The Pajama Chef

A sweet watermelon salsa that has just a bit of kick to it… this may be my new favorite summer snack! Hey hey! This was my month to host Mystery Dish and it was so fun! I got to invite a guest to participate with us and chose to ask my lil sis, Kathleen at Two Happy Bellies! So glad she could bake up a yummy treat this month. 🙂 These ingredients I chose included:

• coffee [grounds or brewed] – an unexpected summer ingredient
• sour cream – for something creamy
• farro – because I have a bag in the pantry I’ve been trying to use up…clearly that didn’t happen
• almonds – for a crunch
• cherries – they’re in season
• watermelon – my favorite summer fruit…even more than berries [I know!!!]
• cantaloupe – if you get a good one, they’re like candy
• jicama – crunch crunch
• cucumber – they’re super cheap at the farmer’s market and I love them
• tomatoes – never buy these when it’s not summertime…just not woth it
• infused or flavored olive oil – see farro
• fresh herbs [any kind] – because fresh herbs rock
• cornmeal – I have no idea, but thought it could be good for a crust or something
• hot peppers [any kind] – spice, spice, spice it up! 

I hope my other Mystery Dish gals had fun with the ingredients I chose for them to play with…and now they know a little bit about why I chose the ingredients I did. I asked them to choose three for their dish. I used five–watermelon, cucumber, infused/flavored olive oil, fresh herbs, and hot peppers, and I meant to use a sixth–jicama, but forgot. Oh rats. This salsa is like the stuff of my dreams. Though I love your basic smooth tomato-based salsas, sometimes a chunky fruit-based salsa just hits the spot. This salsa combines some of my favorite summertime fruits and veggies [watermelon, peaches, and cucumber] with some spicy jalapeno and chili powder for the tiniest kick to make things interesting. 🙂 If spicy salsa isn’t your thing, leave out the jalapeno or use some bell pepper instead. Now, I know that some of you may  be a bit hesitant to make a spicy watermelon salsa, or even to use watermelon in salsa to begin with. I have to admit, that not too long ago I was right there with you! I love eating watermelon in the summer [really, all year round but they are only GOOD in the summer] and rarely use it in recipes because I just love it plain. But I wanted to stretch myself and try a spiced up watermelon dish because I’ve seen tons of recipes doing just that. And I’m really glad I did. Yay for Mystery Dish! The salsa isn’t really too spicy, so don’t worry… the watermelon and cucumber cool everything down and the peaches provide a bite of sweetness. It’s pretty much a perfect combo. I served this salsa with regular tortilla chips as well as the pictured multigrain tortilla chips [my fave!], but I think some cinnamon sugar tortilla or pita chips could be really good too! One last thing: be sure to make this salsa right before serving it. The watermelon definitely makes it pretty liquidy the longer it sits so eat up! 🙂
one year ago: Blueberry Buckle
two years ago: Mango Coconut Granola 
three years ago: Lavender-Lime Scones
four years ago: Creamy Baked Spaghetti

Watermelon Salsa

• Servings: 6
• Time: 10 minutes
• Print

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups watermelon, chopped into small cubes and drained in a mesh colander for 10 minutes
• 1 small peach, chopped into small cubes [about 2/3 cup]
• 1/3 cup cucumber, chopped into small cubes
• 1/2 of a jalapeno, seeded and diced – optional
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut white balsamic vinegar [regular white balsamic vinegar is fine too]
• 1 teaspoon blood orange infused extra virgin olive oil [some orange juice/zest mixed with a bit of evoo is fine too]
• pinch of chili powder
• garlic salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• tortilla chips, for serving

Directions: In a small bowl fold together watermelon, peach, cucumber, jalapeno, and cilantro. In a measuring cup, use a fork to whisk together vinegar, olive oil, chili powder, garlic salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over watermelon, then stir to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Would also be great over fish, chicken, or pork, with tacos, or even with a spoon!

1. Watermelon Salsa – The Pajama Chef
2. Farro Salad – Chez CateyLou
3. Cherry Almond Coffee Cake – Two Happy Bellies
4. Watermelon Fruit Salad with Mint Lime Dressing – Yummy Healthy Easy
5. Toasted Almond Caramel Mocha Gelato – Culinary Couture Blog
6. Cherry Galettes with Almond Sour Cream Crust – The Well Floured Kitchen
7. Cherry Watermelon Granita – Joyful Healthy Eats
8. Cherry Almond Mocha Smoothie – Baking a Moment
9. Pepperoni Pasta Salad – I Want Crazy
10. Almond Cherry Bars – I Dig Pinterest
11. Cucumber Salsa – Weary Chef
12. Cherry Almond Popsicles – Blahnik Baker

Linked up with: Weekend Potluck.