Chunks of juicy, sweet, fresh summer watermelon dressed with a bright, tangy mix of lime, chili, and cilantro. This simple summer salad balances sweet and savory flavors in a way that sounds surprising until you take the first bite and keep going until the bowl is empty.
Savory Watermelon Salad with Chili and Lime
Use any leftover watermelon to make refreshing Watermelon Tequila Spritzers — they can be prepared with or without alcohol.
Add some extra crunch with Yemenite Ja’ala
Yemenite Ja’ala is a crunchy, spiced mix of nuts and seeds roasted with aromatic spices. It’s easy to make at home: toss a selection of nuts and seeds with spices, a little oil, and a splash of hot water, then roast until golden and crisp. Sprinkle a handful over this watermelon salad for texture and an extra savory note.
Ja’ala is also a tasty snack on its own and pairs well on cheese boards or charcuterie plates. If you enjoy a crunchy topping, try it on this salad for contrast to the juicy watermelon.
This Watermelon Salad goes well with…
- Stuffed poblano peppers
- Black bean tostadas with corn salsa
- Pulled pork sandwiches with pineapple coleslaw
- Seared scallops with chorizo and roasted corn
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Scroll down to leave a comment and rate the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Watermelon Salad with Chili and Lime
Chunks of juicy, sweet, summer watermelon tossed in a bright dressing of lime, chili seasoning, honey, and cilantro. It’s a refreshing side or light main for warm days.
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- About 3 lb fresh seedless watermelon (approximately half of a small 6 lb melon), cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning (or another chili-lime seasoning; see notes)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the watermelon chunks in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and Tajín (or chili-lime seasoning). Slowly whisk in the olive oil in a thin, steady stream to create a light emulsion. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the watermelon and gently toss to coat the pieces. Sprinkle with about ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, toss again, then taste and add more salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
Tajín is a popular Mexican seasoning made from dried chilies, lime, and salt; it adds a balanced tangy heat to fresh fruit. If you don’t have Tajín, substitute any chili-lime or chili-powder blend. If your substitute doesn’t include lime, add a bit more lime juice to taste.
For extra texture, sprinkle roasted nuts or a crunchy spiced seed mix (such as Yemenite Ja’ala) over the salad just before serving. Fresh mint makes a bright alternative or addition to cilantro.
Make-ahead: Dress the watermelon just before serving. If you toss the fruit with the dressing too far in advance the watermelon can release extra juice and become soggy. You can prepare the dressing and cilantro ahead of time and combine them with the watermelon when ready to serve.
Serving ideas: This salad complements grilled meats, seafood, and spicy dishes. It also works well as a light summer side or a refreshing course in a picnic or potluck spread.
Nutrition
Nutrition information not provided.