• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Updated: Jul 29, 2024 · Published: Jun 22, 2020 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 46 Comments

    Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)

    Jump to Recipe

    Watermelon Pico de Gallo is a sweet, spicy, & juicy salsa that will be your new summer favorite. It is amazing with tortilla chips but even better on fish tacos. There is no limit to how many ways you can enjoy this homemade fruit salsa.

    chips and watermelon salsa

    Why this Watermelon Pico de Gallo Recipe is Amazing: this quick & easy recipe for fresh chopped salsa is fresh, crunchy, healthy, & colorful.

    If you are like my family, we always have a ton of watermelon at our house in summer. Those giant ones from the grocery store or Costco are just so yummy & irresistible. Inspiration for this recipe came when I had a huge watermelon we wanted to use up before going on vacation.

    watermelon pico de gallo in a bowl with chips on the side.

    Like my recipe for Fruit Salad with Cool Whip on this site, it's light & refreshing. It pairs well with any Mexican or Cal-Mex food, especially my vegetarian recipe for Potato Cheese Enchiladas. Ok, now let's get chopping!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Watermelon Pico de Gallo
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
    • Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)
    • More Watermelon Recipes

    Ingredients

    Here are the 6 simple ingredients needed to make this homemade salsa recipe. The key is to have fresh produce for best taste and texture. Bonus, all items are vegan, low-calorie, & fat-free.

    You will notice that this salsa has no tomatoes in it but is still pretty & red. Watermelon is a much loved common fruit in Mexico and is the star in this recipe.

    Ingredients for Watermelon Pico del Gallo (salsa)

    Here are the ingredients needed to make fresh watermelon salsa:

    • Watermelon - a seedless variety works best & makes prepping easy.
    • Onion - use red, white, or yellow for that pungent bite.
    • Jalapeno Peppers - for spiciness.
    • Sweet Bell Peppers - color & crunch.
    • Cilantro - the classic fresh herb for pico de gallo & salsas.
    • Citrus juice (lemons or limes)
    • Salt & Pepper - taste

    See the recipe card for quantities & substitutions/variations.

    How to Make Watermelon Pico de Gallo

    In just 15 minutes this fresh salsa comes together. No cooking needed, just chopping & tossing it all together. I mean come on, what better snack, appetizer, or condiment for when the weather heats up.

    Here are the easy steps for making this recipe:

    1. Dice the Produce
    2. Combine the Ingredients
    3. Season

    See the recipe card for full instructions.

      1 - Dice the Produce

      Cut the seedless watermelon into small dice. Make sure they are smaller than bite-sized. Makes it easy to scoop on chips or top tacos.

      Also, dice the onions and sweet bell peppers.

      For medium heat, seed and remove the membranes for one of the jalapeños but leave them in place for the other one. For mild, remove it on both and for spicy, leave them all in.

      TIP: DON'T FORGET TO WASH YOUR HANDS REALLY GOOD AFTER HANDLING AND DICING THE JALAPENO PEPPERS -- the last thing you want to accidentally do is touch your eyes after that. OUCH!

      2 - Combine the Ingredients

      To a medium bowl, add the diced produce. Juice the citrus & add to the bowl. Toss gently to coat. Finely chop the fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkled that on top.

      watermelon salsa with onions and peppers in a bowl on top of a plate circled with tortilla chip.s

      3 - Season

      Season with salt & pepper to taste. Optional, a sprinkle of Tajin or cumin if you have that to your liking.

      The great thing about making this at home versus store-bought salsa, you can experiment and make it your own. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh on the same day it is made.

      Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Any leftover watermelon can be frozen to use later, but I don't recommend freezing the salsa.

      Serving Suggestions

      This watermelon salsa has wonderful fresh spring & summer flavors. Besides as an appetizer, it is a great topping for grilled seafood, chicken, or pork. Serve this at any picnic, BBQ, potluck, or party.

      What to Serve with Watermelon Salsa: This goes great with crowd-pleasers like ahi poke nachos, carnitas burritos, or teriyaki chicken skewers.

      Watermelon Pico del Gallo (salsa) in a bowl next to corn tortilla chips.

      Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes

      Here is my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, funny stories or bloopers, and more.

      • #1 Tip - Wash your handles after handling the jalapenos!
      • You can use precut watermelon from the store to save time. It is usually in large chunks so you will still need to chop it into smaller pieces.
      • I love this simple hand juicer that strains the seeds.
      • Don't like cilantro; you are not alone - it is a polarizing ingredient. I am married to one of those "it tastes like soap" people so I add it at the end after he grabs his share.
      • Did you know that watermelon is one of the most common fruits without seeds?
      • Substitution the watermelon for other fruit, try mango or pineapple.
      • What will you put watermelon salsa on?

      watermelon pico de gallo in a bowl with chips on the side.

      Watermelon Pico de Gallo (salsa)

      Angela
      Sweet and spicy watermelon pico de gallo is the summer salsa great with chips or on seafood tacos.
      5 from 10 votes
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
      Prep Time 20 minutes mins
      Cook Time 0 minutes mins
      Total Time 20 minutes mins
      Course Appetizer
      Cuisine Mexican
      Servings 8
      Calories 24 kcal

      Ingredients
        

      • 3 cup watermelon small dice
      • ½ cup yellow or orange bell peppers finely diced
      • ⅓ cup onion finely diced
      • 2 small jalapenos finely diced, (seeds and membranes removed optional)
      • ½ cup cilantro chopped
      • 3 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
      • ¼ teaspoon salt
      • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Instructions
       

      • Chop and dice the first 3 ingredients as listed.
        3 cup watermelon, ½ cup yellow or orange bell peppers, ⅓ cup onion
      • For Medium Heat: Remove the seeds and membranes from one jalapeno before dicing both of them.
        Remove the seeds & membranes from both if you want a mild salsa.
        2 small jalapenos
      • In a medium-sized bowl, add the ingredients and gently stir to combine.
      • Juice the citrus and pour over the bowl of ingredients.
        3 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
      • Add cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
        ½ cup cilantro, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
      • Serve immediately with chips or use it to top seafood tacos.

      Notes

      SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS:
      • Omit the cilantro if desired.
      • Add more or less jalapeno to control the heat level.
      • Try using multiple fruits and add mango or pineapple. 
      STORING:
      • Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
      • Drain any excess liquid that may come from the watermelon as it sits.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 24kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 74mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 721IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.2mg
      Keyword appetizer, dip, easy, pico de gallo, salsa, summer, watermelon
      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

      More Watermelon Recipes

      If you love the summer fruit, you will enjoy these other ideas here on the blog:

      • MEXICAN WATERMELON CUCUMBER SALAD
      • WATERMELON MINT MARTINI
      « Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #382
      Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #383 »

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

        Leave a Reply Cancel reply

        Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

        Recipe Rating




      1. Myrka says

        June 22, 2020 at 5:21 pm

        Never would have thought about this! Sounds delicious! Especially since I usually already put spicy seasoning on my watermelon, this will probably taste similar.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:35 pm

          Oh me too! I do sprinkle some tajin on this when I put it on tacos! Wow, so much flavor for a fruit salsa.

          Reply
      2. Beth Shields says

        June 22, 2020 at 6:10 pm

        5 stars
        This looks amazing. I love new and refreshing picos and salsas. I bet this would be great with fish. But the chips will do just fine! Thanks so much for this. Pinning this recipe for sure!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:35 pm

          It is so amazing with shrimp tacos. The recipe is actually coming soon to the blog so keep your eyes out so you don't miss it!

          Reply
      3. Angella Jensen says

        June 22, 2020 at 7:30 pm

        YUM! I am going to make that next weekend. It looks delicious

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:34 pm

          Let me know what you think and would love to hear what you serve it with.

          Reply
      4. Eva Keller says

        June 22, 2020 at 7:47 pm

        5 stars
        What a great concept for a salsa! My husband would love this. I would eat it without the cilantro and jalapeno. I can't do anything spicy and I can't eat cilantro.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:32 pm

          One of the great things about this recipe is how you can alter it a bit to your liking and still have a great bowl of pico de Gallo with sweet watermelon and tons of other flavors.

          Reply
      5. Sabrina DeWalt says

        June 22, 2020 at 8:15 pm

        I pinned this one. Sounds delicious! Can't wait to make it.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:31 pm

          Thank you for saving to Pinterest.

          Reply
      6. Beth says

        June 22, 2020 at 8:18 pm

        5 stars
        What a delicious mix of sweet, savory and spicy this salsa would be. I'm on the lookout for a watermelon on my next shopping trip - I have everything else on the list.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:30 pm

          Enjoy the watermelon salsa recipe and let me know what you pair it with, thanks.

          Reply
      7. Heather says

        June 22, 2020 at 8:59 pm

        Ooh I love this! My son loves watermelon and I love salsa, and this recipe might be the perfect thing to bring it all together and finally get him on board with eating Mexican!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:27 pm

          Great, maybe make a mother-son date night and indulge in some Mexican cuisine with this Watermelon Salsa!

          Reply
      8. Roselyn Franke says

        June 22, 2020 at 9:43 pm

        Pinned it and going to try it as well!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:24 pm

          Thanks for adding the watermelon pico de gallo to your Pinterest boards!

          Reply
      9. Alexis Farmer says

        June 23, 2020 at 4:32 am

        I’m not a big fan of regular Pico but I would definitely try this!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:23 pm

          Trying a new salsa or pico de gallo recipe is always a great thing to do

          Reply
      10. Sarah Camp says

        June 23, 2020 at 6:23 am

        Yum! What a great take on a traditional pico de gallo - I'll definitely have to try this!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:19 pm

          If you don't eat it all immediately, get this watermelon salsa on some grilled fish or shrimp tacos for an amazing summer idea.

