Watermelon Pico de Gallo Salsa
Such a colorful, fun and festive dish, this Watermelon Pico de Gallo salsa is so good you’ll pass up the burgers and chicken to eat more of it!
I made this batch of Watermelon Pico de Gallo Salsa for the first time several years ago and I think I could have eaten the whole thing…and that’s saying a LOT! Not just because of the quantity but because of the memories of days gone by when I would not try anything with ANY pepper; absolutely nothing. I am not lying.
I grew up with an aversion to green bell peppers. For years that aversion to them meant I kept my distance from ALL peppers but a move to Denver 30 years ago saw that gradually change.
Oh sure, I picked out every Jalapeno I saw in anything (and it seemed they were everywhere) but one day tried this Chile Relleno Appetizer at a Super Bowl party not knowing that it included poblano and jalapeno peppers and I LOVED it…and that was the start.
Still, that this green pepper hater actually made a batch of Watermelon Pico de Gallo Salsa with jalapenos combined with red, yellow and orange bell peppers was a leap of faith. If you told my family they would not have believed you and I was sort of in disbelief myself!
I loved the look when I first saw it on a Pinterest pin from The Pioneer Woman’s many years ago but I cringed a bit at the green bell pepper she included so I ditched it and added an orange one and a bit of honey and it was PERFECT for me…and everyone else who tried it!! That was a long time ago, time for new photos and new people to enjoy this wonderful summer side dish.
Ree made a point of deciding to call it pico de gallo as opposed to salsa; I found that interesting as I always thought they were interchangeable and with a bit of discovery learned there is a difference! Plus…as it turns out, pico de gallo is a form of salsa but salsa is not a form of pico de gallo. So I decided to share with you my Watermelon Pico de Gallo Salsa! š
Really what is the difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa?
Texture: Pico de gallo is a chunky mixture of fresh ingredients that are chopped, while salsa is often pureed in a blender or food processor to create a smoother, silky texture. I like my salsa to be a combination of that smooth texture with some larger bits incorporated. Salsa is often made with roasted vegetables and finished on the stove-top.
Heat Level: Pico de gallo most often includes jalapeƱo peppers, which have a moderate level of heat; removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat even more and that is my tradition. Salsa, on the other hand, is typically made with a variety of peppers, ranging from mild to extremely hot (not me!)
Flavor: Pico de gallo has a bright, fresh taste that comes from the combination of lime juice, cilantro, and fresh vegetables; sometimes with fruit. Salsa, on the other hand, can be more complex depending on both the ingredients used and the heat applied from cooking. Salsa has a wide range of flavors, from sweet and smoky to more tangy and spicy.
So, Watermelon Pico de Gallo it is…and you must make this!!!
You know the type of dish where you take a sample…and then think, I’ll just eat one more chip? Well, OK, maybe just one more. OK two. Maybe I won’t eat it with chips, I’ll just use a spoon…with some chips on the side. I needed an intervention…glad you weren’t there.
This is not something that should ever grace your plate in fall, winter or spring. Don’t let those displays of watermelon fool you…they are so NOT ready if they’re available in May and June. July and August? Absolutely.
Find a good one. A sweet, ripe, seedless good one and you will see why I wanted to seal this with a lock and key and squirrel it away back in the far recesses of the fridge. Oh wait. Maybe I did. Oops…all mine! I was actually not over the moon with the first watermelon I bought and am so glad I waited for a more perfect one.
I’m know I’m repeating myself if you’ve read some of the other Watermelon recipes I’ve featured this past week I think that getting a really good watermelon is SO important. You want a REALLY good watermelon right?
How to determine if youāve found a good watermelon? These are some good indicators:
- Find the field spot, it should be a yellowish creamy color on the outside where the watermelon was resting on the ground.
- Pick a dull looking watermelon; shiny melons are not yet ripe.
- Knock on it with your knuckles; the surface should be hard/firm. A dull thud indicates the flesh inside is getting softā¦put that one back!
- Get the heaviest one for its size; water is heavy and a lot of water in a watermelon is a good indicator!
- Check for uniform shape ā round or oval is fineā¦but irregular edges might indicate an inconsistent water source
I have a meeting here tonight…and yes I will share even if I want to squirrel it all away just for me. This fabulous sweet salsa with just a bit of heat and with the rich colors and tastes of peppers, onion, watermelon, cilantro and honey. Perfection.
Easy to make too although there is a lot of chopping. Give yourself the time and let it meld overnight too if you can; I think that’s when it’s absolutely perfect!
I never take photos of the process but it’s really easy to cube watermelon. Cut it in half; place the cut side down and then using a sharp knife, start at the top and curve as you slide your knife down. If you missed any of the white flesh, simply trim it off before slicing and then dicing the melon.
Don’t go through the rest of summer without trying Watermelon Pico de Gallo; your friends and family will love you, I promise!
More Watermelon!
PIN IT! ‘Watermelon Pico de Gallo Salsa’
Watermelon Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- Ā½ small seedless watermelon diced
- 2 jalapeƱos seeded and diced
- Ā½ red onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 orange bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Ā½ teaspoon salt; more if necessary to taste
Instructions
- Mix everything together in one large bowl; season with salt as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- I honestly think it was even better after being in the fridge overnight. What there was left of it.
Made it for bday party at work and it was a huge hit!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I just bought a watermelon the other day so that I can make some for the weekend.
It is really amazing š
I’m not sure that two batches is enough. From your description and addiction, I am thinking three is a better option!
I am running out of watermelon ideas with all our garden watermelons this summer, and then I found this.. and it made me very happy! Will be trying – thank you!
