When it comes to simple summer recipes, this is one of my favorites! Spicy Watermelon Salad with lime and serrano chilies topped with a crumbing of cotija cheese, cilantro, and Tajin.
Spicy Watermelon Salad
We all know and love the classic watermelon salad with feta and mint but have you ever tasted the Mexican inspired version with a spicy lime dressing?
This will be a new favorite for any watermelon and Tajin lovers looking for a summer side dish.
Watermelon Salad Ingredients
- Watermelon - seedless watermelon cut into small bite sized cubes.
- Limes - juiced.
- Serrano pepper - thinly sliced. You can use as much or as little as you like based on your heat preference.
- Cotija Cheese - this crumbly Mexican cheese is salty and delicious.
- Cilantro - chopped finely.
- Agave - for just a touch of sweetness. You can also substitute honey.
- Tajin - a chili lime seasoning.
Serrano Lime Dressing
This dressing is so simple but gives the watermelon a delicious sweet and tart kick. Whisk together fresh lime juice, agave and sliced serrano chilies before pouring over the watermelon.
How to Make Watermelon Salad
- Start with ripe, in season watermelon, cubed into small bite sized pieces.
- Whisk together the simple dressing and pour over watermelon.
- Top with fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese.
- Season with Tajin just before serving.
Can this salad be prepped ahead of time?
This salad is great served right away! If you need to prep these ingredients ahead of time, I recommend keeping the watermelon and dressing separate until just before serving. The dressing brings out the liquid in the watermelon which will make the salad soggy if it sits too long.
Just before serving toss together all of the ingredients.
If serrano chilies are a bit spicy for your taste you can also substitute fresh jalapenos!
Recipes to Serve with Watermelon Salad
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Mahi Mango Fish Tacos
- Vegetarian Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
- Fish Tacos with Coconut Avocado Crema
- Crockpot Shredded Beef Tacos
- The ULTIMATE Guacamole
- Grilled Mexican Corn Salad
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Watermelon salad with a spicy serrano lime dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon, about 8 cups diced
- 3 limes, juiced
- ½ cup agave syrup
- ½ serrano pepper, thinly sliced (or up to 1 whole chili to taste)
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tajin seasoning, for garnish at the end
Instructions
- Because this salad should be made and served right away, start with chilled watermelon, cubed small. *see notes for prepping ahead.
- In a bowl whisk together lime juice, agave and sliced serrano chilies.
- Pour dressing over watermelon.
- Top with cotija cheese and cilantro, toss to combine.
- Season with Tajin and serve immediately.
Notes
Can this salad be prepped ahead of time?
This salad is great served right away! If you need to prep these ingredients ahead of time, I recommend keeping the watermelon and dressing separate until just before serving. The dressing brings out the liquid in the watermelon which will make the salad soggy if it sits too long.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 306mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 4g
