Description
A refreshing and spicy treat combining watermelon and pickles for a unique flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cold seedless watermelon, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, very finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta, optional
- 1/2 cup crunchy tortilla strips or crushed spicy chips, for topping
- For the tangy Tajín dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or hot honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt, only if needed
- For extra fire, optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Extra sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prep the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into small cubes. Pat lightly with paper towels so the cups do not become too watery.
- Mix the crunch base: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, diced pickles, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, pickle juice, honey, olive oil, Tajín, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.
- Toss gently: Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture. Toss carefully so the watermelon stays juicy and fresh without breaking apart.
- Chill briefly: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. Do not chill too long, or the watermelon will release too much juice.
- Build the cups: Spoon the mixture into small clear cups, jars, or serving bowls.
- Add the crunch: Right before serving, top with cotija or feta, crushed spicy chips or tortilla strips, extra Tajín, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Best served fresh.
- You can prep the watermelon mixture up to 4 hours ahead, but add the crunchy topping only right before serving.
- Serve very cold with lime wedges on the side.
- This works as a summer snack, BBQ side, party cup, or spicy fruit salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg