• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Subscribe to updates & get a free recipe book!

Subscribe & Get My Free Ebook!

Recipes, Crafts and More
  • About
  • Video Library
  • Shop
  • My Saved Recipe Box

Onion Rings & Things

Recipes, Crafts and More

  • All Recipes
  • By Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Bread and Baked Goods
    • Cocktails and Beverages
    • Desserts and Sweets
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads & Sides
    • Sandwiches & Snacks
    • Soups, Stews, Casseroles
    • Sauces, Dressings, Condiments
    • Fun Food
  • By Ingredient
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Grains & Legumes
    • Eggs & Dairy
    • Potatoes, Pasta, Rice
    • Meat & Poultry
  • By Method
    • BBQ & Grill
    • Slow Cooker
    • Pressure Cooker
    • Oven
Home Appetizers and Party Fare

Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa

5
/5
15 minutes mins
25 Comments
Jump to RecipePrint
By: Lalaine ManaloPosted: 07/20/2016Updated: 06/25/2023
824 shares
  • Share
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Light, refreshing and delicious, this cantaloupe cucumber salsa has all the beautiful flavors of summer. It's amazing as a dip for chips and equally great over grilled meats or fish.

Light, refreshing and delicious, this Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa has all the beautiful flavors of summer. Excellent as a dip for chips and equally great over grilled meats or fish, it’s like a party in your mouth!

We love all sorts of fruit dips around here, and along with the kiwi mango strawberry salsa, pico de Gallo, nectarine salsa, this Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa is one of our favorites. It’s a light and refreshing twist on the classic side dish, with subtle sweetness and a zesty tang you’ll love to pair alongside grilled meats and veggies or enjoy as a tasty snack with tortilla chips. 

Ingredients you’ll need

  • Cantaloupe– choose ripe but firm fruit for the best results
  • Cucumber– I like to use Persian cucumbers, which have very thin skin and are almost seedless.
  • Red Onion– use red onions for a pop of color
  • Cilantro– adds a mix of lemony, peppery, and pungent taste. Swap with mint for a refreshing twist of flavor.
  • Tomatoes– Roma or plum tomatoes are a sweet and juicy option. Seed first before chopping to keep from watering down the salsa
  • Lime– brings a citrus tang. Use freshly squeezed for optimum taste
  • Olive oil– adds creaminess
  • Salt- enhances the taste

  1. In a bowl, combine cantaloupe, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to distribute. Cover and chill in the fridge for about 7 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serving suggestions

This cantaloupe cucumber salsa is a delicious addition to:

  • Tacos – Add this salsa as a topping to all varieties of tacos (fish, chicken, or beef tacos).
  • Grilled meats – Serve this sweet salsa grilled chicken, fish, or beef. The sweetness of the salsa complements the savory meat. 
  • Quesadillas – Use this salsa with cheese and other filling ingredients.
  • Salads – Combine this cantaloupe salsa with leafy green salad ingredients for a refreshing side dish.
  • Seafood – This salsa pairs beautifully as a side or garnish with seafood.
  • Tortilla chips – Serve it as a dip alongside your favorite tortilla chips as a delicious snack or party appetizer.
  • Grilled vegetables – Use this salsa as a topping on grilled vegetables.
  • Bruschetta – Add this cantaloupe cucumber salsa to the toasted bruschetta as a delicious snack or appetizer. 

How to choose cantaloupe

Choosing fresh and ripe cantaloupe is essential for this salsa since it’s the hero ingredient! Here are some ways that you can ensure you select the best fruit!

  • Look for a golden skin color with a net-like pattern. Avoid ones with green patches, as this indicates under-ripe cantaloupe.
  • Gently press the ends of the cantaloupe. It should be slightly soft without being overly mushy. If it’s too soft, then the cantaloupe is overripe. 
  • Consider the smell of the fruit. A ripe cantaloupe should smell sweet and fragrant. No smell indicates an under-ripe cantaloupe.
  • If you shake the cantaloupe and it rattles, this means that the seeds have loosened and that the fruit is likely overripe. 
  • A ripe cantaloupe will feel heavy for its size. An under ripe cantaloupe will feel light for its size. 

IPS FOR MAKING CANTALOUPE CUCUMBER SALSA

  • Always use fresh and ripe ingredients when making this refreshing cantaloupe cucumber salsa. 
  • The juiced limes will help to balance the flavors in this salsa. Taste to test once the salsa is assembled and then adjust as needed. 
  • Chilling the salsa before serving helps to meld the flavors together for deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cantaloupe cucumber salsa spicy?

This fruity salsa contains jalapeno peppers which give it a lovely kick of spice, but the juicy and sweet cantaloupe and cucumber help to neutralize any heat, balancing the flavors.
You could increase the amount of jalapeno peppers or add some chili powder to make this salsa more spicy. 

Is cantaloupe a healthy fruit?

Absolutely! Cantaloupes are loaded with healthy antioxidants and rich in Vitamin C – perfect for boosting the immune system. 

What is the English name for cantaloupe?

