Tajin on Watermelon is a delicious summer treat that’s refreshing, zesty, and incredibly easy to make. Elevate your basic watermelon with a sprinkling of this classic Mexican seasoning. It’s the perfect appetizer or summer side dish for any meal!
Watermelon with Tajin is one of those surprising snacks that you never knew you needed. Adding the slightly spicy Mexican seasoning blend to sweet, juicy watermelon cubes is the perfect way to spice up your watermelon side. Adding a squeeze of lime and a sprinkling of fresh mint makes this a gorgeous watermelon appetizer that will go great at any party, and works perfectly alongside almost any meal. Who knew: Watermelon and Tajin - the perfect pair!
In This Post
Why This Spicy Watermelon Recipe Works
Sometimes it’s the simplest recipes that make a huge impact and Tajin watermelon is a great example of that. Here’s why I love this simple summer appetizer.
- Easy. With less than five ingredients in this watermelon recipe, its incredibly easy to pull together.
- Fast. This Tajin watermelon app takes almost no time to make. Perfect when you need a quick appetizer or side dish.
- Delicious. Putting tajin on watermelon gives the fruit that perfect sweet and spicy combination that is absolutely irresistible.
- Goes with everything. Seriously, this is one of those sides that pairs perfectly with a grilled steak, tacos, veggies, or all on its own on an app board. Tajin and watermelon combine that perfect combo of sweet and spicy, making it super versatile!
Key Ingredients
There are only 4 simple ingredients in this Tajin Watermelon recipe:
- Watermelon. The hardest part of this recipe is cutting the watermelon. I cut it into cubes and then put it on skewers for serving, but you could also cut it into triangles, sticks, or even watermelon balls (using a melon baller). Do whatever works best for you.
- Tajin. Such a delicious Mexican spice and it should be fairly easy to find. But if you’re looking for a substitute, you can use a blend of cayenne pepper, chile powder, salt, and lime zest.
- Fresh lime juice. Just a squeeze of lime on top of the watermelon gives this easy watermelon appetizer an extra citrusy zip.
- Mint. This is an optional add, but the addition of freshly chopped mint gives a cooling essence and makes this watermelon appetizer an elevated dish for any party. I love the combination with the Tajin watermelon.
How To Make Tajin Watermelon
Here’s how to make this delicious sweet and spicy watermelon with Tajin recipe. It only takes about 5 minutes (or less!).
- Cut the watermelon. Cutting the pieces into cubes is easy to do, but you could also make triangles, sticks or even watermelon balls. Add to skewers, if using.
- Sprinkle the Tajin. Sprinkle the Tajin seasoning evenly over the watermelon pieces.
- Add the lime juice. Squeeze fresh lime over the entire dish.
- Finish with fresh mint. Sprinkle chopped fresh mint over the skewers.
Variations & Substitutions
Tajin and watermelon is a super simple and delicious combo, but here are a few ways you can mix it up if you wish:
- Cut your watermelon differently. Use cubes, triangles, sticks, or watermelon balls.
- Change out the mint. The mint really compliments the tajin and watermelon, but you could also try something like cilantro or basil for something a little different.
- Add some cheese. Sprinkle some cotija over the spiced watermelon for an extra element of flavor and texture.
- Add chamoy. Chamoy is a sweet and spicy Mexican condiment that would taste great drizzled over this Tajin watermelon.
How To Serve
Tajin watermelon goes with almost everything! Serve it with burgers, tacos, enchiladas, chicken sandwiches, or salads. This easy summer treat also works great as an easy summer appetizer, or served as a refreshing snack poolside.
Tajin FAQ
If you’re not familiar with Tajin (pronounced Tah-heen), it’s a classic Mexican seasoning blend that contains dried chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and sea salt. It gets is red color from a combination of chiles de arbol, guajillo and pasilla.
Tajin has a slightly salty/spicy/sour flavor that’s sweetened a bit by the lime juice.
Contrary to what you might think, Tajin seasoning is not that spicy. It has a slight warmth from the chili powder, but also a citrusy/salty flavor from the lime and sea salt.
Tajin can be found in most grocery stores in the international aisle, and is generally placed close to other Mexican products. It also may be located in the spices and seasoning section of the grocery store.
Tajin is also available for purchase online from places like Amazon
I love this watermelon Tajin combo so much, I’m already dreaming up other ways I can use the delicious Mexican spice. Of course, there’s lots of Tajin on fruit recipes I plan to try. Here are a few that I plan to try:
Pineapple
Peach
Mango
Cucumber
Melon
Jicama
Protein (like chicken, pork or fish)
In margaritas!
Corn on the cob
Potatoes
Avocado
Orange wedges
Strawberries
Popcorn
If you make this delicious Tajin Watermelon, let me know what you think in the comments. And don’t forget to tag me @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!
More Easy Appetizers
- 7 Layer Greek Dip
- Crispy Cheddar Cheese Straws
- Sheet Pan Nachos With Chorizo
- Cherry Salsa Recipe
- 5-Minute Pineapple Salsa
- Chipotle Corn Salsa With Roasted Chili
- Homemade Yukon Gold Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Easy Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer With Garlic And Herbs
Recipe
5 Minute Tajin Watermelon Skewers - Easy Summer Appetizer
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups cubed watermelon (about ½ small watermelon)
- 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Chop watermelon into cubes, triangles, sticks, or watermelon balls. Add to skewers if using.
- Sprinkle Tajin seasoning over the top of the watermelon.
- Cut the lime in half and squeeze fresh lime juice over the watermelon.
- Sprinkle the chopped mint over the top of the Tajin watermelon.
Notes
- Use seedless watermelon for easier snacking.
Rachel Ann Goldner says
This was a refreshing and fun summer appetizer!
I put two cubes of watermelon with a cucumber slice on toothpicks.
I made my own tajin spice, it is so easy!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Rachel Ann!
Trisha says
Put a couple pieces of this on a toothpick in a summer cocktail or mocktail. Mmm.
Erin says
I never ever would have thought to use Tajin on watermelon! I'm so glad you shared this. We've been working on finishing a watermelon forever, and this is just what we needed to make it a bit more interesting! Thanks so much.
Sarah Jenkins says
Haha - I know! It's so hard to get through a whole one!
Sharina says
This summer appetizer is so fun to eat! It is indeed refreshing and incredibly delicious. Plus it looks so vibrant!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Sharina!
Julianne says
I would never have thought to combine Tajin with watermelon, but it works so well! I really loved the addition of the fresh mint and lime. SO good!
Shelby says
This is such a clever way to use up extra watermelon! Kiddos loved them and they made for a tasty snack.
Sarah Jenkins says
So glad you liked it Shelby!
Gina says
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy watermelon in the summer. I first had this combination at a resort in Mexico and now am so excited to be able to enjoy it again at home!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Gina!
Alexa B says
OK call me crazy but we served these with a light gin-based cocktail that had a hint of cucumber, and it was the perfect pairing. The flavors just ... matched.
Sarah Jenkins says
Ooooh! That sounds perfect! Will have to try it!