This Hydrating 5-Minute Watermelon Salsa Recipe Is Loaded With 3 Essential Antioxidants That Help Fight Inflammation

Fact: A big bowl of fresh pico de gallo and a heaping pile of crispy tortilla chips always hits the spot. It’s basically the ideal summertime snack, plus pico packs tons of antioxidant-rich tomatoes—but know that tomatoes are not the only anti-inflammatory ingredient that can fulfill your salsa-noshing dreams. You can also use watermelon, which is actually loaded with three essential antioxidants plus major hydration-boosting benefits to help keep you quenched while you soak up the sun’s rays on a hot summer day (with tons of SPF slathered all over, of course).

So, are you ready to dive into this perfect-for-poolside-snacking watermelon salsa recipe for yourself? All you need is five minutes and big ol’ bag of chips…or maybe just a spoon.

4 reasons why you should bring this watermelon salsa recipe to your next BBQ (aside from how delicious it tastes)

1. You’re basically eating the entire rainbow

In the recent Instagram video by @feelgoodfoodie above, Yumna Jawad shares how to make her super hydrating watermelon salsa recipe that looks as delicious as it tastes. It’s bright and colorful like a rainbow (which is an indicator of a healthy, well-balanced dish) and features eight ingredients—including cucumbers, cilantro, and avocado—that all have a boatload of benefits.

2. Watermelon has several key antioxidants

Watermelon, the main ingredient of the recipe, has three essential antioxidants (lycopene, ascorbic acid, and citrulline) that help fight inflammation, promote good blood flow, and boost your immune system. Lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes, is what gives these pink-red hued fruits their color and helps fight oxidative stress.

3. It’s a great source of vitamin C

Aside from these benefits, the watermelon and limes in this recipe are also full of vitamin C and potassium. Citrus fruits like limes have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties, too.

4. Plus tons of fiber

This recipe is filled fiber to help promote gut health and stave off constipation, thanks to the digestion-boosting watermelon and cucumber. (BTW, the average adult needs between 21 and 38 grams of fiber each day, but most folks consume less than 15 grams of fiber per day.) So, needless to say, we think this recipe will become a *regular* staple, if you catch our drift.

Watermelon salsa recipe

Yields 6 savings

Ingredients4 cups diced seedless watermelon1/2 English cucumber, diced1/2 red onion, diced1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced1 avocado, diced1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leavesZest and juice of 1 lime2 tsp tajin seasoning

1. Place the watermelon, cucumbers, red onion, jalapeño pepper, avocado, and cilantro in a large bowl.

2. Add the lime zest and juice on top of the ingredients and sprinkle with the tajin seasoning. Toss gently to combine.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve with tortilla chips.

Craving hydration? Here’s a round-up of some of the *most* hydrating foods an RD swears by: