Get ready to indulge in a burst of summery flavors with this mouthwatering Mexican watermelon salad! This salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the natural sweetness of watermelon, the crunchy texture of jicama, and the burst of tangy blueberries.
The result is a refreshing and healthy summer salad that is both flavorful and nourishing, making it the perfect choice for a light lunch or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- Seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Hint: A sweet watermelon will feel heavy for its size.)
- Jicama, sliced – adds some crunchy texture and a mild sweetness
- Blueberries – for a burst of juicy sweet and tart flavor
- Fresh lime juice – adds zest and tang to the salad
- Cilantro, chopped finely – adds a bright, herbaceous flavor
- Optional: salt – enhances the sweetness of the watermelon and balances the other flavors
- Optional: chili powder or diced jalapeno – for a kick of heat
- Optional: feta cheese, queso fresco, cotija cheese – adds a little saltiness and creaminess
Directions
Step 1: Add watermelon, jicama, blueberries, and lime juice to a large bowl. Add salt, chili powder, or diced jalapeno if using. Stir to toss and coat; cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let flavors marinate and mingle.
Before Serving: Top with chopped cilantro, and if adding cheese, crumble it on top.
Helpful Tips and Recipe Variations
- To cut jicama, peel off the tough outer layer with a vegetable peeler. Then, slice it into thin sticks or cubes.
- Add some fresh diced jalapeno or a little chili powder for a kick of heat.
- Variations on a traditional Mexican watermelon salad recipe can include adding avocado, cucumber, sliced red onions, feta cheese, queso fresco, or cotija cheese.
- A light dressing made with lime juice, olive oil, and honey or agave nectar goes well with a Mexican watermelon salad. Mix separately in a small bowl and add just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
- You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier meal.
- Try honeydew or cantaloupe instead of watermelon and chopped apple or pear instead of jicama. If you like mint, add a few fresh mint leaves for decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the watermelon, but if you’re using cotija cheese, it may not be necessary. You can decide based on personal taste.
It has a very mild sweet flavor with a hint of nuttiness. It absorbs other flavors well and adds a refreshing crunch to this fruit salad.
If you want more tangy lime flavor, go for it. Start with a small amount and taste, taste, taste.
Grilled chicken or shrimp, guacamole and chips, black beans and rice and corn on the cob would all work well.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Mexican Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed
- 2 cups jicama cubed
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 lime juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped fine
- ¼ teaspoon Optional: sea salt
- Optional: chili powder
- Optional: feta cheese, queso fresco or cotija cheese
Instructions
- Add watermelon, jicama, blueberries, and lime juice to a large bowl. Add salt, chili powder, or diced jalapeno if using. Stir to toss and coat; cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let flavors marinate and mingle.
- Before Serving: Top with chopped cilantro, and if adding cheese, crumble it on top.
Notes
- To cut jicama, peel off the tough outer layer with a vegetable peeler. Then, slice it into thin sticks or cubes.
- Add some fresh diced jalapeno or a little chili powder for a kick of heat.
- Variations on a traditional Mexican watermelon salad recipe can include adding avocado, cucumber, or red onion, feta cheese, queso fresco, or cotija cheese.
- A light dressing made with lime juice, olive oil, and honey or agave nectar goes well with a Mexican watermelon salad. Add just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
- You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier meal.
- Try honeydew or cantaloupe instead of watermelon and chopped apple or pear instead of jicama.
