Watermelon rind slaw has become my go-to for tackling those overflowing watermelon rinds after a summer picnic. I used to toss them, but one day I stumbled upon a creative watermelon rind recipe, and it completely changed my perspective. The crisp, white part of the rind, when shredded, offers an amazing crunch that holds up beautifully in a dressing. This watermelon rind slaw recipe is incredibly refreshing, bursting with bright lime, fresh cilantro, and just a hint of sweet heat. It’s proof that you can transform what might seem like waste into a delicious and vibrant dish. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Rind Slaw
This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a culinary revelation! You’ll adore this watermelon rind slaw because it’s:
- Incredibly Refreshing: The cool, crisp texture is perfect for hot summer days.
- A Zero-Waste Champion: It’s an amazing way to use up every part of your watermelon, turning potential waste into a tasty treat.
- Surprisingly Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers, making it the ultimate barbecue companion.
- An Easy Watermelon Rind Slaw: Seriously, it comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
- Packed with Flavor: The zesty lime dressing and fresh herbs create a vibrant taste sensation.
- A Great Way of Using Watermelon Rind in Salad: It adds a unique crunch and subtle sweetness you won’t find elsewhere.
- Visually Appealing: The bright colors make it a beautiful addition to any table.
Watermelon Rind Slaw Ingredients
Gathering your watermelon rind slaw ingredients is the first step to creating this surprisingly delicious dish. You’ll be amazed at how these simple items transform humble watermelon rinds into something special. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy watermelon rind slaw:
- 2 cups watermelon rind, shredded – This is the star! Make sure to remove the tough green outer skin, leaving only the white part. Shredding it gives the best texture.
- 1 cup shredded carrots – For extra crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the lime perfectly.
- 1/2 medium red onion, soaked in cold water – Soaking mellows its sharp flavor, making it more palatable in a fresh slaw. Dice it finely after soaking.
- 1 jalapeño, diced – For a gentle kick of heat. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your watermelon rind slaw.
- 1 lime, juiced – The essential citrus element that brightens everything up.
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave/maple syrup for vegan) – Balances the tartness of the lime and the savory notes.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – For a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Make Watermelon Rind Slaw
Making this vibrant watermelon rind slaw is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste while creating a dish that’s bursting with fresh, summery flavors. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time!
- Step 1: Prepare the Rind. First, take your watermelon and carefully cut away the tough, dark green outer skin. You want to expose the firm, white part of the rind. Slice this white rind into thin strips, about the width of a matchstick, or shred it using the large holes of a box grater. The finer the shred, the more tender your watermelon rind salad recipe will be. You should have about 2 cups of shredded rind.
- Step 2: Combine the Slaw Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add your prepared shredded watermelon rind. Toss in the 1 cup of shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. Add the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Next, add the finely diced red onion (remember to soak it first to mellow its bite!) and the 1 diced jalapeño. Adjust the jalapeño amount based on your preference for heat. Gently toss these ingredients together.
- Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing. In a separate small bowl, prepare the zesty dressing. Squeeze in the juice from 1 lime. Add 2 tablespoons of honey (or your vegan alternative like agave or maple syrup) to balance the tartness. Pour in 3 tablespoons of good quality olive oil. Whisk everything together until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. The aroma of the lime and honey is already making me excited for this watermelon rind salad recipe!
- Step 4: Dress the Slaw. Pour the freshly made dressing over the mixture of watermelon rind, carrots, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in the large bowl. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of rind and vegetable is coated in the delicious dressing. This step is crucial for how to make watermelon rind slaw taste its best.
- Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let your beautiful watermelon rind slaw sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This short resting period allows the flavors to meld together, and the watermelon rind to soften just slightly, absorbing the dressing beautifully.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. Give the slaw one final toss. Transfer your vibrant, refreshing watermelon rind slaw to a serving bowl. It’s best served chilled. This dish is a fantastic watermelon rind slaw side dish that will impress your guests at any summer gathering!
Pro Tips for the Best Watermelon Rind Slaw
Want to elevate your watermelon rind slaw game? These little tricks will ensure yours is the absolute best. They’re simple, but they make a world of difference in texture and flavor!
- Always use the white part of the rind. The tough green skin can be bitter and too fibrous, so trim it off completely.
- Shredding versus julienning the rind can change the texture dramatically. Shredding gives a softer, more coleslaw-like consistency, while julienning provides a crisper bite.
- Don’t skip soaking the red onion! It really tones down the harshness, letting the other fresh flavors shine through.
What’s the secret to perfect Watermelon Rind Slaw?
