You’re only 15 minutes away from chili lime watermelon.
Trust me — you should make this immediately. It doesn’t get more summery than this simple, bright snack.
I am absolutely obsessed with this snack/side dish. It’s bursting with flavor, ultra-refreshing, and hits both sweet and savory notes perfectly. The combination is addictive.
It’s unbelievably versatile: have it for breakfast with scrambled eggs, as a light lunch or afternoon snack, paired with a chilled rosé, or as a bright side for dinner. It elevates any meal.
I originally planned to adapt my hot honey pineapple wedges with watermelon, but hot honey didn’t feel quite right with the melon. A small dusting of chili powder, lime zest and juice, crumbled cotija, and fresh cilantro turned out even better — a minimalist flip that delivers major flavor.
If you prefer, hot honey would also be lovely on these cubes, but this version is intentionally easy and cooling — perfect for hot summer days when doing as little as possible is the goal.
For years I’ve loved watermelon with lime zest and fresh lime juice — it’s bright, refreshing, and slightly reminiscent of a watermelon margarita. Adding a pinch of chili and salty cotija takes it from good to irresistible.
What I like to serve with chili lime watermelon:
This watermelon pairs beautifully with light, summery meals. A few favorites to serve alongside:
- Summer panzanella
- Halloumi hummus bowls
- Cheeseburger chopped salad
- Chipotle chicken Cobb salad
- Korean chicken bowls
- Summer BBQ quinoa salad
- Guacamole turkey burgers
- Adobo shrimp fajitas
- Summer shrimp zoodle bowls
- BBQ shrimp and lime avocado toast
Chili Lime Watermelon
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, zest grated and juiced
- 3 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
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Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the pinch of salt and the chili powder (add more if you like a spicier kick). Toss gently to combine. Squeeze the lime juice over the watermelon and finish with the grated lime zest.
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Scatter the crumbled cotija and chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Did you make this recipe?
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How could you possibly pass up a bite like that?