There are some things that are just better in summer, like swimming in a lake, spending long evenings outside and eating your fill of watermelon! This juicy and refreshing fruit is the perfect way to cool off on those hot summer days. But instead of basic and plain watermelon, why not skip the typical slices and make a delicious and tasty watermelon salsa instead?
If you’re a fan of chips and salsa (and who isn’t?), this fresh fruit salsa is the perfect way to shake up your typical salsa or dip. Instead of a tomato base, this recipe calls for chunks of fresh watermelon, crunchy cucumber, zesty lime and cooling mint. It’s a great mix of salty and sweet, and even spicy if you choose to add a jalapeno or two. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy after an intense hike or after a long drive day and setting up camp. And you can even make it in one bowl, so there’s not a lot of clean-up.
Photo: Sarah Cribari
While the salsa can be made before you leave on your camping trip, this recipe is best when it is fresh. If it’s easier, you can chop up all the ingredients before you leave and then just mix them together at the campsite. But this recipe really shines when you make it right before you serve it. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to make and only involves chopping a few fruits and vegetables!
Besides eating this as a delicious dip (or straight out of the bowl with a spoon!), try using it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish or fish tacos. Can’t get enough watermelon this summer? Try our Grilled Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese and Basil recipe for another tasty summertime camping dish.
The Ingredients
So what goes into this fruit salsa to make it so delicious?
Watermelon: Find the freshest watermelon that you can. Summer really is the best time to make this recipe since the fruit is in season. I prefer using seedless watermelon, but you can also use other varieties of watermelon and remove the seeds before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
Photo: Sarah Cribari
Cucumber: You’ll want to peel and dice the cucumber for this recipe. The cucumber gives the salsa a bit of crunch and helps with the refreshing taste.
Red onion: A red onion adds color and some savory flavor to the salsa. Dice into small pieces and add them to the mixture.
Cilantro: I love using cilantro in this salsa, but if you can’t stand the taste, you can also use parsley. Just remember, it will change the flavor of the salsa a bit.
Mint: Fresh diced mint leaves really add a refreshing boost to this salsa. However, if you can’t find fresh mint while on the road, you can use fresh basil leaves instead. You can also leave out the mint (or basil) entirely if you want a version that’s closer to traditional salsa flavors.
Lime juice: The lime adds that zesty citrus flavor and makes this dish taste more like a salsa. It also pulls all the ingredients together with a citrusy kick.
Photo: Sarah Cribari
Jalapeno: This is where you really get to customize the heat of the salsa. If you’re a fan of heat, you can add another jalapeno (or even a serrano) for more spiciness. Or you can leave it out entirely for no kick. You could also swap the jalapeno out for a bell pepper if you like your salsa mild but still want the crunch of a pepper.
Looking for more fun ideas on how to use up extra watermelon? Try a few of these easy recipes at home or on your next RV trip:
- Add a shake of chili powder salt and lime juice to slices or chunks of watermelon for Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Blend up a few chunks of watermelon with a shot of tequila and a squeeze of lime juice for a watermelon margarita.
- Throw a thick slice of watermelon on the grill with a sprinkle of salt and sugar for an easy side dish for lunch or dinner.
- Make a watermelon caprese salad with chunks of watermelon, slices of mozzarella and fresh basil leaves all topped with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Freeze cubes of watermelon and put them in a resealable plastic bag. Bring them along in your cooler or RV freezer to use in your drink of choice. Add them to glasses of water, lemonade, or even white and rosé wine for extra flavor and freshness.
Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Photo: Sarah Cribari
A twist on regular salsa, this watermelon salsa recipe mixes refreshing watermelon, mint, lime, and cucumber for a fun summer dip, side dish, or topping for chicken and fish.
Ingredients:
3 cups chopped seedless watermelon
1 cucumber peeled and diced
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced cilantro
2 TBSP diced mint leaves
Juice from 2 limes
Salt to taste
Optional:
1 jalapeno deseeded and minced. If you don’t want any heat in this recipe, you can use a green bell pepper or leave it out entirely.
Photo: Sarah Cribari
Directions:
- Cut the watermelon into small cubes. You want these to be small enough to be easily eaten with chips.
- Peel and dice the cucumber. Dice the red onion, cilantro, mint leaves, and jalapeno if using.
- Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the lime juice and salt to taste. Gently toss to make sure everything is fully mixed. Enjoy with chips or as a side dish!
If you have any left over, this salsa will last about two days in the fridge in an airtight container.