Salted Watermelon Mojito Wedges Recipe

The hottest days of the year are here, and these mojito watermelon wedges are the perfect cool, refreshing treat.

They’re super simple to make and just in time for summer gatherings.

This is an embarrassingly easy recipe that elevates plain watermelon into something bright and memorable. If you don’t want alcohol, skip the rum — the lime and fresh mint make the flavor vibrant and utterly refreshing even without it. These are wonderful for kids and adults alike.

How it works

Start by cutting your watermelon however you like — wedges, cubes, or melon balls all work. Wedges are classic and fun to serve, but use whatever is easiest. The key is the mojito syrup: a quick mix of water, sugar, lime juice, optional rum, lime zest and plenty of fresh mint. Heat briefly just to dissolve the sugar, cool the syrup, then pour it over the watermelon and let the fruit soak.

Place the watermelon on a sheet pan or platter, pour the cooled syrup over the pieces, and refrigerate so the wedges absorb the minty-lime flavor. I like to flip them once during the chilling time so both sides soak evenly.

These wedges are cold, bright, minty and citrusy with just a hint of rum if you choose to add it. A light sprinkle of flaked sea salt at the end contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the melon and the tang of lime.

People have soaked watermelon in tequila and other spirits for years; the mojito-inspired syrup brings that same party flavor with fresh mint and lime making this an instant summer favorite.

Watermelon Mojito Wedges

Watermelon Mojito Wedges

Yield:

12
to 16 wedges

Prep Time:

25
mins

Cook Time:

5
mins

Resting Time:

30
mins

Total Time:

1
hr

These mojito watermelon wedges are soaked in a fresh mint and lime syrup then finished with flaked sea salt for a bright, refreshing snack.

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into wedges (12 to 16 wedges)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup white rum, optional — omit or replace with water for a kid-friendly version
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 big handful of fresh mint
• 2 limes, zest freshly grated
• flaked sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

• Cut the watermelon into wedges and arrange them in a single layer on two baking sheets.
• In a saucepan combine the water, sugar, lime juice, rum (if using), mint and the zest of one lime. Heat over medium, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Bring just to a simmer, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• Pour the cooled syrup evenly over the watermelon so the pieces are partially submerged. Move the wedges so they soak in the syrup, then flip them to coat both sides.
• Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes, flipping once if you like, so the watermelon absorbs the flavors.
• Remove the wedges from the syrup, arrange on a platter, sprinkle with the remaining lime zest and a pinch of flaked sea salt, and serve.
• Make-ahead tip: store the extra syrup in the refrigerator and pour over smaller batches of watermelon as needed.

Course:
Snack

Cuisine:
American

Author:
How Sweet Eats

Tastes like summer.