Picture this: a hot summer day, the kind where the sun beats down relentlessly. You're craving something cool, refreshing, and maybe just a little bit fun. That's where this Watermelon and Margarita Salad comes in. It's the sweet and savory treat you didn't know you needed, and trust me, its a life saver. My sister Jenny and I came up with this when we were at the beach last summer, and since then I have made it over 20 times. I've even started using it for dessert, it’s so good!
This salad is not only incredibly easy to make (we're talking 15 minutes, tops!), but it's also a total crowd-pleaser. The juicy watermelon, the spicy kick from the jalapeño, the salty cotija cheese, and that zesty margarita dressing—it's a party in your mouth. I also think the colors look amazing and the mix of textures is perfect. Feel free to switch out the cilantro if you don’t like it, I've seen my sister use mint before and it's delicious!
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just want a tasty snack to brighten up your day, this Watermelon and Margarita Salad is your new best friend. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a vegan alternative. What does this mean for you? A guilt-free, flavorful, and oh-so-refreshing salad that everyone will rave about. Enjoy!
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Serving Platter
Watermelon and Margarita Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Watermelon and Margarita Salad
Watermelon and Margarita Salad: A refreshing blend of juicy watermelon, spicy jalapeño, salty cotija cheese, and a zesty margarita dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and a flavor explosion in every bite!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Begin by cubing the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. Remove any seeds you find along the way. Place the watermelon cubes in a large bowl.
- Add the Jalapeño and Red Onion: Finely dice the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat!) and red onion. Add them to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Cilantro and Cotija: Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and crumble the cotija cheese. Add these to the bowl as well.
- Making the Margarita Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, agave nectar, tequila (if using), lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the agave is fully dissolved.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the margarita dressing over the watermelon mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. If you're short on time, you can skip this step.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference. Remove the seeds for less heat.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila.
- Best served immediately or chilled for a short period. The watermelon can become soggy if left too long.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 60mg
