What to Put on Watermelon to Make It Taste Better

Discover a variety of simple yet tasty ways to elevate the flavor of watermelon to make it taste better, transforming it into an unforgettable summer treat.

Introduction

Watermelon is a quintessential summer fruit—crisp, juicy, and perfectly refreshing. However, sometimes, you may want to enhance its flavor to make it even more delightful. Therefore, this article dives into what to put on watermelon to make it taste better, providing you with various ideas that can take your watermelon experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking to add a sweet twist, a spicy kick, or a savory note, this guide has you covered.

Why Enhance Watermelon?

Watermelons are naturally sweet and hydrating, but sometimes they lack complexity. However, by adding certain ingredients, you can boost the flavor, and thus transform it from a simple summer snack into a gourmet experience. Many people wonder what enhances the taste of watermelon, and fortunately, the answer is surprisingly easy. Simple ingredients like salt, spices, or herbs can indeed make all the difference.

In this article, you’ll learn:

How to bring out the natural sweetness of watermelon.
What spices and herbs blend well with watermelon.
What seasoning tastes good on watermelon to make it an unforgettable treat.

Let’s dive into the different options that can enhance the taste of watermelon.

1. Salt: The Ultimate Way to Make Watermelon Taste Better

Why Salt Works So Well

Salt is one of the simplest answers to what to put on watermelon to make it taste better. It brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit by contrasting its sugary notes. When you sprinkle a pinch of salt on watermelon, the result is a richer, more complex flavor profile.

How to Use Salt on Watermelon

Use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for a unique twist.
Simply slice your watermelon, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt, and serve immediately.
Alternatively, use flaky salt to add a delightful texture.

Variations to Try to Make Watermelon Taste Better

Salted Chili Powder: For an added kick, combine salt with chili powder. This not only enhances sweetness but also adds heat, which makes for an exciting bite.

Salt is undoubtedly a fantastic way to enhance watermelon’s taste, but there are more intriguing ways to elevate it.

2. Tajin: The Perfect Seasoning to Make Watermelon Taste Better

What is Tajin?

Tajin is a well-known Mexican seasoning made of chili, lime, and salt. It is a great option if you’re wondering what seasoning tastes good on watermelon. Tajin gives watermelon a mix of sourness and spice that brings out its natural sweetness.

How to Use Tajin on Watermelon

Sprinkle Tajin over sliced watermelon for an easy snack.
Combine Tajin with Lime Juice: Drizzle some fresh lime juice over the watermelon before adding Tajin to create an explosion of flavors.

Benefits of Tajin to Make Watermelon Taste Better

It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness.
Tajin contains lime, which further boosts the freshness of the watermelon.

3. Fresh Herbs: A Burst of Freshness

Best Herbs for Watermelon

Using fresh herbs is another wonderful answer to how to make watermelon more flavorful. Herbs like mint and basil are perfect for adding a refreshing note to watermelon. They complement its light, juicy nature and make it a more sophisticated snack.

How to Use Herbs on Watermelon

Mint: Chop up fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over a watermelon salad. Mint adds a cooling effect that’s especially welcome on hot days.
Basil: If you prefer a slightly savory undertone, basil can add an interesting twist to your watermelon. Pair it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elevated dish.

Creative Combos

Mint and Feta Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint on your watermelon for a sweet-salty combination that’s hard to beat.
Basil and Black Pepper: Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper along with basil for a nuanced flavor boost.

4. Sweeteners: Honey and Agave Syrup

Adding Sweetness

Sometimes, the watermelon you get isn’t as sweet as you’d like it to be. In such cases, sweeteners like honey and agave syrup can do wonders. These natural sweeteners can make watermelon taste richer without overpowering its natural flavor.

How to Use Sweeteners

Honey Drizzle: Drizzle a small amount of honey over watermelon slices to add a depth of sweetness.
Agave Syrup: If you prefer a vegan option, agave syrup is an excellent substitute for honey and blends seamlessly with watermelon.

Tips for Sweetening Watermelon

Be careful not to add too much sweetener. The goal is to enhance the natural sweetness, not mask it.
Pair honey-drizzled watermelon with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor combination.

5. Citrus: Lemon and Lime to Make Watermelon Taste Better

Why Citrus Works

Adding citrus like lemon or lime is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of watermelon. The sourness of the citrus gives a nice contrast, making the watermelon taste even more fresh.

How to Use Citrus on Watermelon

Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your watermelon slices. The tartness cuts through the sweetness, making the flavor pop.
Lemon Zest: For a subtle hint of citrus, add a little lemon zest on top of your watermelon cubes.

Unique Combos to Make Watermelon Taste Better

Lime and Chili Flakes: Mix lime juice with chili flakes for a spicy-sour flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Orange Drizzle: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a slightly sweeter citrus twist compared to lemon or lime.

6. Cheese: Feta and Goat Cheese

Why Cheese and Watermelon Are a Match

The combination of watermelon and cheese may sound unusual, but it works beautifully. Cheese provides a salty contrast to the sweet, juicy watermelon, making for a sophisticated dish.

Best Cheeses for Watermelon

Feta Cheese: Crumble feta over watermelon for a Greek-inspired dish that’s both refreshing and flavorful.
Goat Cheese: Goat cheese adds a creamy texture, which balances the crunch of the watermelon.

How to Use Cheese on Watermelon

Watermelon Salad: Combine cubes of watermelon, crumbled feta, and sliced cucumbers for a refreshing summer salad.
Balsamic Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over feta and watermelon for a sweet-savory treat.

7. Spices: Black Pepper, