Level up traditional salsa this summer by swapping tomatoes for juicy watermelon!
So long basic. Instead we're serving you a sexy watermelon salsa. The perfect poolside refreshing treat. Enjoy it with your favorite tortilla chip, atop summery balsamic chicken tacos or simply eat it with a spoon.
By combining ripe watermelon with citrus and spicy flavors we created a delicious salsa variation everyone with enjoy. For an added twist I sprinkled in some chili lime seasoning from #TraderJoes. If you don't have that in your pantry create your own with some extra lime zest and chili powder (1/4 tsp of each).
You can't go wrong with a classic salsa but you really can't go wrong with this summery twist.
Sometimes I'll fold in some salt feta for some extra protein and flavor. If you're looking to turn this recipe into a meal we recommend tacos. I combined the watermelon flavors with our balsamic chicken marinade, fresh feta and crisp red onion and cucumbers for a perfect summer taco!
Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top and these tacos are chef's kiss, truly!
Watermelon Salsa
16 servings or 1/2 cup salsa | Prep time: 10 minutes
Notes: This salsa is so refreshing and perfect for summer. We love it served with salty tortilla chips or on top of tacos.
Ingredients:
1/2 small watermelon, diced (about 8 cups of watermelon)
1 jalapeño, minced, seeds removed
1 large shallot, minced
1/2 tsp chili lime seasoning (omit if you don’t like spicy)
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tbsp lime zest
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup mint, minced
1/4 cup cilantro, minced
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl. Use a large spoon to toss until well combined. Once combined, place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Note the flavors with enhance when allowed to marinate over time so don’t be afraid to prep in advance but note that additional juices will develop over time.
Best served within 24 hours of prepping but can store in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Note: we enjoyed this recipe a few ways. The first being the traditional method with tortilla chips. Then we mixed things up by serving this a top balsamic chicken tacos, see below, with feta, rice, crisp veggies and a dollop of plain greek yogurt.
Balsamic Chicken Tacos
4 Servings | Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Notes: the perfect summery twist on basic tacos. Combining our flavorful balsamic chicken marinade and fresh watermelon salsa is truly a game changer.
Ingredients:
Watermelon Salsa, see above
1-1.5 lb chicken breast
4 oz feta cheese
6-8 oz plain greek yogurt
4 cups spinach leaves
1/2 red onion, diced, 150g
1 small cucumber, diced, 150g
8 small tortillas, corn or flour
For serving: jasmine rice, lime wedges, fresh cilantro, balsamic glaze
Directions:
At least 30 minutes or up to 1 day ahead of time, marinate your chicken in the balsamic marinade (add all ingredients and chicken to a gallon bag, massage until well coated and fully combined, store in fridge).
If using a cast iron pan, preheat oven to 350F and heat cast iron pan over medium heat. Spray with nonstick olive oil spray. If using a grill, clean and preheat grill to about 400F. Use tongs or a fork to remove chicken and place on grill or pan. For cast iron, sear about 3-5 minutes, flip and transfer to oven to cook about 15 minutes or until an internal temperature or 165F. For a grill, cook about 8-10 minutes per side or until an internal temperature of 165F.
Remove chicken and set aside to rest 3 minutes. Use a sharp knife to dice the chicken.
Assemble taco station or bowls with a base of spinach leaves and/or cooked rice, top with diced chicken, crumbled feta, diced onion and cucumber, 1/2 cup watermelon salsa and a dollop of greek yogurt.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges. Serve with tortillas.
Screenshot/Printer Friendly Version:
Watermelon Salsa:
Balsamic Chicken Tacos:
Nutrition Facts are provided as a guideline only. Exact nutrition will depend on quantity, brand and ingredients used. Nutrition for tacos does not include rice for simplicity.