Watermelon and cucumber make a brilliantly refreshing summer salsa that goes perfectly with everything from chips, to grilled fish.

Watermelon, as its name implies, has a high water content. It also has a lower calorie content than many other fruits, and it delivers more nutrients per calorie, which is a terrific health benefit. Watermelon is loaded with antioxidants, and is an especially good source of lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. It also contains several B vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber; making watermelon a very healthy addition to your diet.

Cucumbers are another summer favorite that have a high water content, are low in calories and have surprising health benefits. Cucumber is a good source of vitamins C and A, and folic acid. The dark green skin is loaded with fiber and minerals; including potassium, magnesium, and silica. These nutrients benefit the body by keeping the connective tissue strong. Basically, connective tissue is what holds our bodies together, an excellent reason to eat more cucumbers.

Mint is one of the best medicinal and culinary herbs, of which you should be eating more. Long used to aid digestion, mint relieves spasms of the digestive tract and gas. Several varieties of mint have been shown to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and inhibit the formation of certain types of cancer. The list goes on with the powerful antioxidants in mint, blocking the production of allergy-producing triggers in the body and helping to relieve the nasal symptoms of hay fever.

Health benefits aside, this recipe tastes like summer and deserves a spot at your next cookout.

Watermelon and Cucumber Summer Salsa Recipe

Watermelon and cucumber make a brilliantly refreshing summer salsa that goes perfectly with everything from chips, to grilled fish.
Course Side Dish
Keyword cucumber, english cucumber, jalapeno, lime, mint, red onion, salsa, watermelon

Ingredients

  • 2 cups seeded watermelon sliced and diced finely
  • 1 1/2 cups English cucumber finely diced and drained on paper towels
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 1 juice from 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place first 6 ingredients in a bowl and gently combine.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve with vegetables and your favorite chips.

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I am a passionate advocate for food as medicine, life navigator and culinary coach. This is my space for sharing what excites, inspires and motivates me to live my best life. It began as a recipe blog for nourishing, simple, weekday meals and has become something much bigger… a guide to resilient wellness. I am excited to share my knowledge of how daily habits can cumulatively help you to live like you mean it and age like you want to.