A cantaloupe is commonly referred to in English as rockmelon, sweet melon, or spanspek

Another thing I love about this cantaloupe salsa, it’s “sturdier” than the other fruit salsas I make. The watermelon and kiwi-mango-strawberry versions are equally impressive but tend to water down quickly. This cantaloupe cucumber salsa, however, keeps well for a good few hours and maintains its crisp texture longer. I like to refrigerate it for a few minutes before serving it to cool and to allow the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving suggestions

  • Tacos or quesadillas- Add it as a salsa topping to all varieties of tacos or as a filling ingredient with cheese for quesadillas
  • Grilled meats and seafood – serve as a side or garnish for grilled chicken, fish, or beef. The sweetness of the salsa complements the savory meat. 
  • Salads – combine with leafy green salad ingredients for a burst of fruity flavor and extra crunch
  • Tortilla chips – enjoy the fruit salsa as a dip alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
  • Bruschetta – Add to the toasted bruschetta as a delicious snack or appetizer. 

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerate– transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Although it will be safe to eat, it will begin to water down and lose texture when stored longer.
  • Freezer– this salsa doesn’t freeze well. Cantaloupe and cucumber hold a lot of moisture and will turn mushy when frozen and thawed.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @OnionRingsAndThings on Facebook and Instagram!

Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa
5 from 1 vote

Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa

Light, refreshing and delicious, this Cantaloupe Cucumber Salsa has all the beautiful flavors of summer. Amazing as a dip for chips and equally great over grilled meats or fish, it’s a like a party in your mouth!
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
Author: Lalaine Manalo
Course: Appetizer
Print Pin It Email Recipe
8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and diced
  • 4 Persian cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 Jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, stemmed and coarsely chopped
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine cantaloupe, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to distribute. Cover and chill in the fridge for about 7 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 224g, Calories: 56kcal, Carbohydrates: 2.1g, Protein: 1.7g, Fat: 2.1g, Sodium: 250mg, Potassium: 395mg, Fiber: 1.8g, Sugar: 5.3g, Vitamin A: 1450IU, Vitamin C: 26.4mg, Calcium: 40mg, Iron: 0.7mg

“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”

Did You Make This?

Mention @OnionRingsAndThings and hashtag your photo with #OnionRingsAndThings

Share

Save Recipe Saved! Rate It

About Lalaine Manalo

Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find hundreds of comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Browse around and make something fun or tasty today! Read More

How to Regrow Green Onions from Scraps
Previous Post
How to Regrow Green Onions from Scraps
Moist and flavorful Korean BBQ Kalbi are so easy to make and grill up in no time. They're so addicting, it will be hard to eat just one!
Next Post
Korean BBQ Kalbi

Reader Interactions

5 from 1 vote

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Jen says

    Posted on 9/7/20 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    Is it possible to can this?

    Reply
  2. Scott G says

    Posted on 7/24/16 at 2:08 am

    Perfect, light and refreshing for any summer gathering. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try.

    Reply
  3. Erica @ Coming Up Roses says

    Posted on 7/21/16 at 7:03 am

    This looks so refreshing and delish! I’m heading to my parent’s house this weekend for some summer festivities, so I’ll be making this to bring along!

    Coming Up Roses

    Reply
  4. Kushi says

    Posted on 7/21/16 at 6:19 am

    Perfect summer salad! Colorful and beautiful!

    Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find hundreds of comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Browse around and make something fun or tasty today!

Read More

Subscribe & Get My Free Ebook!

Get My Copy!

Subscribe & Get My Free Ebook!

Trending Recipes

cherry trifle dessert on a serving plate

Heaven on Earth Cake

Plump and pillowy, these IHOP Pancakes copycat are just as tasty and delicious as what you'd find in the restaurant yet cost a fraction of the price. You can easily double the recipe to feed a large crowd or add chopped fresh fruits to the batter for another layer of yum.

IHOP Pancakes Copycat

crack chicken slider sandwiches

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Golden Corral Bourbon Street Chicken Copycat brings all the sweet, sticky, salty and yummy flavors you love right in your own kitchen. Only 3 ingredients and less than 20 minutes of cook time for an amazing dinner meal the whole family will love!

Golden Corral Bourbon Street Chicken Copycat

Holiday Sweet Treats

stacked Toffee Drop Cookies

Toffee Drop Cookies

holding chocolate caramel candies with fingers

Triple Treat Chocolate Caramel Candy Bars

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies stacked on on a plate

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies

white chocolate chip cookies on a wire rack to cool

Chocolate White Chocolate Chip Cookies

More Popular

Appetizers and Party Fare

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus on a white platter

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

stretching mozzarella cheese with fingers

Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce

Pancetta-wrapped Scallops on a baking serving platter with as slice of lemon

Pancetta-wrapped Scallops

Watermelon Salsa in a bowls

Watermelon Salsa

Crispy Popcorn Chicken with a bowl of honey mustard dipping

Crispy Popcorn Chicken

wine bottles with Mother's Day bottle tags

Mother’s Day Wine Bottle Tags and Greeting Cards FREE Printables

Browse All

Get a Free e-Cookbook!

Join our newsletter to get new recipe updates, a free copy of our Top 10 Fun Food recipes, exclusive meal plans, and more.

As Featured On:

Back to Top
Back to Top
  • Privacy & Terms
  • Contact Us
© 2025 Onion Rings & Things
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.