I hope you love it like I did…I’m not kidding when I say I hid it from others…well, what little was left when I went to store it. You’ll just need a spoon; you’ll see! š
This is one stunning salsa, Barb! Chips and salsa are a summer staple (well, really a year-round one) in our house. Thanks for sharing!
We love them here year round too Hannah; this one is so seasonal that I’m sure I’ll be done with it as soon as the weather turns and then anxious for more by this time next summer!
I am not a big fan of watermelon but your colorful and flavorful salsa is asking me to give it a try. I’m surely going to try this. Looks and sounds delicious.
I’d totally double the recipe and have the half all to myself, based on your suggestion š
You’ll see why I say that; heck I might double it and still stash it for me. (Wicked laughter ensues!).
Oh my! I bought watermelon today and I’m making this tomorrow. It’s nearly 2am so it’s not going to be now. š
It looks fantastic!
If I had seen that at that time I would have urged you to make it stat; it’s even better after it’s chilled and melded a bit!
With so little simple ingredients you created so much flavor and beauty! Great job ! I’m inspired to try it right away š
I simply loved it…so fresh and cool and with just a touch of heat…hope you make it and love it just as much as I did!
Oh what a fun contest to judge. I am sure you had a lot of “work” to do while judging :))
Can’t wait to hear all about it. I would have never thought of making a salsa with watermelon but now that this recipe is here, I think it will go well with some hot off the grill tandoori chicken!
I never thought about using watermelon in a salsa recipe, But why not right? I mean, you can get mango salsa. I think I will have to give this recipe a try.
It is so good; you must try it! A nice sweet balance to the heat of the jalapeno; fits one of my perfect profiles for food which I call Sweet Heat. š
While I can’t count myself in the “green pepper haters” club, I will definitely admit that they are not my favorites of the peppers. The colors of the red, yellow and orange peppers in this salsa are so pretty and I can see why you devoured the whole thing.
I think I hate them mostly Dara because they kept me away from other peppers for so long…including other green ones which I love today; poblano, anaheim, jalapeno. This was truly a gorgeous dish and I’m making it again soon since the best watermelon in Colorado are coming to the market now.
I’ve only tried mixing it up with watermelon a few times. I love it so much as is. This looks great though.
This is so different Robin you should try it; sort of sweet, sort of peppery and obviously I thought sort of good! š
Looks so good. LOVE watermelon in a good salsa — yes, with green peppers. Any kind of peppers.
I’ll give you mine, how’s that? It was a huge leap of faith that I ever tried jalapeno and poblano but sure glad I did!
This is a perfectly wonderful summer salsa!
P.S. I’m an ardent member of this Green Pepper club too š
They are defining veggies for sure; it’s either love or hate, seldom anything in between. And is it hereditary? None of my siblings or either of my kids like them either!
I cringed at green bell peppers too. May have to give the other colors a second though cuz this salsa looks amazing.
I had a girls event at my home a couple of years ago and out of nothing but trying to be polite I took a serving of a potato dish that had red and yellow peppers. I was completely shocked that I actually liked it. Now you won’t see me eating a whole one raw or anything so making this salsa was a bit questionable but I seriously loved it. If it had included green peppers, well, it never would have seen the light of day! š
Can’t wait to read about you judging the cook-off!
And love watermelon salsa!! So refreshing this time of the year š
We had so much fun…and those cooking contest are more difficult than I would have imagined; I have renewed respect for people who enter them and come up with a great dish!
This sounds freaking awesome! š I really really want to try this!
Mmmm. I bet you get give that a whirl in the blender and have a helluva gazpacho too. Sweet heat. My favorite combination. GREG
Oh yeah…and me too Greg. I have to be careful or I would put some heat into almost anything. I’ll try to keep it out of the strawberry pie I’m making today though; probably best huh?
I think I’d eat the whole batch in one sitting too!
Whew…I’m feeling a bit less guilty now, thanks for that. š
Wow!! The National Beef Cookoff??? How fabulous and fun! Go, girl!
I don’t read Ree’s blog but eating this on chips? I think this would be great on grilled fish, no?
Yes…it was an honor to be asked to be a judge but more importantly? We had a blast!
What a nice refreshing and tasty salsa…I am trying this.
You must…it is SO good! Find a good hiding place first.
Watermelon salsa is the best!!! I love fruit salsa so much. This is gorgeous!
Thanks so much; we are in love. š
I’ve made watermelon salsa before, and it’s most excellent stuff. I’m OK with green peppers so I always use them, but you’re right that the orange, and particularly the red, have different flavor. At this time of the year we have watermelon every day for breakfast, and we go through at least two seedless melons a week. I always cut them up into chunks, then put them in a airtight container in the refrigerator so we can just spoon up whatever we want. So I’m good at peeling watermelons! I usually don’t stress much, though, if I leave a little of the red on the rind – that part tends to be not as sweet as the center (the heart), so I know I’m getting all (well, most) of the good stuff. Fun recipe – thanks.
Seems people are OK with them or fall into my camp…just detest them. There is a club on Facebook; we share our bad experiences! š
What a great sounding recipe. I can only imagine how delicious this is with that sweet melon and those tasty bell peppers (unlike you I love them all). I can’t wait to hear about Nat’l Beef. This one has always eluded me. What a fun contest to judge.
We had so much fun and tried a lot of tasty dishes and boy did I learn a LOT about contesting. It’s not easy so hats off to you my friend for being SO successful!
Gorgeous and tasty looking Watermelon Salsa, Barb! Pinning!
Thanks my friend…I just loved it a whole lot. I mean a lotta lot! š