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Watermelon Pico de Gallo

Watermelon is often reserved for desserts or snacks, but when paired with savory ingredients like onions and cilantro, it creates a salsa that’s truly extraordinary. When I first served this Watermelon Pico de Gallo at a summer BBQ, people were shocked at how well the watermelon worked in a pico. The sweetness of the watermelon brings a surprising freshness, while the lime juice and jalapeño add a zesty pop. The combination of juicy watermelon and crunchy vegetables is perfect for balancing out the heat of the peppers, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. It’s a light, flavorful salsa that’s not only easy to make but guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it with chips, tacos, or simply as a topping for fish or chicken, this salsa is sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 cups of fresh watermelon, diced

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

A pinch of sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of watermelon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine diced watermelon, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

  2. Season: Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if desired) to taste.

  3. Mix: Gently toss the ingredients together until well combined.

  4. Chill & Serve: Let the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or tacos.

Notes

Tips:

  • Milder Version: For a less spicy salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping. 🌶️

  • Add Some Crunch: Try adding some cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.

  • Serve with: Grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for summer salads.

  • Store: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.  Due to the high moisture content of watermelon it will become watery the longer it ages, but don’t worry I doubt you will have leftovers.

  • Yield is dependent on the size of your dice for watermelon.

 

🌶️Tip: When handling jalapeños or other hot peppers, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation. For a milder pico, remove the seeds and white membrane before chopping.

💗 Ready to surprise your taste buds?
Scoop up this sweet + spicy Watermelon Pico and bring the wow factor to your next BBQ or taco night! It’s fresh, unexpected, and totally addictive. 🌶️🍉

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice

Nutrition