Watermelon is the ultimate summer snack. It’s juicy, naturally sweet, and incredibly hydrating, since it’s made up of about 90 percent water. Plus, it’s packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and lycopene.
Sure, watermelon is pretty perfect on its own, especially when it’s fresh and ripe, but if you’ve never tried dressing it up with toppings, this is your sign to start. A simple addition like lime, spice, or herbs can elevate the flavor, bringing balance and contrast to its sugary sweetness.
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Wondering which vegan toppings pair best with watermelon? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of our favorite ways to enjoy this refreshing summer fruit below.
What toppings are good on watermelon?
In the American South, it’s common to top watermelon with a pinch of salt. This simple addition helps balance the sweetness, adds a hint of bitterness, and even draws out more juice from the fruit. In Greece, watermelon is often paired with salty, tangy feta, while across the Middle East, fresh mint is a popular companion for the juicy fruit.
But really, there are no rules when it comes to topping watermelon. Its mild, juicy flavor makes it a perfect canvas for bold ingredients. Think wasabi, maple syrup, or even pickled ginger.
9 vegan toppings for your watermelon
Explore some of our favorite combinations below for fresh, flavorful inspiration.
Food Sharing Vegan
1 Mint
In this simple watermelon salad recipe, watermelon is topped with lime juice and three tablespoons of minced mint, just like in the Middle East. The mint adds a cool, herbal flavor to the watermelon, cutting through the fruit’s sweetness. “Not only is this watermelon and mint salad incredibly versatile, but it’s ridiculously simple to prepare, too, in just 3 steps and under 10 minutes,” notes recipe developer Toni Okamoto of Food Sharing Vegan.
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Erin Scott
2 Red onion, cucumber, and agave syrup
While it might sound like an unusual combination at first, this recipe proves that pairing red onions, cucumber, and agave syrup with watermelon creates a surprisingly balanced and refreshing dish. The crispness of the cucumber complements the juicy texture of the watermelon, while the mild sweetness of agave syrup enhances the fruit’s natural sugars without overpowering them. Meanwhile, thinly sliced red onions add a subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.
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The Rogue Brussels Sprout
3 Avocado sauce
These watermelon nachos are topped with a rich, creamy avocado sauce made from ripe avocado blended with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. The natural fats in the avocado elevate the overall flavor of the watermelon and add a satisfying richness that makes the dish feel more complete and nourishing. You can pair it with vegan feta or maybe some cucumber, or take a page from The Rogue Brussels Sprout recipe blog and load the watermelon slices with blistered peppers and grilled corn. “Prepare to have your nacho world changed forever,” notes the blog. “These are the freshest, juiciest, most summery vegan nachos around. We make them at least a couple times each summer and are totally smitten.”
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How Sweet Eats
4 Chili and lime
If you haven’t tried spicy watermelon yet, this is your sign to give it a shot. The chili adds a gentle kick that cuts through the watermelon’s sugary sweetness. “Just a little sprinkle of chili powder takes these bites over the edge. They are fantastic,” notes the How Sweet Eats recipe blog. In addition to chili, a squeeze of lime brings bright acidity and a refreshing, zesty lift.
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Minimalist Baker
5 Pickled ginger
This vegan sashimi recipe elevates simple watermelon to the next level. The pickled ginger adds a sharp, tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic bite that contrasts beautifully with the juicy fruit. Minimalist Baker rounds out the dish with sliced avocado, sesame seeds, red onion, a savory tamari glaze, and a hint of wasabi for an extra kick.
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Vegane Vibes
6 Lime zest
Want to keep things simple? Just zesting a lime over your watermelon can brighten up the flavor. The citrusy, floral taste of the lime will add more dimension to this simple snack, without feeling overpowering. These “watermelon fries are refreshing, nutritious, quickly made, [and] perfect for hot temperatures,” notes the Vegan Vibes recipe blog.
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Every Last Bite
7 Chipotle and maple syrup
It might sound unusual at first, but grilling watermelon and topping it with chipotle and maple syrup is, quite frankly, delicious. The heat from the grill caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars, intensifying its sweetness and adding a subtle smokiness. Chipotle adds a warm, smoky heat, while maple syrup layers in rich, caramel-like depth that ties everything together beautifully. “Don’t forget to sprinkle with salt right before serving,” advises Every Last Bite. “It really brings out the flavors.”
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Eating by Elaine
8Coconut cream and fresh berries
Looking for a tasty, healthy, light dessert this summer? You can’t beat watermelon slices topped with fresh coconut cream and berries. The combination is the perfect mix of juicy, creamy, sweet, and tangy.
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Exceedingly Vegan
9 Vegan grilled feta
This Greek-style recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The grilled vegan feta is salty, creamy, and slightly tangy, creating a delicious contrast with the juicy sweetness of the watermelon. Exceedingly Vegan takes it a step further by adding capers for a briny, umami-rich boost.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
