Watermelon Salsa is made with juicy watermelon, black beans, onions, and jalapenos tossed in tangy lemon juice. It’s delicious as a dip and equally tasty over your favorite grilled meat or seafood.
I have to admit; I don’t eat fruits as much as I should. Given the choice between the bowl of oranges, bananas, and apples on our kitchen table and the chocolate cake on our kitchen counter, I always, unfortunately, beeline for the sinful slice.
However, I do have a thing for fruit salsas. I just can’t get enough of them! Chopped up and tossed with a healthy drizzle of citrus juice and a handful of onions, cilantro, and spicy peppers, I’ll be dipping away all day long.
I have all sorts of fruit salsas I make and bring to parties, but this watermelon salsa is definitely the most sought-after by family and friends. But although I get requests for it all year round, I prefer to make it mostly during summer months when watermelons are at their brightest and sweetest.
Ingredient notes
- Watermelon- use a seedless variety for best results. While dicing the fruit, remove stray seeds you come across.
- Black beans- Add a creamy, savory note to the salsa for a delicious contrast in flavor and texture
- Onions and garlic- enhance flavor
- Lemon or lime- for a citrus tang
- Jalapeno peppers- you can also serrano if you want more kick.
- Cilantro- adds fresh, herbal aroma and taste. You can also try Thai basil as a substitute.
- Brown Sugar- balances the sourness with a touch of sweetness
- Salt- season the dish to taste
Quick tips
- Watermelons have high water content and tend to water down rather quickly. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time but toss everything together just when you’re about to serve to ensure optimal freshness.
- Refrigerate the whole watermelon until very cold before cutting for the best results.
Serving suggestions
Juicy watermelon and black beans may seem an unlikely combination but trust me, folks, it’s a combination that works! Serve this watermelon salsa with crisp corn or pita chips for your next party, and watch your guests dig in nonstop. Good luck keeping the bowl filled. 🙂
And not only is it refreshing and delicious as a dip for chips, but it also makes a great accompaniment to your favorite grilled meat or fish. Top it over some salmon or pork chops for a juicy pop of flavor!
Ingredients
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, diced
- 2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, stemmed and chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- juice from 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine watermelon, black beans, onions, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lemon juice, brown sugar, and salt.
- Gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Watermelons have high water content and tend to water down rather quickly. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time but toss everything together just when you’re about to serve to ensure optimal freshness.
- Refrigerate the whole watermelon until very cold before cutting for the best results.
Nutrition Information
“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.”
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
This looks SO refreshing! What a perfect summer dish!
Lalaine says
Thank you, Ashley!
Lauren says
I love fruit salsa in the summer! My go-to is cantaloupe but I like watermelon too!
Lalaine says
Wow, cantaloupe! Sounds delicious, you have me all excited 🙂 Good thing I just bought one yesterday, will definitely be making it into a fruit salsa. Thanks for the tip.
Sabrina says
What an interesting combination of flavors! I’ll have to make this for my next party!
Lalaine says
I hope you do, it’s definitely a crowd pleaser 🙂
Adriana Lopez-Martin says
fresh and seasonal this looks good, never have paired beans with watermelon though can try =)
Lalaine says
Yes, you wouldn’t think beans and watermelon go well together but they do 🙂
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
Loving the idea of sweet watermelon and savory beans together 😀 Yum!
Lalaine says
Thanks, Chrisy 🙂
Lalaine says
It’s a weird combination of flavors but you’d be surprised how the ingredients work well together into one delicious salsa. 🙂
Hope you give it a try.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This looks so good! I love the jalapeno in it, and I’ve never tried it w/ black beans! Thanks for sharing!
Lalaine says
Yes, the spice of the jalapenos rounds up the flavors nicely. And the black beans are a must try! 🙂