Spicy Watermelon Salad with Cilantro and Lime

Discover the perfect summer dish with this Zesty Spicy Watermelon Salad featuring refreshing watermelon, crunchy cucumber, zesty lime, and a touch of jalapeño heat. This vibrant salad not only bursts with flavor but also offers hydration and essential nutrients. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, it's easy to customize with additional fruits or herbs. Impress your guests with this delightful combination, and enjoy the cooling, healthy benefits all season long.

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Ingredients

4 cups of seedless watermelon, diced

1 small cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Dice the cucumber and finely chop the red onion and jalapeño, adding them to the bowl as well.

Add Fresh Herbs: Chop the fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over the diced fruits and vegetables in the bowl.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (if using), chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture, gently tossing everything together until well-coated.

Taste & Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, chili powder, or salt depending on your preference.

Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes (including chilling) | 4 servings