I know I did just do a recipe for watermelon salad a few weeks ago, but there are just too many good melons coming thought this household to not do another one. Ry had been asking me for a while to do a version of the classic feta and watermelon salad I usually make, but with some Mexican flavors. So, after a bit of fussing around and experimenting with a few different ideas, this is what I managed to come up with, and I must say I will definitely be making this again.
As you can tell from the photos, I did use a yellow seedless watermelon, but you can totally use a red one, it doesn’t matter. This one was a Kid’s Choice melon, if you see them in the store grab one, they’re always the best. The key part of this recipe is getting yourself some chipotle powder. You want it to be smokey and spicy. That’s what pairs so well with the sweet, cold watermelon. For this version I used radish, pepitas, queso fresco, cilantro and shallots. Everything is super fresh and crisp. And I would recommend that you keep everything super cold to make it extra refreshing.
The key part of this recipe is getting yourself some chipotle powder. You want it to be smokey and spicy. That’s what pairs so well with the sweet, cold watermelon.
Sweet and Spicy Watermelon Salad: An Easy Summer Salad
Watermelon salad deserves a summer spotlight, and this smoky-spicy version is one you’ll crave all season long. The classic combination of sweet watermelon and salty cheese gets a bold, Mexican-inspired twist with chipotle powder, crunchy pepitas, and crisp radishes. It’s refreshing, a little spicy, and full of texture—perfect for hot days when you want something light but flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Watermelon Salad
- Sweet & Spicy: The flavor of the cool, sweet watermelon with the smoky chipotle and peppery, crisp radishes is excellent. So refreshing and so satisfying.
- Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in 15 minutes—just chop, layer, and then eat up.
- Perfect for BBQs & Summer Parties: It’s an unexpected side dish that complements grilled meats, tacos, and pairs great with a beer or margarita.
- Totally Customizable: Swap the queso fresco for feta or cotija, or add avocado for extra color and flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon, cubed or cut into bite-sized chunks
- 4 radishes, finely sliced
- 1 small shallot, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Handful of fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make It
- Assemble the salad
Arrange the watermelon, radishes, shallots, pepitas, and cilantro on a large plate or platter. - Season The Salad
Sprinkle everything with fresh black pepper and a generous dusting of chipotle powder. - Finish with olive oil
Drizzle lightly over the top to bring all the flavors together. - Serve chilled
This salad is best enjoyed cold, so keep your ingredients, and platter, in the fridge before assembling.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Salad
- Use a ripe watermelon – Look for one that feels heavy for its size with a deep yellow spot on the bottom
- Keep it cool – Keeping the watermelon, radishes, and queso fresco chilled make the whole salad super refreshing.
- Adjust the heat – If you love spice, add some extra chipotle powder or even thinly sliced fresh chilis.
What to Serve with Chipotle Watermelon Salad
This salad is a great side for summer cookouts, taco nights, or even as a light lunch. Pair it with:
Grilled Skirt Steak Fajitas
Grilled skirt steak fajitas with a chipotle-orange marinade and perfectly charred veggies.
Grilled Scallops
Perfectly charred scallops topped with a parsley and lemon chimmichurri.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
Marinated grilled chicken tacos with a sweet and spicy orange adobo marinade.
Easy Oven Baked Ribs
Succulent, oven baked pork ribs.
Grill Roast Chicken
Chicken roasted on the grill with crispy chickpeas and fresh herbs.
Braised Chicken Tacos
Tender braised chicken tacos with pumpkin seed salsa, fresh cilantro, queso fresco and radish.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! I would recommend assembling the salad on your platter, keeping it all chilled, and then add the chipotle powder, olive oil, and queso fresco right before serving.
What can I substitute for queso fresco?
Try feta or cotija cheese for a similar salty, creamy texture. I have two other watermelon salad to check out. A Greek Watermelon Salad with Feta and Kalamata olives and then another Watermelon Salad with Feta, Castelvetrano olives and Basil.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a smoky heat from chipotle powder that pairs so nicely with the cold, sweet watermelon. But you can adjust the spice to taste by adding more or less chipotle powder.
Did you make this recipe?
Did you try this Chipotle Watermelon Salad? Leave a comment and review below with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
Chipotle Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 3 c watermelon cubed or cut into bit sized chunks
- 4 radishes finely sliced
- 1 small shallot finely sliced
- 1/4 c pepitas
- handful cilantro
- 1/4 c queso fresco crumbled
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Like most salads on this site, this isn’t really much of a recipe, more of an assembly job. Just start layering each ingredient on your plates, or large platter. Be sure to finish it all off with some fresh ground pepper, a good dusting of that chipotle powder and a very light drizzle of olive oil. That finishing will make all the difference. Eat up!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
3 thoughts on Chipotle Watermelon Salad with Queso Fresco & Pepitas
Looks and sounds so refreshing. Can’t wait to try this one. However, not sure I can find yellow watermelon here in south Jersey.
That was a really helpful post. Thanks!