![- Watermelon - Red onion - Jalapeño - Fresh cilantro Watermelon is juicy and sweet. It brings a refreshing taste. Red onion adds a crisp, sharp flavor. Use thin slices for the best bite. Jalapeño gives a gentle heat. Remove the seeds if you want less spice. Fresh cilantro offers a bright, herbal note. It ties all the flavors together. - Lime juice - Olive oil - Chili powder - Salt and pepper Lime juice brightens the salad. It balances the sweetness of the watermelon. Olive oil adds richness and helps the ingredients blend. Chili powder gives a warm, spicy kick. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors and make them pop. - Feta cheese - Lime wedges Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty touch. It pairs well with the sweet watermelon. Lime wedges give an extra burst of flavor. They are great for those who love a zesty kick. For the full recipe, check out the details on how to create this vibrant dish. Start by mixing the main ingredients in a large bowl. You need: - 4 cups watermelon, cubed - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Combine these ingredients gently. You want to keep the watermelon cubes intact. The colors will look bright and fresh. Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing adds a zesty kick to the salad. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste. Now, drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture. Use just enough to coat the ingredients well. Then, toss the salad gently. Be careful not to break the watermelon cubes. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend. For presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. It looks stunning when plated nicely. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch. Lime wedges on the side add a bright pop of color. You can find the full recipe for this refreshing dish in the earlier section. Enjoy making this flavorful salad! To find a ripe watermelon, look for a few key signs. First, check the color. A deep green skin means it’s ready. Then, look for a creamy spot on one side. This spot shows where it sat on the ground. Next, tap it gently. A hollow sound means it’s ripe. The best time to buy watermelon is during summer. They usually peak from June to August. If you want less heat, use less jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds. This way, you control the spice better. If you want different flavors, try using smoked paprika instead of chili powder. You can also use cayenne pepper for a sharper heat. Adding fresh herbs can boost the taste. Try mint or basil for a twist. Chop them finely and mix them in. For more flavor, let the salad marinate for 15 minutes. This time allows the tastes to blend well. The longer it sits, the better it gets! {{image_2}} Chili lime watermelon salad is great for many diets. You can make it vegan by skipping the feta cheese. It tastes just as good without it. This salad is also gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally free from gluten. So, anyone can enjoy this dish! Want to mix things up? Try adding other fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits add sweetness and a fun texture. You can also use different herbs. Mint or basil can give a fresh twist. Just chop them finely and mix them in for a new flavor. This salad pairs well with grilled meats. Serve it next to chicken or steak for a tasty meal. You can also use it in wraps. Just add the salad to a tortilla with some protein. Roll it up for a refreshing lunch or snack. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your Chili Lime Watermelon Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from absorbing smells or flavors from other foods. If you have leftovers, put them in the fridge right away. The salad stays tasty for up to three days. After that, the watermelon can get mushy and lose its crispness. Freezing this salad is not the best choice. Watermelon has high water content. When you freeze it, the texture changes. If you want to freeze it anyway, cut the salad into smaller pieces. Use a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. It can last for about a month in the freezer. Just remember, the texture will not be the same once it thaws. If you have leftover salad, don’t worry! There are many fun ways to reuse it. You can blend the salad into a refreshing smoothie. Just add yogurt or some ice for a cool drink. You can also mix it into a salsa. Combine with diced tomatoes and corn for a tasty dip. Another idea is to use it in wraps. Just add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. These options make sure nothing goes to waste! Yes, you can make this salad in advance. I suggest you prepare it no more than 2 hours before serving. This timing keeps the watermelon fresh and juicy. If you make it too early, the watermelon can get mushy. If you want a milder flavor, you can use a bell pepper. A green bell pepper adds crunch without heat. You could also try a poblano pepper for some mild spice. If you like a bit of heat, a serrano pepper is a good choice. To make this salad heartier, add some protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also use black beans for a vegetarian option. Adding some crumbled feta cheese gives a nice flavor boost. This salad goes well with refreshing drinks. Try serving it with sparkling water or lemonade. A crisp white wine is also a great match. For a fun twist, serve it with a light beer or a fruity cocktail. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This chili lime watermelon salad is fresh and easy to make. You mix yummy ingredients like watermelon, red onion, and jalapeño. The dressing of lime juice and olive oil adds zest. Remember to think about how to adjust the heat and make it your own. You can easily change flavors by adding fruits or herbs. With smart storage tips, your leftovers will stay fresh too. Enjoy this salad as a side or a main dish. It's a delight for any meal!](https://pagosarecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/3e8b68fe-8edd-422a-aa7e-00a794b63347-250x250.webp)
Chili Lime Watermelon Salad
Brighten up your summer with this refreshing Chili Lime Watermelon Salad! Packed with juicy watermelon, zesty lime, and a hint of spice from jalapeño, this salad is the perfect blend of flavors. With just 15 minutes of prep, it's a quick and easy dish for any occasion. Discover how simple it is to make this delicious salad and impress your guests.