Mexican Watermelon Salad (+ fun facts about watermelon)

This post is by blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page or her blog!

Are there any watermelon fans out there? Anyone, anyone? Yeah, I thought so. My family is 6/6 for giving two thumbs up on this summer fruit, so we had no reservations about partnering with the National Watermelon Promotion Board on today’s sponsored post. So, read on as we share the benefits of watermelon as well as a new yummy recipe … oh, and don’t miss the fun contest at the very bottom, too!

Watermelon Fun Facts

Did you know you can actually use the whole watermelon? Of course, we all love to eat the juicy flesh, but did you know there are even some uses for the rind? It can be used in recipes, as serving vessels, and in centerpieces. Those who compost can use it in this fashion, too. Check out this carved piece that I did for a picnic five years ago.

Can I tell you that my kids thought I was the absolute COOLEST? :) Worth the effort!

Note that this was before I knew the negatives about food dyes, so yes, it has some Swedish Fish coming out of the shark’s mouth. I’m sure that you could leave these out or find a substitute.

Something else to consider, overripe watermelons don’t need to be thrown out. Instead, you can throw them into a smoothie or juice them or even puree and freeze them in popsicle molds.

Another fun fact about watermelon: one whole melon can feed up to three dozen people. Wow! And it’s also #1 on the list of budget friendly fruits (obviously with it feeding so many), according to the 2010 Perishables Group Study, at only 14 cents per serving.

While the flesh is obviously delicious even when eaten by itself, it can also be diced into salads and salsas, grilled, and more. So, today I am sharing a new recipe for inspiration. My first instinct was to mix it up with some Mexican flavors, and I’ve gotta say – it turned out really good! Who knew that you could get crunchy, sweet, salty, slightly spicy, and sour all in one dish? Enjoy!

Mexican Watermelon Salad

Servings: 8

Author: Kiran Dodeja Smith

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Ingredients

• 8 cups watermelon cubed
• 2 cups jicama peeled and cubed
• 1/3 cup cilantro loosely chopped
• 3 limes juiced
• 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine watermelon and jicama. Gently fold in cilantro. 

2. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, chili powder, and salt until well-combined. Add mixture to medium bowl and stir to coat.

3. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.

Recipe Contest

Now, it’s your turn! July is National Watermelon Month, and to celebrate, the National Watermelon Promotion Board is challenging watermelon lovers to use the whole watermelon – flesh, juice, AND rind! Here’s how to enter:

• Submit your watermelon recipe using any part of the watermelon (categories include Flesh, Juice, and Rind) to be entered to win up to $500!
• Multiple entries permitted. Please submit a new form for each entry to be eligible to win. (Note: You will receive a confirmation email once your entry is received. If you do not receive an email, your entry has not been officially submitted.)