Spicy Watermelon Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Spicy Watermelon Salad that perfectly balances juicy, sweet watermelon with fresh jalapeño heat, mint aroma, zesty lime, and creamy feta. Ideal for summer gatherings, this quick and easy salad is a colorful, hydrating appetizer with customizable heat and flavor variations.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes (seedless preferred)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for milder heat)
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut fresh watermelon into bite-sized cubes, removing any seeds to ensure a smooth and enjoyable texture.
- Slice the Jalapeños: Thinly slice jalapeños, removing seeds if you want to reduce the heat. Use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly afterward to avoid irritation.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the watermelon cubes, jalapeño slices, and fresh mint leaves for even flavor distribution.
- Add Lime and Olive Oil: Drizzle fresh lime juice and olive oil over the salad, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all flavors.
- Finish with Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top last to preserve its creamy texture and salty contrast without melting into the salad.
Notes
- Choose seedless watermelon to simplify preparation and improve dining experience.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity gradually to customize the spice level.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing for an extra refreshing salad.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright, authentic acidity.
- Serve immediately to keep watermelon crisp and feta intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spicy watermelon salad, summer salad, fresh watermelon recipe, jalapeño salad, refreshing appetizer, warm weather dish, easy summer recipe