- salt
- watermelon
- yellow onion
- navel oranges
Serving Suggestions:
- Use this as an appetizer served with tortilla chips.
- Serve as a condiment with fish tacos.
- Serve with any type of grilled chicken, pork, or turkey.
Substitutes for Cilantro:
If you are not a fan of cilantro, there are other fresh herbs that can be substituted in equal amounts in salsa. Here are the ones that would be good in this recipe:
- mint –This is the best substitute to use in a fruit salsa recipe
- chives
- parsley
Printable Recipe:
Easy & Delicious Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup chopped and deseeded jalapeno peppers
2 Tablespoons white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sugar, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups finely chopped watermelon
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 navel oranges, peeled and chopped
Directions
- In a medium bowl add the cilantro, peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.
- Stir in the watermelon, onion, and oranges, making sure the mixture is well coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
This recipe was published in our book, The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and New Twists on Old Favorites, released by Rockridge Press in 2018. If you liked this recipe, the book has 99 more delicious recipes, many with gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan adaptions. You’ll also find detailed cooking instructions, cooking hints, family stories, and fun foodie facts. You can order it here->https://amzn.to/2LUdLNk.
We use this recipe often in the summer and it is always a hit. What is your favorite summer side dish or condiment? Have you tried watermelon salsa? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Watermelon salsa? I never thought a watermelon can be a salsa! I must try this one.
We love watermelon in our home. This sounds like a delicious recipe! I would love to try making this sometime!
I’ve enjoyed watermelon in salads, but never this way. I’m loving this recipe and can’t wait to give it a try.
Oooo yum this looks really good. I could take this with me to a potluck
What a yummy dish! We are headed to the beach this weekend and I am definitely making this for sure!
This looks so delicious. I haven’t made a watermelon salsa in forever. My kids will go crazy for this!
This sounds like the perfect summer recipe! We have a neighborhood bbq this weekend, and I know everyone will love this recipe.
I so want to try this! I’ve actually never had a watermelon salsa but I do love me some watermelon. This is going on my grocery shopping list.
I like watermelon with some tajin. I know that I would love these flavors together.
It looks soooo good! Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits!
I love salsa, and this watermelon version looks so yummy. Perfect summer treat
I love salsa so much! I’ve never tried watermelon salsa but it looks delicious.
Oh wow! What an amazing summertime recipe! I need to give this a try!
Ohhhhh yes! This is so right up my ally! Plus, I’m having a brunch with the girlfriends this weekend and wanted to find some fun, fresh recipes! Thank you!
Oh my goodness! Now this is something I’ve never tried watermelon salsa! Talk about a fun and delicious sounding recipe!
Those flavors sound really nice. I like the sweet and spicy combo. I could see this being good for parties and football games!
This looks delicious. I can’t wait to give it a try.
I have never tried one of these kinds of sauces. I’ve always just use a tomato-based salsa. This sounds so good because I bet they have that sweet and salty mix just right. I will have to try it.
That looks so good! I’ll have to give this recipe a try. I love the sweet base of watermelon. It’s perfect for these warm days.
We’ve had a similar version of this a while ago. This looks tasty. Being gluten and dairy free, a lot of people will be able to enjoy this.
I am SO making this! Down here in Georgia, the watermelons have come in, and since everyone and their brother has a garden, there are A LOT of watermelons. LOL
I have never eaten watermelon in anything but a fruit salada and never tried it with salt. It does have a texture that might go well in a spicy salsa if I do make this.