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Spicy Watermelon Cucumber Salad

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This Spicy Watermelon Cucumber Salad is a refreshing blend of juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber, enhanced with a zesty chili lime dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light side dish, it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, diced (about 1 small seedless watermelon)
  • 2 cups cucumber, diced (approximately 1 large cucumber)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice 4 cups of watermelon and 2 cups of cucumber. Aim for bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure a good balance of flavors. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Next, finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. The onion adds a sharpness that complements the sweetness of the watermelon. To avoid overwhelming the salad, make sure the pieces are small. Add the chopped onion to the bowl.
  3. Then, chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. This herb brings freshness to the dish. Give it a rough chop to release its oils without turning it into a paste. Toss the cilantro into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  4. Now, prepare the jalapeño peppers. Depending on your heat preference, seed and finely chop 1-2 jalapeños. For a milder salad, you might want to start with just one. Be cautious when handling jalapeños; wash your hands afterward to avoid irritation. Add the jalapeños to the bowl.
  5. To create the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Tajín seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until well combined. This dressing should be tangy and slightly spicy, so adjust the salt and Tajín to your taste.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or large spoon until the watermelon, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and jalapeños are evenly coated. Take care not to mash the watermelon; you want to keep its integrity.
  7. Once everything is mixed, let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. You’ll notice the watermelon releasing some juice, which will combine with the dressing.
  8. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more Tajín or lime juice for extra zing. Serve the salad cold, garnished with extra Tajín and lime wedges on the side for anyone wanting an additional kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: For the freshest flavor, use ripe and seasonal ingredients. If you can't find Tajín, you can make a similar blend using chili powder mixed with lime zest and a pinch of salt. Consider chilling your bowl and utensils before preparing the salad for a refreshing touch.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/spicy-watermelon-cucumber-salad/