This watermelon chaat recipe is a fun twist on traditional fruit chaat. Juicy and sweet watermelon is mixed with savory chaat masala and tangy tamarind chutney for a refreshing summer treat. All in just 15 minutes!
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Nothing shouts summer quite like watermelon. Of all the summer fruits, this is my favorite. While I love to eat it independently, this quick and easy recipe for a Pakistani-style snack takes the sweet fruit to the next level!
Enjoy this watermelon chaat for Iftaar, serve it as a side for all your summer barbecues, or enjoy it as a light lunch! I love making it with my chicken tikka boti, hariyali (green) chicken tikka, or my chicken malai tikka for a quick, no-fuss weeknight dinner.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Refreshing: The juicy watermelon combined with cooling mint and zesty lime creates the ultimate refreshment for hot summer days.
The perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory makes this dish uniquely satisfying and addictive. - No-cook: This watermelon chaat recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for busy days when you don't feel like cooking but want something delicious.
- Minimal ingredients: This recipe requires very few ingredients that you will most likely have on hand. Check out the 'substitutions & variations' section below if you're missing one or two.
- Low-fat: This is a great recipe to have on hand for when you're watching your weight and trying to get ready for that summer wardrobe.
Ingredient notes
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, sweet, seedless watermelon with firm flesh. The redder the flesh, the sweeter and more flavorful your watermelon chaat will be.
- Boondi Mix: This adds essential crunch and texture to the salad.
- Onions: Red onions, with their unique combination of pungent and sweet notes, have a refreshingly crisp flavor particularly suitable for chaat.
- Green Chili: This provides a gentle heat that balances the sweet fruit. Remove the seeds for a milder version.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- Chaat Masala: This signature spice blend contains cumin, coriander, dried mango powder (amchur), black salt, and other spices that give chaat its distinctive tangy-savory flavor. You can find this at an Asian grocery store or on Amazon.
- Tamarind chutney: No chaat is complete without chutney, and the sweet, sour, tangy, and spicy flavor of tamarind chutney pair perfectly with the sweet watermelon.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and recipe instructions.
Substitutions & variations
- Use different spices: If you have trouble sourcing chaat masala, use a simple blend of ¼ teaspoon cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon ginger powder, and ¼ teaspoon of amchur powder for your recipe. If you don't have amchur powder, use one teaspoon of lemon juice instead.
- Try different herbs: Switch it up and use mint instead of cilantro.
- Swap the boondi: If you don't have boondi on hand, substitute spicy roasted chickpeas or peanuts for the watermelon chaat.
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: Chop the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and mix with chopped onions and green chilies.
- Step 2: Add the salt and chaat masala and toss to coat the fruit and vegetables.
- Step 3: Add in the boondi and mix until well distributed.
- Step 4: Mix the cilantro and tamarind chutney and serve the watermelon chaat chilled.
Expert Tips
- Chilling the watermelon: This chaat is best served immediately, so cool your fruit before chopping it.
- Chopping the watermelon: Cutting the watermelon into uniform bite-sized pieces allows for better distribution of the spices and chutney and makes the chaat easier to eat.
- Serving the chaat: The watermelon will release juice as time passes, especially after you add the spices. It's best to mix it just before serving.
Recipe FAQS
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Watermelon chaat is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. If you need to store it, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 hours. The watermelon will continue to release juices so that the texture may change slightly. Drain excess liquid before serving the leftovers.
Other chaat recipes you may like
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Watermelon Chaat Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon
- ¼ red onion
- 1 serrano pepper
- ½ cup cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala (see notes)
- 1 cup spicy boondi mix (see notes)
- ¼ cup tamarind chutney
Instructions
- Chop the watermelon into small bite sized pieces. (see notes)
- Finely dice the onion and serrano chili (deseed if you want your salad less spicy).
- Chop the cilantro.
- In a bowl, toss the watermelon, onions, salt, chaat masala and tamarind chutney.
- Add the boondi mix and cilantro, give a final toss and serve.
Saima Kamal
Tangy, sweet, crunchy and refreshing! Perfect quick and easy side for a summer bbq. Loved it
Nosheen Babar
Thank You! So glad you loved it!