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Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Tajin and Cotija Cheese

fresh watermelon cucumber salad - featured image
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A refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, tangy Tajin seasoning, and salty Cotija cheese for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless if possible)
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • A handful fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups of watermelon into bite-sized cubes (roughly 1-inch pieces) and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Peel the cucumbers if desired, then dice into pieces similar in size to the watermelon and add to the bowl.
  3. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness, drain well, and add to the bowl.
  4. Roughly chop a handful of fresh mint leaves and add to the salad.
  5. Sprinkle 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of Tajin seasoning evenly over the mixture, adjusting to taste.
  6. Pour the juice of one lime and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine.
  7. Crumble 1/2 cup of Cotija cheese on top of the salad.
  8. Give the salad one last gentle toss just before serving, keeping most of the cheese on top.

Notes

Keep the salad chilled until serving. Add Cotija cheese just before serving to avoid sogginess. If watermelon is very juicy, drain excess liquid before tossing. Tajin can be substituted with chili powder, lime zest, and salt. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use diced avocado or toasted pepitas.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, tajin, cotija cheese, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad, Mexican salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-watermelon-cucumber-salad-with-tajin-and-cotija-cheese-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-salad/