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Refreshing, Crunchy, Salty, Sweet, & Spicy Watermelon

July 31, 2013   11 Comments

Sometimes it is hard to buy one of those LARGE watermelons. Are you really going to eat all of that?

Watermelon Salads

One way to deal with too much watermelon is to use your blender and make watermelon juice. Just chop it small enough for the blender to handle it. I like to mix in some vodka lightly sweetened lemonade.

Or, you can take a slice of watermelon, squeeze on some lime, dip it in a bit of kosher salt, and sprinkle on some chili powder. The combination of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy is a taste explosion – and while risky, the risk is definitely worth it.

I learned about this taste combination from a Mexican chef. He told me that in certain regions of Mexico, they sell pineapple on a stick prepared in this way.

Doesn’t that sound refreshing?

In the below recipe, I have used the same combo with cucumber to make a crunchy side dish to your BBQ. This salad is best served right away and as cold as possible.

I put the cayenne down as “optional” because it takes bravery to add this spice to your food if you aren’t used to it. I did sneeze quite a bit after adding it but it gives this recipe a KICK.

Which brings me to the story of my first visit to a vegetarian restaurant, The Moosewood Restaurant in Ithaca, NY. I couldn’t wait to go there because I had a few of their cookbooks.

Boy, was I disappointed! The food was so bland that I still hold a grudge. There is no reason for healthy food to be bland, boring food. Go ahead and eat your steamed veggies with brown rice with a wee bit of soy sauce – but I’m grabbin’ the Tabasco.

Have you tried a savory watermelon recipe?

Watermelon Cucumber Lime Salad

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(4 servings)

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Ingredients

3 cups watermelon, chopped into 1 inch cubes
1 cucumber, peeled
1 lime
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (for example, Kosher salt)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Chop cucumber in one inch cubes and mix in large bowl with watermelon. Squeeze lime over mixture and add salt and cayenne. Toss and serve immediately.

This salad doesn’t store well because the watermelon tends to get soggy after you add salt.

Nutrition Facts

For one serving: 46 calories, 0.3 g fat, 11.4 g carbohydrates, 8.3 g sugar, 1.2 g protein, 0.9 g fiber, 243 mg sodium, 1 Points+

Points values are calculated by Snack Girl and are provided for information only. See all Snack Girl Recipes

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11 Comments:

I love cucumber salad. My friend at work eats all her fruit with cayenne pepper. She loves it that way. I tried it and don't overly care for it, however I like you recipe. I'll give it a try!

I'm so-o-o disappointed to hear that you had a bad experience at Moosewood :-( I also have their cookbooks and have given them as gifts. I always wanted to go there as all the stories in the cookbooks make it sound so interesting. Darn!!

I love to make a salad of watermelon and a salty, firm cheese like ricotta salata or grilled halloumi. I add a dressing of limes, olive oil, fresh mint, salt and pepper. It's sweet, salty and tangy. Yum!!

Your suggestion of salt and cayenne or chili powder sounds really good. We will try that next time!

I make watermelon juice, I add raspberries and strawberries. I think it's good. I can't wait to try the salad.

I add watermelon to my regular salads (as in the kind you make with lettuce, peppers, feta, etc.). It adds some liquid so I don't need as much dressing. It tastes really good and gives it a bit of sweetness.

Try the watermelon in a salad with tomatoes and feta with a oil and lemon dressing! I was in a neighborhood in Los Angeles a few years ago where people stood on the street corners selling cut fruit - and on the side were shakers of salt and cayenne. The tray of fruit was always covered with the most pristine dish cloth. Probably not "legal" but always delicious!

I LOVE your website. Great information that I happily share all over the place, the yummiest recipes that are also healthy and your great attitude about all of it! Thanks so much for the love you put into this!

After reading this, I made the lemonade-watermelon combo in my blender. I had pink lemonade on hand and used it. Very good!!!!

Too bad about Moosewood - Maybe they will try serving your watermelon with salt, lime and cayenne to spice things up. : ) But do not give up on vegetarian restaurants - recall another famous vegetarian restaurant with a cookbook The Grit, in Athens, GA.

You are informative, interesting & very funny. You tickle my funnybone!

This was so yummy!

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