Looking for an easy watermelon salad? This spicy watermelon salad with mint, lime, and chili is bright, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
Spicy Watermelon Salad with Mint & Lime
This spicy watermelon salad combines sweet watermelon, cooling mint, briny olives, fresh lime, and a touch of spicy chili for a refreshing summer salad that’s juicy and full of contrast.
Equal parts sweet, salty, and spicy, this easy watermelon salad is perfect for hot weather meals, picnics, barbecues, and summer entertaining. Fresh mint and lime keep the flavors fresh while chili adds just enough heat to balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
Finished with olive oil and scattered with olives, this watermelon mint lime salad is simple and sophisticated.
What Makes This Watermelon Salad Different?
Unlike traditional watermelon salads that are either sweet or salty, this spicy watermelon salad brings a little heat to the mix. Sweet watermelon is paired with spicy chili, cooling mint, tart lime juice, rich olive oil, and briny olives for a combination that’s refreshing and a little unexpected.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Watermelon Salad
- Fresh, bright summer flavors.
- Sweet, spicy and salty all at once.
- Quick and easy to make.
- Perfect for warm weather entertaining.
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Beautiful served family-style on a platter.
- A refreshing summer side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Full measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Watermelon - Choose ripe, seedless watermelon for the sweetest flavor and best texture. Chilling the watermelon beforehand makes the salad even more refreshing.
- Fresh Mint - Mint adds cooling freshness that pairs beautifully with both watermelon and chili.
- Lime - Fresh lime juice and zest brighten the salad and balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Chili Pepper - Fresh red chili adds gentle heat and contrast. Use cayenne or Thai chili depending on your preferred spice level.
- Olives - Small black olives like Niçoise or Kalamata add a briny, savory element that makes this watermelon mint salad especially flavorful.
- Olive Oil - A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together.
How to Make Spicy Watermelon Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, and sea salt until combined.
Set aside.
Step 2: Arrange the Watermelon
Arrange the watermelon slices on a serving platter in a single layer.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Sprinkle the watermelon with the mint leaves, olives, and sliced chili pepper.
Drizzle the lime dressing evenly over the top.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately while cold and juicy.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Salad
- Chill the watermelon before assembling the salad.
- Use flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the watermelon crisp.
- Adjust the chili depending on how spicy you like your watermelon salad.
Variations
This watermelon salad is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.
Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Add crumbled feta for a salty, creamy contrast.
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
Avocado Watermelon Salad
Add diced avocado for a creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make watermelon salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
How do I keep watermelon salad from getting watery?
Serve it immediately after assembling and avoid dressing the salad too far in advance.
What herbs pair well with watermelon?
Mint, basil, and cilantro all pair beautifully with watermelon.
Is watermelon salad spicy?
This recipe has a medium heat level, but you can easily adjust the chili to taste.
Can I add cheese to watermelon salad?
Yes. Feta is a popular addition and works well with mint and lime.
A Refreshing Summer Watermelon Salad
This spicy watermelon salad is sweet, cooling and just a little fiery.
Whether you serve it alongside grilled dishes, at picnics, or as a light refreshing side, this easy watermelon mint salad is one of those dishes that always disappear quickly.
More Watermelon Recipes:
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Fresh chili peppers add just the right amount of heat to this refreshing yet spicy watermelon salad with mint and olives.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons/ 10ml fresh lime juice
- The zest of ½ a lime
- 1 ½ Tablespoons/22ml extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 pounds/907 g seedless watermelon, cut into ½-inch thick triangles
- 2 Tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped or torn into pieces
- 2 Tablespoons small black olives (like Niçoise or Kalamata)
- 1 small fresh red chili pepper (like cayenne or Thai), finely sliced or minced
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil and salt. Set aside.
- Arrange slices of watermelon on a serving platter. Sprinkle with mint, olives and chili pepper. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 217Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 2gSugar: 29gProtein: 3g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
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