Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Kimberly Stroh

If you have an abundance of summer watermelon and you’re looking for a delicious way to use it, try making this Fresh Watermelon Salsa recipe. It’s the best of sweet and savory, plus it comes together in minutes. A bit of basil, red onion and jalapeño compliment the sweetness of the watermelon. Serve it with fresh pita chips for the ultimate easy summer appetizer.

There’s something special about evenings in the summer. When you’ve got longer days, it’s easier to find time to entertain and celebrate during the summer months. Whether it’s sipping some sweet wine during the golden hour or hanging out by the pool, you can’t go wrong with something to munch on.

I love this watermelon salsa. It’s simple and you can make it ahead of time. There will always be a special place in my heart for my Strawberry Salsa recipe, but watermelon just screams summer!

Being from Atlanta, I live near the “watermelon capitol” of the world, which is Cordele, Georgia. Once you learn how to pick the best watermelon, you’ll be able to use the entire fruit. I never want to waste any, so I came up with a few favorite recipes to help use it up. This watermelon salsa is always a big hit with the family!

Looking for even more great summer appetizer recipes? I love Spicy Shrimp Deviled Eggs, Pan Fried Onion Dip and my No-Bake Spicy Oyster Crackers. They’re all great recipes for warmer months.

How To Make Watermelon Salsa

Make this salsa ahead of an event, so it has a few hours to chill in the refrigerator. It also helps to ensure the flavors have plenty of time to mingle with each other. The end results is a sweet and slightly savory mix. If you’re not a fan of spice, then you can certainly cut the amount of fresh jalapeño that you use!

What To Serve With Watermelon Salsa

Regular tortilla chips are great, but if you want a next level combination – you’ve got to try making it with Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips! Find the recipe to make your own, with my Mixed Fruit Salsa recipe (just click the link to find it).

If you’re serving the salsa for happy hour, try pairing it with a Rosé Wine or a Wheat Ale beer. It will really bring out the flavors of the watermelon salsa. The recipe makes 3 cups, so double the recipe for serving more than six people.

How To Make The Salsa Ahead Of Time

You want to prep the salsa a few hours ahead of time, before an event, to refrigerate it. It helps the flavors blend and you’ll get better taste. However, you don’t want to make it several days prior because watermelon holds so much water. Over time, the watermelon won’t hold the water and it will be runny. So just make it a few hours beforehand.

How To Store Leftover Watermelon Salsa

Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy for up to 48 hours after making. If the watermelon runs a bit, just drain the excess water. Store it in an airtight kitchen storage container. Unfortunately, the watermelon salsa does not freeze.

What’s In The Recipe:

• Watermelon
• Jalapeño
• Lime Juice
• Red Onion
• Basil
• Salt and Pepper

Step-By-Step Directions To Make Watermelon Salsa

In a large mixing bowl, combine watermelon, jalapeño, onion, lime juice, basil, salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Serve with pita chips or tortilla chips. Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy for up to 48 hours.