Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey

This Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey is a burst of sweet, salty, crunchy goodness with just the right touch of heat. The feta adds a salty kick that complements the juicy watermelon, while the hot honey brings in that delightful sweet heat. It's a perfect mix of flavors and textures that's ideal for cooling down on a hot summer day. Dairy-free + Vegan Option.

Every bite of this Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey is a refreshing mix of sweet, salty + spicy flavors. I absolutely love watermelon season—it's my favorite time of year! I enjoy the sweet, cool taste of this summertime fruit so much that I use it in recipes like my Frozen Watermelon Margarita Mocktail and enjoy it as a snack on its own.

When it comes to watermelon, I take it seriously. This salad is super quick to throw together, taking just minutes + it's incredibly refreshing. Once you try it, you'll likely find yourself making it over and over! It's the perfect dish to cool off with during hot summer days. The tangy feta cheese adds a salty kick that pairs perfectly with the juicy watermelon, while the hot honey adds a touch of sweet heat that truly elevates the dish!

If you end up with leftover watermelon after making this recipe, try using it in a Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon Strawberry Lime Mocktail, or Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Mint Juice! It's a great way to make the most of your delicious watermelon haul.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Fall In LOVE With This Spicy Watermelon Salad
• How To Make Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey
• Ingredients
• How To Pick A Good Watermelon
• What To Eat With Spicy Watermelon Salad
• How To Store Watermelon
• Is Watermelon Healthy?
• Can I Make This Watermelon Salad Less Spicy?
• Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey Q + A's
• More Healthy Summer Salad Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey

Why You Will Fall In LOVE With This Spicy Watermelon Salad

• The PERFECT blend of sweet, salty, and spicy.
• Refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
• Quick + easy to prepare.
• Packed with hydrating watermelon goodness.
• Adds a fun twist to traditional salads.
• Makes a great side dish or light lunch.
• Ideal for summer picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.
• Once you try it, you'll crave it all summer long!

How To Make Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey

First up you will need to make the dressing, whisk together hot honey, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined!

For the salad, start by arranging your favorite greens like arugula or kale on a serving platter or salad bowl. Layer the watermelon chunks, tomatoes, evenly sprinkled feta cheese, and fresh parsley (if using) on top. You can lightly toss everything together for even distribution or leave them in layers. Finish by lightly drizzling the prepared dressing over the salad.

Ingredients

SALAD:

• Watermelon. Cut into 1-inch chunks + chilled.
• Arugula or chopped kale. You can use your fave greens.
• Red onion. Chopped into slices.
• Jalapeños. This adds another level of heat!
• Feta cheese. Offers a tangy + salty contrast that complements the sweet watermelon!
• Fresh parsley. You can also try mint leaves!
• Hot honey. Store-bought or homemade, if opting for store brought my favorite is Mike's Hot Honey
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Red pepper flakes. For more heat!
• Salt + black pepper. To taste.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with Spicy Watermelon Salad. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How To Pick A Good Watermelon

We've all experienced the disappointment of cutting into a watermelon only to find it lacking in flavor and juiciness. But don't worry—these tips will help you score the best watermelon every time! Here is how to pick a good watermelon:

• Look for a uniform shape. Choose a watermelon that is symmetrical and free from irregular bumps or indentations.
• Check the field spot. Look for a creamy yellow or orange spot on the bottom of the watermelon, indicating it ripened on the vine.
• Tap + listen. Give the watermelon a gentle tap with your knuckles—it should sound hollow, indicating that it is ripe and full of juice.
• Inspect te skin. The skin should be firm, smooth, and without cuts or bruises.
• Pick it up and feel it. A heavy watermelon for its size typically indicates ripeness, as it is filled with water.
• Smell the stem. A sweet fragrance from the stem end suggests it is ready to eat.

What To Eat With Spicy Watermelon Salad

I love having Spicy Watermelon Salad with heavier meals to balance out the flavors, but honestly, it goes well with everything! Here are a few of my favorite dishes to enjoy it with:

• Grilled or baked chicken (or fish) for a light meal.
• With sandwiches or burgers as a crisp side.
• Alongside summer barbecue favorites like steak + chicken wings
• On the side of pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for a light + refreshing side.
• With cornbread or biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal.

How To Store Watermelon

To keep your watermelon tasting its best, here’s what I do:

UNCUT WATERMELON

If it's whole and uncut, I leave it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight + heat.

CUT WATERMELON:

Once I've sliced it up, I store the pieces in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They go right into the fridge, where they stay fresh for about 4-5 days.

FREEZING FOR LATER

Sometimes I cut the watermelon into cubes and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Perfect for putting into smoothies or a frozen watermelon margarita!

Is Watermelon Healthy?

Absolutely, watermelon is very healthy! It's packed with nutrients and offers several health benefits like:

• It's so hydrating. With over 90% water content, it's great for keeping you hydrated, especially on hot days.
• Rich in vitamins. It's loaded with vitamins A, B6, and C, which support your immune system, skin health, and energy levels.
• Loaded with antioxidants. Contains antioxidants like lycopene and cucurbitacin E, which help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
• Great for heart health. Lycopene in watermelon is linked to improved heart health.
• Digestive health. The fiber in watermelon supports healthy digestion.

Can I Make This Watermelon Salad Less Spicy?

If you want to make the Watermelon Salad less spicy, it's easy to adjust to your taste. You can skip the jalapeño seeds or use less jalapeños to reduce the heat. Cutting back on the red pepper flakes will also tone down the spiciness. Adjusting the amount of hot honey in the dressing can help balance the sweetness and heat to suit your liking.

Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey Q + A's

More Healthy Summer Salad Recipes

Now that you've fallen in love with Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey recipe, put to good use your remaining produce with these great salad recipes:

• Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad
• Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
• Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad
• Healthy Loaded Kale Salad with Spicy Chickpeas
• Quick + Easy Blood Orange Kale Salad

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried Spicy Watermelon Salad with Hot Honey recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

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