To me no other fruit says summer like the heavy, green, oval fruit with a bright red center and little black seeds. Im talking about watermelon of course. It’s not like watermelon is the only summer fruit or that it is necessarily my favorite summertime fruit. I think it is because of my personal summertime memories that repeat summer after summer in homes all across the world. You see when I picture a hot, sweaty summer day I see a child with his or her face buried in a large slice of watermelon gobbling up the sweet fruit. Every bite squeezes out more juicy goodness that runs down the child’s face, arms and most likely down the top half of their clothes. As adults that is not an acceptable sight or one that other adults will find as funny and cute as watching a child take such pleasure in a slice of watermelon. Kids get to have all the fun! Nonetheless I think we can all relate to that childhood memory of sitting on the grass in the summer sunshine refreshing our bodies with a chunk of watermelon.
The recipe I have for you today is a little more grownup than just a slice of watermelon. Not that there is anything wrong with a juicy serving of watermelon. I came up with this salsa as a way of using up what was leftover in my refrigerator. In fact it’s not much of a recipe but more like a guide of throw this and that into a bowl to create a dish that takes advantage of the bounty of summer. The salsa is so in name but more like a fusion of ingredients so not specifically from one nation. But since I served it like a salsa and a good portion of the ingredients are European, we can call it a Euro-Mexican fusion.
Here is what went into my watermelon salsa, watermelon, cubed and seeded. I threw in some cubed feta cheese along with roughly chopped red radishes. If you do not have red radishes then substitute with finely chopped onion, red would be good. Then I finely chopped a small bunch of chives and added them to the bowl. Guess what there was also a lime, so I squeezed the juice over the other ingredient. Then in the back of the vegetable crisper I found some fresh horseradish root to grate into the salsa, that is where the spiciness was going to come in. The horseradish root gives more of a nasal spiciness than a back of the mouth spiciness that a chile would give. Nonetheless it was a great addition to the salsa. Before you grate the horseradish make sure it is thoroughly rinsed as dirt and debris can become logged in the curves of this root. Then using a vegetable peeler, peel away the darker outer layer until you’ve reached the white and woody layer. Grate as much as you like into the salsa. Lastly gently toss the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust anything you like. Serve it in a bowl or inside the leftover watermelon rind.
The salsa was sweet, salty, a little tart and yes, spicy. That is the perfect combination of flavors! I served the spicy watermelon salsa with grilled Nile perch and grilled chicken. In fact this would be the perfect accompaniment for any grilled meats or fish. You could also serve as an appetizer or snack with some corn chips. Since the 4th of July means cookouts why not make the salsa and impress your guest. Enjoy it!
– Summer Sunshine In A Bowl by Alisha Randell via Honest Cooking
love the feta with the watermelon! ur photos are gorgeous!
@Sabrina, Thank you!
the horseradish reminds me of wasabi root!
Melon with Feta is a marriage in heaven! Lovely :-)
wonderful recipe and wonderful pictures!
Mmm, that looks good! I've never had watermelon in anything like this. The horseradish is such a cool addition!
What a fabulous looking salsa!!! Loved fusion Nancy :)
Your combination of ingredients sound amazing! I love the spicy horseradish root to balance the sweet watermelon. Beautiful photos too!
I can only imagine this flavor explosion! Super creative to include horseradish!!!
Wow, such a cool and inventive idea. I especially like the photo in the slice of watermelon skin. I like eating watermelon with cheddar cheese, so I can imagine this would be fab!
@Michele, Yes it's actually the same thing just a white and European species.
@Kulsum, Indeed!
@Karin, Thanks you!
@Heidi, You should try it and thanks :)
@Paaka Shaale, Thank you:)
@Jessica, Thanks and it did work very well together.
@Tiffany, Thanks!
@Ruby, Thank you :) Watermelon and cheddar sound fantastic together.
Yum! I do this all the time with cotija and cilantro. Love the horseradish idea!
It looks incredible and the description you wrote of a child eating watermelon – it takes you back! Wonderful post!
How refreshing and full of life this salsa look! Love the fruity and veggie combo in it.
This is juiciness in a bowl, or in this case, on a watermelon skin! Such beautiful presentation here, Nancy. My fondest memory of eating watermelon was while hitching a ride on a watermelon cart with a farmer in the Turkish countryside when I was 19. My friend and I ate so many slices, we just about burst (mainly with joy)! LOL.
you really have some wonderful flavors going on here, the feta is such a nice touch! As always spectacular images!
WOW! What a fabulous salsa…and it's just that much better with the heat from the horseradish~gorgeous photos, too!
I love fruit salsas! I usually go for mango, but watermelon sounds great too. I've been loving watermelon in my salads.
This looks really interesting Nancy! I love the flavors and photos are as always mouthwatering! Great recipe!
What an interesting combination of ingredients. I love watermelon, and it's so good for you. This is a must make recipe. Thanks!
Gorgeous summer salad…love the ingredients you've used. Lovely, fresh presentation. Wish I had some right now. Going to mkt to pick up a melon and radishes. ;)
Too few people think of pairing watermelon in savory dishes, it goes amazing with pork belly. This salsa is everything you want salty, sweet, and spicy.
As a person who loves garnishing with chives, I appreciate your presentation.
Be well
Thank you everyone! Glad to hear you all love watermelon and my wacky salsa.
Watermelon is always a refreshing, juicy summertime treat and the flavors in your watermelon salsa are triple delicious with the combination of sweet, with salty feta, and spicy horseradish!
Hi Again! Congrats on making Top 9! :D
Such a vibrant fusion of flavors! I especially love how you used fresh horseradish, it must have added a beautiful bite to the salsa. And I love the presentation in the watermelon skin – gorgeous!
I had to add another comment…congratulations on making the Top 9! Well deserved for such a beautiful dish!
This is really gorgeous Nancy and such a unique flavor profile…very creative!
Hugs
P.S. Thanks for the mention :)
Congratulations Nancy! This watermelon looks so refreshing and the red color is perfect for Summer!
Hi Nancy, how exciting,thanks;-)…..I love your SpicieFoodie take on watermelon
Salsa! Congratulations on your gorgeous photos;-)
Congrats on your top 9!! lovely flavors in your watermelon salad, love the euro/mex fusion. thank you for sharing, also one of my fav summer eats, watermelon
I love, love, love watermelon but I am so lazy when it comes to cutting it up. My sweet mom made a whole bowl for me this weekend when I was visiting and I was super happy. I do love the salty feta with the sweet watermelon. Nice salad!
I am in love! All my favorite things in one dish. What a creative use for seasonal watermelon.
This will definitely be making an appearance this weekend at the all weekend BBQ'ing we will be doing!!!
Wow, so beautiful!!! I can't believe I missed this recipe,I love horseradish, can't wait to try this out :) Have a great weekend Nancy!
Your salsa looks so fresh and vibrant,I love all the flavors and I I would love a big scoop on my dinner plate!
Thanks for the link love. I appreciate it!
Thank you Megan. I loved your cookies, too cute :)