Looking for a refreshing, healthy treat that’s bursting with flavor? Watermelon chaat is the answer!
This fruit chaat recipe features juicy watermelon, tangy lemon and fresh mint with tangy chaat masala. This simple Indian watermelon salad is perfect for a simple and delicious snack or side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Chaat
- Easy and quick to make – this watermelon chaat is incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for a healthy snack or side with your meal
- Just 4 ingredients – despite this you get a wonderful and refreshing fusion of flavors!
- Cooling, healthy and light – the perfect snack if you are looking to incorporate cooling and light foods into your diet, including watermelon and mint! This is a great healthy and hydrating recipe (with no added oil or butter)!
- Vegan-friendly
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What is Chaat?
Chaat is a popular Indian snack, known for the unique combination of flavours and textures.
The name “chaat”, derived from the Hindi word “chaatna” which means “to lick”, says it all – it is irresistibly tasty!
For more chaat recipes, check out our sweet potato chaat with nectarine.
What You’ll Need to Make This Fruit Chaat
- Watermelon: cubed. Look for ripe watermelon for the sweetest taste, ensure it is not too soft. Wash it thoroughly before cutting into chunks. This recipe works using either a small watermelon or ½ medium watermelon.
- Fresh mint leaves: 25-30 leaves, finely chopped. Fresh mint adds a cooling effect and aromatic burst. Be sure to wash and chop the mint leaves finely (to enhance the flavor of the chaat).
- Fresh lemon juice: for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for a vibrant, fresh taste. You can also use bottled lemon juice in this recipe.
- Chaat masala powder: this Indian spice blend brings a savory, tangy kick to the dish. Chaat masala powder is a powdered blend of spices (including cumin, coriander, and amchur (dried mango powder) as well as other ground spices and seasoning). You can use store-bought (from grocery stores) or homemade chaat masala.
How to Make Watermelon Chaat
- Prepare the watermelon: Wash and cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Place into a large bowl.
- Add fresh lemon juice and mint leaves. Gently toss to combine so the watermelon is evenly coated with the lemon juice and mint leaves.
- Sprinkle with chaat masala. Gently toss ingredients together until the watermelon is evenly coated with the chaat masala powder.
- Serve and enjoy or chill in the fridge before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Lime juice: Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus twist.
- Finely chopped red onion: Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion for extra crunch and a hint of sharpness.
- Seasoning and spices: Adjust the seasoning with a dash of black pepper and a pinch of salt for a more personalized flavor. Add a sprinkle of dried mango powder (amchur) and red chili powder for a more traditional chaat flavor with a spicy kick. For a warmer note, add a pinch of roasted cumin powder.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Chaat
- Watermelon: before you start, wash the watermelon well. To cut it, slice off the top and bottom to create a flat base. Stand it upright, then slice off the rind in strips. Cut the flesh into bite-sized cubes. Alternatively, cut into round strips or quarters. Remove the rind carefully using a knife and then into chunks.
- Fresh mint: For the freshest flavor, use fresh mint leaves. Finely chop them to release their aromatic oils, which will infuse the chaat with a refreshing taste.
- Chaat masala powder: use fresh chaat masala powder (with a long shelf-life) for maximum flavour. If your chaat masala is clumped, use a sieve to sift the powder so it evenly seasons the watermelon.
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How to serve
Serve this watermelon chaat fresh or chilled for a cool, refreshing treat. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish.
This chaat pairs wonderfully with mango and cucumber salad and Mediterranean bruschetta making it a great addition to a summer get-togethers or barbeques. It also complements spicy dishes, balancing out the heat with its cooling effect. Enjoy with pav bhaji, paneer manchurian and sweetcorn curry. For dessert, make healthy lime and coconut cupcakes or our quick and easy pineapple chia seed pudding!
Check out more of our refreshing summer salads!
How to store
Enjoy your watermelon chaat fresh for the best flavor and texture.
If required, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the watermelon and mint may lose freshness over time so best enjoyed on the day.
FAQ
Yes, you can use pre-cut watermelon, but make sure it’s fresh. Wash pre-cut fruit before use.
If you can’t find chaat masala, you can make a simple mix using cumin, coriander, and a bit of dried mango powder (amchur). Adjust the quantities to taste.
Related
Looking for other delicious recipes? Try these:
Drinks
Enjoy this watermelon chaat with a fresh drink!
Watermelon Chaat (Indian Watermelon Salad)
Ingredients
- ½ Watermelon (medium) or 1 small watermelon
- 25-30 Mint leaves chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala
Instructions
- Wash and cut watermelon into cubes.
- In a bowl, combine watermelon cubes, chopped mint leaves, lemon juice and chaat masala.
- Serve fresh or chill for later. Enjoy.
Notes
- Watermelon: before you start, wash the watermelon well. To cut it, slice off the top and bottom to create a flat base. Stand it upright, then slice off the rind in strips. Cut the flesh into bite-sized cubes. Alternatively, cut into round strips or quarters. Remove the rind carefully using a knife and then into chunks.
- Fresh mint: For the freshest flavor, use fresh mint leaves. Finely chop them to release their aromatic oils, which will infuse the chaat with a refreshing taste.
- Chaat masala powder: use fresh chaat masala powder (with a long shelf-life) for maximum flavour. If your chaat masala is clumped, use a sieve to sift the powder so it evenly seasons the watermelon.
Sonia
A fab option if you would like a refreshing and unique snack!