Watermelon and corn salsa is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. It combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with the slight smokiness of grilled or roasted corn, along with other fresh ingredients for a delightful flavor contrast. Here’s a simple recipe to make watermelon and corn salsa:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
- 1 cup grilled or roasted corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to your desired level of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Grill or Roast the Corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, you can either grill it or roast it in the oven. To grill, simply brush the corn with a little oil and grill over medium-high heat until it’s lightly charred, turning occasionally. To roast, coat the corn with oil, place it on a baking sheet, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s tender and slightly browned. Once done, let it cool, and then cut the kernels from the cob.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced watermelon, grilled or roasted corn kernels, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro or mint leaves, and finely chopped jalapeño pepper.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the ingredients in the bowl. Lime juice adds a tangy and zesty element to the salsa.
- Season: Season the salsa with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper, and adjust according to your preference.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the watermelon and corn salsa for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salsa to chill.
- Serve: Serve the watermelon and corn salsa as a side dish, appetizer with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this refreshing and colorful salsa that’s perfect for summer, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the savory goodness of grilled corn and the freshness of herbs and vegetables.
Watermelon and corn salsa is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to your summer menu. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of seasonal produce.