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Fresh Spicy Watermelon Cucumber Salad Recipe with Tajín and Cilantro

fresh spicy watermelon cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and a spicy tang from Tajín and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a light side dish or a cooling snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 600 grams) seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced or cut into half-moons
  • 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
  • ¼ cup (about 10 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 medium lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of sea salt, to taste
  • Optional: thin slices of jalapeño for extra heat
  • Optional: toasted pepitas for crunch

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups (600 grams) of seedless watermelon into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Remove any seeds if present. Chill the watermelon beforehand for maximum refreshment.
  2. Slice 2 medium English cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons about ¼-inch (0.6 cm) thick.
  3. Roughly chop ¼ cup (10 grams) of fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons), 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning, and a pinch of sea salt. Adjust lime or seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the watermelon, cucumber, and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss lightly to coat evenly without bruising the fruit.
  6. Optional: Add thin slices of jalapeño or sprinkle with toasted pepitas for extra heat or crunch.
  7. Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

Chill watermelon and cucumbers before assembling for best refreshment. Be gentle when tossing to avoid bruising the watermelon. If watermelon is watery, drain in a colander for 5 minutes before mixing. Adjust Tajín seasoning to taste, starting with 1.5 teaspoons if preferred milder. Add extra lime juice before serving for brightness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, Tajín, cilantro, summer salad, spicy salad, refreshing salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/fresh-spicy-watermelon-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-taj-i-n-and-cilantro-easy-and-refreshing/