Cucumber Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Name: Cucumber Watermelon Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup diced cucumber (about one medium cucumber); 1 cup diced seedless watermelon; 1/2 cup minced onion; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; a handful of fresh mint and cilantro or both chopped fine; 1 small jalapeno pepper (diced.)

This is the perfect salsa for summer! It's slightly sweet and a little bit spicy.

Jump to Recipe

a close up of the finihsed salsa in a white bowl

Cucumber watermelon salsa is a light and refreshing salsa that captures the flavors of summer.

This salsa is slightly sweet and perfect for dipping or serving alongside grilled seafood or meat. When you add a little bit of spicy onion, jalapeno pepper, and fresh mint to the cucumber and watermelon you have the perfect salsa for a hot summer day.

This recipe was originally posted in 2017, it has been updated for content and photos.

watermelon and cucumber salsa in a white bowl surrounded by chips

Cucumber watermelon salsa is one of those refreshing salsas that everyone will want more of in the summer months and so is this mango and strawberry salsa and spicy mango habanero salsa.

Recipe Highlights

Watermelon cucumber salsa is light, refreshing, and full of fresh ingredients.
It's an easy recipe to make and it's healthy - the perfect summer salsa!

Here is what you will need to make this watermelon cucumber salsa recipe

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe. Scroll down to see a printable recipe card with exact measurements and complete cooking instructions.

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 pepper
Fresh mint
Fresh cilantro
Olive oil
Fresh lime juice

Equipment

Sharp knife
Small bowl to mix the dressing
Medium bowl to mix the salsa

Here's how to make watermelon cucumber salsa

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

watermelon, cucumbers and herbs in a bowl.

Step 1. Chop the ingredients

Chop all of the ingredients and add them to a mixing bowl.

Step 2. Mix the ingredients

Use a wooden spoon to mix all of the ingredients together and pour in the dressing.

Tip! For maximum flavor refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Watermelon - a fresh ripe watermelon that is seedless works best in this recipe.

Cucumbers - any variety of cucumbers will work. I like to use Kirby or Persian cucumbers.

Onions - small red onion or white onion adds just the right amount of flavor to fresh salsa

Jalapeno Pepper - adds heat to the salsa, if you prefer a milder salsa, use just a little bit of the jalapeno pepper to taste or leave it out completely.

How to make and store this sweet watermelon and cucumber salad ahead of time

Cucumber and watermelon salsa can be made several hours to a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, for the best flavor, salsa should be made at least an hour ahead so that all of the flavors can blend together.

Store leftover salsa in the refrigerator in a glass airtight container for up to 3 days.

a view looking down at the watermelon salsa in a white bowl with a tray of chips

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber watermelon salsa tastes great as a dip with tortilla chips or serve it at your next summer party on top of grilled chicken, pork or seafood.

Watermelon cucumber salsa variations

Cucumber watermelon fruit salad. Instead of chopping the cucumber watermelon salad into small pieces, cut them into larger chunks and serve it as a refreshing salad.

Change up the fruit. Use any combination of diced cantaloupe, honeydew melon or even tomatoes to the salsa.

Change up the herbs. Try using any combination of fresh basil leaves, oregano, lemon balm, or any of your favorite herbs.

Change up the dressing and replace the lime juice with an equal amount of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.

a close up of the finished salsa in a white bowl

Recipe Tips & Questions

For a shortcut, look for pre-cut watermelon chunks in your produce section to save time!

To easily chop fresh herbs, roll the leaves and cut them with kitchen scissors.

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.

📖 Recipe