Skip to main content

Watermelon–Ancho Chile Salsa

Image may contain Dish Food Meal Plant Platter and Produce
Christopher Testani

This no-cook salsa pairs sweet and juicy watermelon with smoky chiles. Looks like gravy, tastes like summer.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

2 ancho chiles, seeds removed
¼ small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2½ cups)
½ large beefsteak tomato, chopped
¼ small red onion, chopped
½ jalapeño, with seeds, chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring chiles and 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit until chiles soften, 25–30 minutes. Transfer chiles to a blender with a slotted spoon; discard liquid. Add watermelon, tomato, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice and blend until smooth; season with salt. Cover and chill.

    Step 2

    Do Ahead: Salsa can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep chilled.

Read More
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.
Full of crunchy veg and a miso-maple dressing.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
The Thanksgiving staple makes for a stellar weeknight dinner.