Watermelon Salsa is a refreshing spin on classic tomato salsa that is perfect for summer. Made with juicy watermelon, fresh cucumber, bright lime juice, and salty feta, this recipe for Watermelon Salsa is the perfect summer appetizer.
It is not a secret that I love chips and salsa. From classic tomato salsa to mango salsa to corn salsa to salsa verde, I love them all.
But one of my all-time favorite summer salsas is this recipe for Watermelon Salsa.
It is salty, sweet, bright, fresh, and absolutely DIVINE when paired with salty corn chips. And exceptionally patriotic when served with blue corn chips 😉.
Notes on Ingredients
- Watermelon: Be sure to use a ripe watermelon for this recipe. You want the flesh of the watermelon to be vibrant and sweet to form the perfect base for the Watermelon Salsa. Using a seedless watermelon will make the prep-work easier, but you certainly can use a watermelon with seeds, just be sure to remove the seeds as you dice the watermelon.
- Onion: For the best flavor, use a white sweet onion in this salsa recipe.
- Cucumber: The cucumber adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the sweet watermelon. Use either a seedless English Cucumber or a garden cucumber. If using a garden cucumber, be sure to peel and seed it before adding it to the salsa.
- Cilantro: If you don't like cilantro, feel free to use fresh mint instead or omit it entirely.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a nice salty finish to the salsa and pairs really well with watermelon. While the cheese adds a lot of dimension to this dish, feel free to omit it if you are dairy-free.
- Lime Juice: Be sure to use FRESH lime juice for the best flavor. It is the perfect bright finish to the watermelon salsa.
How To Make Watermelon Salsa
It couldn't be easier to throw together this fresh summer salsa. The most time-consuming part is cutting the watermelon.
- Remove the peel from the watermelon, and cube the flesh into ¼-inch cubes, removing any seeds from the watermelon if needed.
- If not using a seedless or English cucumber, peel and remove the seeds from the cucumber. Dice the cucumber into small cubes.
- Toss the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, minced cilantro, and lime juice together.
- Gently stir in crumbled feta cheese.
- Taste and season with salt as desired.
- Serve immediately with chips as desired.
Storage and Prep-Ahead Instructions
This watermelon salsa is best served within a few hours of assembly, as it will become watery as it sits. If you happen to have leftovers, store the watermelon salsa in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Use a fine-mesh strainer to drain off the excess water that forms before serving the watermelon salsa.
To prepare the salsa in advance which is great when entertaining, I recommend chopping all of your produce and storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Right before serving, drain off any excess liquid from the watermelon and/or cucumber, and then combine the ingredients.
More Festive Summer Recipes
If you gave this fresh Watermelon Salsa a try, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon diced into ¼" cubes
- ½ seedless cucumber diced
- ½ sweet white onion diced
- 1 lime juiced
- ¼-1/2 cup crumbled feta I like a lot, some people prefer just a touch
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Dice watermelon into ¼ inch cubes. Finely dice up cucumber and cilantro.
- Toss watermelon, cucumber, and cilantro with lime juice.
- Gently stir in feta cheese. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Serve immediately.
Nancy Buchanan
Such a fabulous condiment for the summer and a great way to use up too much watermelon!
Kristen Chidsey
I agree Nancy! This is a great way to change up how you use a giant watermelon.
Nellie Tracy
This salsa looks absolutely beautiful! Pairing the watermelon with the saltiness of the chips and feta is brilliant!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Nellie! I adore that sweet and salty combo myself.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
I've never tried watermelon salsa before, but this sounds delicious! We'll be trying it soon!
Kristen Chidsey
I didn't think it would be good, but it so awesome!
Caroline | carolinescooking
Looks a great, easy salsa for this time of year.
Kristen Chidsey
Yes indeed
Caroline | carolinescooking
Looks a great, easy salsa for this time of yeaar.
Miz Helen
What a great celebration of recipes, looks delicious! Hope you have had a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Tammy
yay! Something new to do with watermelon! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned it to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Taylor
Love that you made an unhealthy holiday, healthy...but still fun! That salad looks delish too - pinning!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Taylor! I love making food fun but still staying true to my healthy lifestyle 🙂
Stephanie
I love this round of posts. I think the Watermelon magic wands are adorable, and would be so much fun at a picknik. I am also anxious to try the salsa. I have had the watermelon fire and ice salsa before and I love it. I am sure I will enjoy this one as well.