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This Spicy Watermelon Salad is a bold and refreshing twist on a summer classic. Made with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, zesty red onion, and a tangy lime-chili dressing, it's the perfect sweet and spicy side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or picnics. It's ready in just 15 minutes, totally vegan, and made without feta-so it's dairy-free and allergy-friendly too!
Sweet, spicy, crunchy, and creamy, this vibrant salad is everything you want on a hot summer day. While I love watermelon on its own, pairing it with savory flavors like lime, chili, jalapeño, and red onion takes it to a whole new level. It's similar to my viral watermelon tuna recipe, unexpected but delicious.
Serve this dish alongside your favorite summer mains like BBQ tofu or vegan seitan burgers. It's a must-make for your next cookout.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Spicy Watermelon Salad:
- Use very ripe seedless watermelon. The sweeter and juicier, the better!
- Chop everything roughly the same size so you get a perfect bite every time.
- Make it ahead, but not too far ahead. This salad is best day of, but you can prep it a few hours early, then give a final gentle toss just before serving.
- Want more heat? Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
- Serving a crowd? Easily double or triple the recipe for parties and potlucks.
HOW TO MAKE SPICY WATERMELON SALAD:
- Make the dressing: mix up the simple dressing (it can be made oil-free if you prefer, just by skipping the oil).
- Toss the salad: Add all the ingredients to your bowl and gently toss with the dressing.
This Spicy Watermelon Salad is…
- Sweet, crunchy, fresh, and a bit spicy
- easy to make, takes just 15 minutes
- The perfect summer side dish
If you try this Spicy Watermelon Salad recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Spicy Watermelon Salad with Lime-Chili Dressing
Servings: - 6
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Ingredients
- 5 heaping cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 English cucumber, cut into bite-sized cubes (2 cups)
- 2 avocados, diced
- ¼ medium red onion, very thinly sliced
- 3 - 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or more to taste)
- ½ - 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional for spice)
For the Lime-Chili Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon light oil, (such as avocado oil or grapeseed, omit for oil-free)
- ½ tablespoon agave or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder, (or Tajín for extra zing)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, (or to taste)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, oil (if using), agave or maple syrup, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, cucumber, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Drizzle the lime-chili dressing over the top and toss gently again to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers will keep for several hours in the fridge, though the watermelon will begin to release its juices and soften over time.
Miriam says
Delish. I didn’t have red onion, jalapeño or coriander, but it was still lovely & refreshing
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Miriam! So glad it was still refreshing with what you had on hand 😊
Suzanne Goll says
Deliciously different ! A great unique combo
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it Suzanne 🙂
Mia says
Hi Sam looks delicious! Can I sub 1 Tbsp of water for oil? I’m really trying to loose weight)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Mia, you can simply omit the oil if desired and it will still turn out great. Enjoy!
Mega says
I absolutely adored this salad! A simple ,refreshing detoxifying salad that was not only kicky on the taste buds,but perfect for the volcanic temperatures we have been having in this heat wave.
Thank-you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That makes me so happy! Thank you for your review Mega 🙂
Emma says
This is my favourite of your salads so far. It's so delicious, light and slightly spicy. I didn't have any avocado, but I think it still worked well. Love it. Thank you 🌞
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh yay! That's wonderful! So happy you enjoyed it Emma! Thank you for the review 🙂
Julia Single says
This was a refreshing salad - easy to prepare and very tasty. I will definitely make it again.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Julia, so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Refreshing and easy is exactly what I was going for. Thanks for leaving the first review! 😊