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    Home / Salads
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    Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime

    By Alanna Taylor-Tobin on Aug 27, 2015 (updated Jun 17, 2023) / 15 Comments Jump to Recipe

    A piquant take on the ubiquitous watermelon feta salad, this gets a boost from crunchy jicama, cotija cheese, and an eye-opening dressing.

    delicious Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime

    How do you feel about watermelon? I was just not that into it until one summer when I tagged along with Jay's band to Nantucket. There I discovered the wonders of Dark n' Stormy cocktails, cranberry bogs, and the joy of having an ocean that's actually warm enough to swim in. One evening we attended a gala of sorts on the beach which featured stands of oyster shuckers, bottomless champagne, and an enormous buffet complete with roasted meats, platters of cheese, and several cold salads. The watermelon feta was my favorite.

    Now watermelon salad will be always be linked with the feeling of cool sand in my toes and watching the late summer sun set.

    halved watermelon

    sliced watermelon

    I've always felt pretty meh about most melons and especially watermelons, but that salad changed my mind. And maybe it's the unusual heat in SF this year, but lately I can't seem to get enough watermelon. Our co-op has been carrying some adorable varieties such as Tiger Baby, and I couldn't resist picking one up (not just because it's named after my spirit animal, but because I actually wanted to eat it).

    dry ingredients

    I had no plans for said watermelon, but one hot day last month I found myself with some leftover cotija cheese from chilaquiles adventures, an organic jicama that Jay's been slicing into green salads, and some rogue herbs. I threw some cumin and coriander in a pan to toast, then I mixed everything up with some ancho chile powder, good olive oil, and sliced cucumbers.

    veg in bowl

    We inhaled the salad.

    mint in bowl

    After lunch, Jay rhapsodized, "Salty and sour, sweet and savory – that just had everything going on."

    bowl of Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime

    For a hot minute, I fancied myself a highly original domestic goddess. I was wrong. Watermelon, jicama and cotija salad is a well-loved flavor combination.

    plated Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime

    And for good reason. Cotija is queso fresco's more flavorful cousin and it plays well with sweet watermelon the same way that briny feta does. The cumin and coriander add savory notes and dimension to tangy lime and olive oil dressing. Ancho chile isn't spicy, but it adds a toasty warmth and brick-red hue. Jicama and cucumber add crunch along with fresh mint and cilantro. And the little bits of salty cotija give you something to sink your teeth into. Sometimes I add slivered red onion and chunks of avocado when I'm feeling extra fancy.

    refreshing Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime

    I like this salad best when left to marinate for a few hours in the fridge; this makes it a perfect party or pot luck salad.
    overhead shot Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime

    *Thanks for reading!  For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this watermelon jicama salad, I’d love to see. Tag your Instagram snaps  @The_Bojon_Gourmet  and  #bojongourmet.*

    No ratings yet

    Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cumin, Chile and Lime

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    A piquant take on the ubiquitous watermelon feta salad, this summer dish gets a boost from crunchy jicama, cotija cheese, and an eye-opening dressing.
    Alanna Taylor-Tobin
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 large or 4 smaller servings

    Ingredients

    Dressing:

    • 1 teaspoon coriander seed
    • ½ teaspoon cumin seed
    • ¾ teaspoon mild ancho chile powder
    • ½ teaspoon flaky salt (such as Maldon)
    • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon super good olive oil
    • juice of 1-2 limes (to taste)

    Salady Bits:

    • 3 cups chunked watermelon flesh (1 pound / 460g) (about ¼-½of a mini seedless melon)
    • 1 smallish Persian cucumber, thinly sliced (1/2 cup / 60 g)
    • 1 cup peeled, slivered jicama (120g)
    • 2-4 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled (1/2 - 1 cup)
    • a few handfuls mint leaves, torn if large
    • a few handfuls cilantro leaves, torn
    • slivered red onion, toasted pepitas, or avocado (optional)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Place the cumin and coriander seed in a small, dry skillet, and toast over medium heat, shuffling the skillet often, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Cool, then grind in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
    • In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, and jicama. Sprinkle with the ground spices, chile powder, salt, pepper, and drizzle with the olive oil and juice of 1 lime. Toss to coat, then toss in the cheese, herbs, and onion, avocado, and/or pepitas if using. Taste, adding more of anything you feel the salad needs. Serve right away, or cover and chill for up to 4 hours.

    Notes

    Few foods are as welcome on a hot day as this salad! Feel free to be loosey-goosey with the ingredients here, adding more or less of anything to your taste.
    Ancho chile powder is usually not spicy in the slightest, but it lends a warm, toasty flavor to this salad. If using a spicier chile powder, add it pinch by pinch to taste.
    If you can't find cotija cheese, trade in queso fresco or feta, or leave off the cheese for a vegan variation.
    I like this salad best when left to marinate in the fridge for a few hours so the watermelon can absorb flavor from the spices and herbs.
    Nutritional values are based on one of two large servings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 10gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 930mgPotassium: 1125mgFiber: 15gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2165IUVitamin C: 53.5mgCalcium: 195mgIron: 2.7mg
    Making this? I'd love to see!Tag your snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet!
    Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cotija, Cumin and Lime on dish

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

      I love reading your comments, reviews, and questions! If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you post a comment. These help people discover my recipes online. Thank you for your support and for being part of The Bojon Gourmet community!

      xo, Alanna

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    1. Heather (Delicious Not Gorgeous) says

      August 27, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      this sounds so refreshing! and love how crunchy it sounds- during the summer, the crunchier my salad the better.

      Reply
    2. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says

      August 27, 2015 at 2:18 pm

      Not only is this salad absolutely stunning, but I love all the textures going on!

      Reply
    3. todd wagner says

      August 27, 2015 at 4:18 pm

      This just made my day, Alanna!! I'm sending to Audrey as we speak. During summer, this becomes a watermelon-only household (tunnel-o-fudge is also acceptable, but that's a different story). The jicama is what does it for me here. Jay was right (as usual), this salad hits all the high notes. Btw, I'd love to rhapsodize with Jay sometime. Just sayin.

      Reply
    4. Gabriel @ The Dinner Special podcast says

      August 27, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      This salad makes me so happy. I can never get enough watermelon and jicama I've always loved in salads - have never tried this cotija cheese before but I've added it to our shopping list and will seek it out.

      Reply
    5. Tessa | Salted Plains says

      August 27, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      Oh, this sounds delicious. And that dressing, too! I love cotija cheese and can imagine how well it pairs with watermelon. Gorgeous, Alanna!

      Reply
    6. Sprittibee says

      August 27, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Mmmmmm. Saving this one. ;)

      Reply
    7. Tessa Huff says

      August 27, 2015 at 8:15 pm

      Ahh yeah! Summertime in a bowl =) As much as I love fall, gotta hold on to these sunny flavors for just a bit longer!

      Reply
    8. Gaby Dalkin says

      August 28, 2015 at 3:33 am

      Don't worry, you're still a highly original domestic goddess!! this is the BEST salad to end summer on a high note with! crunchy jicama and watermelon just go together

      Reply
    9. Joshua Hampton says

      August 28, 2015 at 2:03 pm

      Wow. This salad looks delicious. I love watermelon and cucumber together, and I love the crunch jicama brings to the plate.

      Reply
    10. Eileen says

      August 28, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      I think that to really appreciate watermelon, you need to be somewhere that's seriously sweltering. This salad sounds like a great way to eat plenty of it! I love the combination of crispy veg, sweet fruit, and plenty of complex spices.

      Reply
    11. jose antonio miragaya lopez says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:25 am

      ¡Fantástica receta! Fácil de preparar, con buenas fotografías y un resultado delicioso. Gracias por compartirla con todos/as.

      Reply
    12. Traci | Vanilla And Bean.com says

      September 01, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      I have watermelon in my fridge as long as it's in season... Dare I say, it's an addiction? Blending up a shaved cucumber with cold watermelon provides the most delectable refresher! This salad, now, I'll have to give it a go. Not only is it gorgeous, but it's got so many delicious flavors happening... and the textures? I'll need to grab some jicama, and I'll be set! Thank you for another fabulous recipe (and links!) to enjoy, Alanna!!

      Reply
    13. Jessica says

      September 03, 2015 at 2:53 am

      I just have three words for you: Hand Model 4ever
      <3

      Reply
    14. Lisa Lin says

      September 10, 2015 at 5:16 am

      I've been dying to visit Jered's to check out their goods because I'm in need of new props for the blog! I love having food with cotija in restaurants, but I've never played with it at home before. Definitely giving it a try!

      Reply
    15. loida says

      June 13, 2019 at 8:54 am

      I like your recipes.tanks you

      Reply

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    I'm Alanna, a recovering pastry chef and award-winning cookbook author. I love sharing well-tested, from-scratch recipes for your favorite desserts and sweet treats made (undetectably) gluten-free with alternative flours. Because everyone deserves to eat good food. Bojon appétit! About →

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