The secret to the absolute best watermelon rind slaw lies in properly preparing the rind and balancing the dressing. Shredding the white part of the rind thinly and letting it sit for a few minutes in the dressing allows it to soften just enough while retaining a delightful crunch.
Can I make Watermelon Rind Slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re planning for a picnic or barbecue, making this slaw a few hours ahead is perfect. It’s not quite like canned watermelon rind slaw, but letting it meld in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen. Store it covered for up to 2 days.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Watermelon Rind Slaw?
The most common mistake is not trimming off enough of the tough green rind, which can make the slaw bitter. Also, be sure to dice or shred the rind consistently so it cooks evenly and has a pleasant texture. Don’t overdress it initially; you can always add more dressing later.
Best Ways to Serve Watermelon Rind Slaw
This bright and crunchy watermelon rind slaw is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to any meal. It’s the perfect sidekick for your summer cookouts and potlucks. Try serving it alongside grilled favorites like chicken, burgers, or fish for a refreshing contrast.
For a lighter meal, this watermelon rind slaw side dish can also stand on its own, perhaps topped with some grilled shrimp or crumbled feta cheese. If you’re looking for a classic barbecue pairing, it works wonderfully as a unique take on a traditional watermelon rind coleslaw recipe, offering a delightful crunch that complements creamy potato salad or baked beans.
Variations of Watermelon Rind Slaw
Once you’ve mastered the basic watermelon rind slaw, get ready to have some fun! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity, and there are so many delicious ways to adapt it. Whether you crave something sweeter, spicier, or want to explore different preservation methods, there’s a variation for you.
- Sweet Watermelon Rind Slaw: For a touch more sweetness, increase the honey or agave slightly, or even add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the dressing. You could also toss in a few dried cranberries or raisins for little bursts of chewy sweetness.
- Spicy Watermelon Rind Slaw: If you love heat, amp up the jalapeño! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. For a smoky heat, a little chipotle powder works wonders.
- Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw: For a tangy twist, you can lightly pickle the shredded rind before making the slaw. A quick pickle brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and spices can add a delightful sourness that complements the other fresh ingredients beautifully. This gives it a texture similar to some forms of pickled watermelon rind slaw.
- Creamy Version: If you prefer a creamier slaw, stir a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the lime-honey dressing. This will give you a texture closer to a traditional coleslaw.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon Rind Slaw
Is watermelon rind slaw hard to make for beginners?
Not at all! This recipe is perfect for watermelon rind slaw for beginners. The most involved step is preparing the rind, which simply means trimming off the green skin and shredding the white part. The dressing is just a simple whisking of a few ingredients. You’ll find it’s one of the easiest ways to try using watermelon rind in a salad.
What’s the best way to store leftover watermelon rind slaw?
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw actually tastes even better after a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for picnics or parties.
What do I do with the green part of the watermelon rind?
The tough, dark green outer skin of the watermelon rind is generally discarded. It can be quite bitter and fibrous, so it’s best to trim it away completely, leaving only the firm white pith for your slaw. You can compost the green rind if you like!
Can I use canned watermelon rind for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for fresh watermelon rind, you could potentially use canned pickled watermelon rind. However, you’ll need to adjust the dressing significantly, as canned rind is already pickled and sweetened. It won’t have the same fresh crunch or flavor profile as using fresh rind, and might result in something closer to a traditional pickled watermelon rind slaw.
Nutrition Facts for Watermelon Rind Slaw
This refreshing watermelon rind slaw is as light as it is flavorful. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes.
This vibrant slaw pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside veggie burgers or grilled fish. It also makes a refreshing accompaniment to rich pasta dishes or a simple Caprese salad.
Print
Amazing Watermelon Rind Slaw: 2 Cups Fresh & Zesty
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Rind Slaw is a refreshing and creative summer dish that uses the entire watermelon, reducing food waste. It offers a unique crunch and a vibrant medley of flavors with lime and fresh herbs, perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Watermelon Rind, shredded
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 medium Red Onion, soaked in cold water
- 1 Jalapeño, diced (adjust for heat)
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons Honey (or agave/maple syrup for vegan)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rind: Cut the green outer skin off the watermelon rind, leaving just the white part. Slice it into thin strips or shred it using a box grater.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded watermelon rind, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, red onion, and diced jalapeño. Toss gently to mix everything together.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and olive oil until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the watermelon rind mixture and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present the slaw in a vibrant bowl and serve it chilled. This watermelon rind slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Notes
- Garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of lime zest for extra flair.
- For a vegan option, use agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
- Soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to mellow its sharpness.
- Adjust jalapeño amount based on your heat preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing and Dressing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Leave a Reply