fresh watermelon jalapeno salsa in a bowl

Quick summer meals

watermelon and jalapeno salsa: a sweet and spicy summer delight

By:

WordofMany

Published:

08 Jul 2025
I'll never forget the first time I tried watermelon and jalapeno salsa. My friend Maria brought it to a barbecue, and I was skeptical. Watermelon? With jalapeno? But one bite, and I was hooked. The sweet, juicy watermelon paired with the spicy kick of jalapeno was a flavor explosion I never expected. It was like a party in my mouth, and I wanted everyone to come! This salsa quickly became a summer staple in my house, and now I'm sharing my version with you. It's perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light, refreshing, and a little bit unexpected. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
ingredients for watermelon jalapeno salsa on a wooden table
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less jalapeno, and you can get creative with the other ingredients. Some people like to add mango or avocado for extra creaminess. I personally love adding a bit of crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! This salsa is not just a condiment; it’s an experience. It’s a conversation starter, a flavor adventure, and a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the unexpected combinations.
a person preparing watermelon jalapeno salsa

Required Equipments

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Grill (optional)
  • Serving Bowl

Watermelon and Jalapeno Salsa: A Sweet and Spicy Summer Delight: Frequently Asked Questions

Watermelon and Jalapeno Salsa: A Sweet and Spicy Summer Delight

This Watermelon and Jalapeno Salsa is a surprisingly delicious blend of sweet and spicy. Perfect for summer, this easy-to-make salsa is refreshing, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prep the Watermelon: Begin by slicing the watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds. Remove the rind and dice the watermelon into 1/2-inch cubes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
  2. Dice the Red Onion: Peel and finely dice the red onion. You want it to be small enough to distribute evenly throughout the salsa. Pro-tip: Soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness, then drain well.
  3. Mince the Jalapeno: Carefully remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno (if you prefer a milder salsa) and mince it finely. Handle jalapenos with care; using gloves is advisable to avoid skin irritation. If you are brave, and I think you are, leave some seeds in!
  4. Chop the Cilantro: Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and chop it coarsely. Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the salsa. If you're not a fan of cilantro, fresh mint can be a refreshing alternative.
  5. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or boil the corn on the cob until tender. Let it cool, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and pat it dry.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced watermelon, red onion, minced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, corn kernels, and black beans. I am sure you are excited and all but make sure the bowl is big enough. Trust me.
  7. Add Lime Juice and Seasoning: Squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the mixture. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of cumin. The lime juice brightens the flavors and helps preserve the salsa. Don't over do the salt!
  8. Gently Toss: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the watermelon. The goal is to mix the flavors, not create a watermelon puree.
  9. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the salsa and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. If you're short on time, it's still delicious served immediately.
  10. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for brightness, salt for flavor, or jalapeno for heat. Make it your own!
  11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the watermelon and jalapeno salsa with your favorite tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, try grilling the watermelon before dicing.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if the watermelon isn't sweet enough.
  • Cumin is optional, it provides an earthy depth but isn't for everyone.
  • If you have some mint, try adding that to add a bit of a different kick!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 120 kcal

Protein: 4 g

Fat: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 25 g

Fiber: 3 g

Calcium: 20 mg

"Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." - Henry James (and me, too)

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