Refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salsa Recipe

This cucumber watermelon salsa is like summer in a bowl. It’s fresh, juicy, and full of vibrant flavor. It is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. And the best part is that it comes together in under 10 minutes.

This salsa is one of my go-to sides for grilled chicken or fish, but it also works as a fresh appetizer with chips or spooned over tacos.

Bowl of fresh cucumber watermelon salsa with mint and lime, served with tortilla chips – a vibrant summer fruit salsa perfect for snacking or grilling

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save the Recipe

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Simple and Savory

  • Hydrating and refreshing – Perfect for summer.
  • Flavor – It’s a great balance of sweet and savory.
  • Doubles as a snack or side – serve it with chips or grilled meat.

What’s in this cucumber watermelon salsa

An overhead shot of all of the ingredients: olive oil & lime juice in a white bowl, fresh mint & cilantro on a cutting board and diced cucumbers, watermelon and onion in a glass bowl

Ingredient list:

  • Fresh watermelon
  • Fresh cucumbers
  • Onion
  • Jalapeno peppers
  • Fresh mint
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Olive or avocado oil
  • Fresh lime juice

Missing an ingredient? Try using the Ingredient Swap Assistant for a substitute!

How to make watermelon cucumber salsa

Make the dressing: Whisk the olive oil and lime juice together in a small mixing bowl or mason jar.

Process step 1 a picture of diced watermelon, cucumbers, onions, garlic and cilantro in a glass bowl

STEP 1: Chop everything small and evenly. Watermelon and cucumber can get watery, so small dice helps keep it scoopable and add to a bowl.

a picture of all of the ingredients for the salsa mixed together in a glass bowl

STEP 2: Toss the ingredients gently, taste and adjust with salt or more lime juice if neeed. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes if you have the time.

Tips for making the best watermelon cucumber salsa

  • For maximum flavor, refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving it.
  • Look for pre-cut watermelon chunks in your produce section for a time-saving shortcut.
  • Use scissors to cut the leaves of the fresh herbs.
  • For an extra burst of freshness, consider addint some lime zest or lemon zest just before serving.
  • If you’re serving it as a dip, dice everything small so it’s easy to scoop with chips.

Check out the full recipe in the recipe card below!

If you want to explore more ways to enjoy salsa, check out my full guide on how to make salsa from scratch. It’s packed with tips and flavor combos for every season.

Cucumber watermelon salsa is the perfect match for just about any grilled meat or seafood. Our favorites are spooned on grilled pork chops, chicken or as a side with cilantro lime shrimp.

It’s also great on tacos – adds a fresh brightness that regular salsas just don’t have. And it’s perfect for dipping chips, of course.

If you like cucumbers, here are more cucumber recipes for you!

How long does watermelon salsa last? (Storage Tips)

This salsa is best fresh, but will keep in the fridge in a glass airtight container for up to two days. Just know that both the watermelon and cucumbers wil release more juice over time, so it might be a little watery. Drain off any extra liquid and stir before serving.

Cucumber watermelon salsa served in a bowl on a plate with tortilla chips—refreshing summer fruit salsa ready for snacking

Ways to change it up this summer fruit salsa

  • Add avocado for creaminess.
  • Swap lime for lemon juice if that’s what you have.
  • Use only cilantro or only mint, or try basil!
  • Toss in diced mango, pineapple or strawberries.
  • Leave the jalapeno pepper out for a mild version.
a close up of the finished salsa in a white bowl
To peel or not to peel a cucumber?

Cucumbers are in their healthiest form when they are not peeled. If the skins are tough, you can peel them completely, or partially peel them. Otherwise, leave the peels on and enjoy the extra health benefits.

How can I choose the best watermelon for cucumber watermelon salsa?

Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. The spot where it sat on the ground should be creamy yellow, and when the watermelon is tapped it should make a deep sound.

Can I make watermelon salsa ahead of time?

Yes, but make it within a few hours of serving, to avoid watery salsa.

Is it spicy?

Yes, if you use jalapeno peppers. You can leave them out or use a milder pepper such as a poblano pepper.

a picture of the cover of an ebook how to make dinner with what you have.

Grab your Free copy !

Stuck on What to Make for Dinner?

Download my free Meal Matrix and mix-and-match your way to simple, satisfying meals—fast!

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save the Recipe

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Simple and Savory

a close up of the finished salsa in a white bowl

Cucumber Watermelon Salsa

This is the perfect salsa for summer!  It’s slightly sweet and a little bit spicy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Course: Dip and Salsa Recipes
Cuisine: American/Mexican
Keyword: cucumber watermelon salsa
Servings: 4 to 6
Calories: 46kcal
Author: Anne

Cucumber Watermelon Salsa

Scale this Recipe 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup seedless watermelon diced
  • 1/2 cup onion minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • a handful of fresh mint and cilantro chopped fine
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper diced.

Instructions

  • Dice the cucumber and place it into a bowl.
  • Chop up the watermelon into small uniform-sized pieces and place them into the bowl with the cucumber.
  • Dice the onion and jalapeno pepper and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers and watermelon.
  • Chop up the herbs and stir them into the salsa.
  • Mix the lime juice and oil together and pour over all; gently stir

Notes

Cucumber watermelon salsa can be made up to a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Store leftover salsa in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Change up the fruit, and try using cantelope or honedew melons

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.3mg

    Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it was!

    Sign Up for Easy Recipes Straight in Your In-Box!

    Similar Posts

    5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    3 Comments

    1. 5 stars
      I don’t need chips or seafood to eat this delicious salsa! I agree your salsa would be perfect on seafood, but I like to eat it with a fork sometimes