          Reply
      11. Jennifer L Markell says

        June 23, 2020 at 6:28 am

        Perfect timing! I was wondering what to do with this huge watermelon when there is only two of us in the house! Thanks!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 23, 2020 at 8:17 pm

          Great, we have that HUGE watermelon problem sometimes - which is a great problem to have in summer!

          Reply
      12. Emily says

        June 24, 2020 at 5:10 am

        Looks delish! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 25, 2020 at 8:07 pm

          You are welcome.

          Reply
      13. Dee | Grammy's Grid says

        June 24, 2020 at 5:29 am

        5 stars
        Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 13, open June 1 to 26. All party entries shared if social media buttons installed.

        Reply
      14. Sara says

        June 24, 2020 at 6:44 am

        What an awesome take on pico. I also love watermelon so will definitely have to give this a try!

        Reply
      15. Judean says

        June 24, 2020 at 7:40 am

        Honestly, I am not a huge watermelon fan. However, I think I may be able to get behind this! I think used as a salsa with a little heat may be what I need. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 25, 2020 at 8:01 pm

          You never know what may change your mind about watermelon and this could be it.

          Reply
      16. Carrie Beaton says

        June 27, 2020 at 6:37 am

        I've never thought of putting watermelon in a salsa before. I bet the sweet and salty contrast is amazing! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 28, 2020 at 1:03 pm

          Watermelon salsa is a great combo of sweet and spicy.

          Reply
      17. Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist says

        June 27, 2020 at 8:01 am

        5 stars
        OMG. This sounds incredible. Pinned x
        #BloggersPitStop

        Reply
      18. Annette says

        June 28, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        What a fabulous idea!! Who would have thought about watermelon for salsa. This will be a great holiday summer treat this weekend.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 28, 2020 at 5:30 pm

          Enjoy! I hope this fruit salsa is a great addition to your Independence day holiday menu!

          Reply
      19. Tara says

        June 30, 2020 at 11:57 am

        This sounds absolutely delicious! I love watermelon and jalapeños togethers...so why not a salsa?!

        Reply
      20. Dee | Grammy's Grid says

        June 30, 2020 at 10:49 pm

        CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 14, open July 1 to 26. All entries shared if social media buttons are installed.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          July 01, 2020 at 10:27 am

          Wonderful, thanks so much Dee!

          Reply
      21. Liz says

        August 04, 2020 at 2:34 pm

        Yummm, cilantro and watermelon.

        Reply
      22. Anindya Sundar Basu says

        August 05, 2020 at 1:48 am

        We made watermelon salad with tomato few days ago and this is on the same lines. Love the salsa.

        Reply
      23. Ai says

        August 05, 2020 at 7:11 am

        5 stars
        YUM! I love the combination of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy so this salsa's got my name all over it!

        Reply
      24. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

        August 05, 2020 at 8:52 pm

        5 stars
        Looks so good! I prefer watermelon to tomato!

        Reply
        • Angela says

          August 06, 2020 at 7:08 am

          My boys eat so much watermelon that they prefer it too in a salsa.

          Reply
      25. Alpa says

        August 05, 2020 at 9:18 pm

        5 stars
        This looks like an easy to make side dish and kids will love it too.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          August 06, 2020 at 7:06 am

          My kids love watermelon salsa and I think yours will too.

          Reply
      26. Lathiya says

        August 11, 2020 at 2:35 pm

        5 stars
        I love watermelon and this pica de gallo with it sounds interesting.

        Reply
      27. Cathy says

        September 04, 2022 at 12:12 pm

        5 stars
        Really good and shared this recipe a few times already with friends. It is not too spicy so it is just right for us but if you like spicy add extra jalapeno and keep the seeds or something. You cannot go wrong with this if you love fruit salsa.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          September 05, 2022 at 12:41 pm

          Thanks for the comment and for sharing.

          Reply

      Primary Sidebar

      Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

      Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

      More about me →

      This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

      Popular

      • Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix cut in squares on a counter with white chocolate chips.
        Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix
      • Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured close up with dipping sauces on the bottom
        Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
      • 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie in graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
        Easy 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie
      • Naked Chicken Wings on a plate.
        Naked Chicken Wings
      • How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured
        How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven
      • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
        Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
      • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
        Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
      • A set of black pots and pans.
        Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
      Try Audible Plus
      Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
      Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
      Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry

      The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

      Top Categories

      • Main Dishes
      • Desserts
      • Italian
      • Holidays
      • Southern
      • Recipe Roundups

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      About

      • Privacy Policy
      • Cookie Policy
      • Terms of Service
      • Disclosure Policy

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Work With Me
      • Meet Angela
      • Meet the Family

      Copyright © 2019- 2025 The Short Order Cook LLC, All Rights Reserved. All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanying do-follow link to this site. Publishing any item as if it were your own is prohibited & illegal. The Short Order Cook tests every recipe & never uses AI to create recipes or images.

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
      Privacy & Cookies Policy

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled
      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
      Non-necessary
      Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
      SAVE & ACCEPT