Pickled Watermelon

Author: Madly Delicious

Sweet, tangy, and refreshing, this Pickled Watermelon offers a unique twist on a classic summer fruit. Perfect as a snack, salad topping, or charcuterie addition, it’s a simple way to enjoy watermelon year-round with a flavorful kick from the brine.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 8

Minimum Pickling Time: 4

Total Time 4 8

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Modern-Inspired

Servings (1/2 cup serving)

Ingredients

3 cups watermelon, cut in 1 inch cubes
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (or vinegar of choice)*
½ cup water
¼ cup granulated sugar
pinch salt

Optional Additions

1-2 tsp peppercorns
½-1 tsp red pepper flakes
1-2 sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers
A few sprigs fresh herbs (mint, dill or cilantro)

Instructions

Prepare the Brine: In a bowl, combine your vinegar of choice, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. (Note: Depending on how much watermelon you use, your brine measurements will vary—see Notes below.)
Pack the Watermelon: Place your pre-cut watermelon cubes into a clean jar or container.
Add the Brine: Pour the brine over the watermelon cubes, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a spoon if needed to press down and ensure complete coverage.
Refrigerate: Seal the jar or container with a lid. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving but highly recommended to pickle at least 24-48 hours.

Notes

Pickling Liquid Proportions

1 ½ cups vinegar: ¾ cup water + 6 tbsp (just over ⅓ cup) sugar.
1 cup vinegar: ½ cup water + ¼ cup sugar.
¾ cup vinegar: 6 tbsp water + 3 tbsp sugar.
½ cup vinegar: ¼ cup water + 2 tbsp sugar.

Vinegar Options

Apple Cider Vinegar: Mild and slightly fruity (recommended).

Red Wine Vinegar: Adds subtle complexity and color.

Rice Vinegar: Delicate, slightly sweet flavor.

Champagne Vinegar: Light and tangy with a hint of elegance.

Recipe Tip

Before using the pickled watermelon, place it in a strainer for about 15 minutes to let some of the brining liquid leech out. This is especially useful if you’re not using the watermelon immediately. For instance, if you’re placing it on top of lettuce or in a salad, this step helps prevent excess pickling liquid from making the greens soggy.

Storage

Keep the pickled watermelon stored in the brine for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Over time, the watermelon will deepen in color and flavor, enhancing its taste.

If you prefer to stop the pickling process, you can strain the watermelon and store it outside of the brine in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 10.08gProtein: 0.47gFat: 0.12gSaturated Fat: 0.012gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.039gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.028gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 8.81gVitamin A: 438IUVitamin C: 6.2mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.25mg

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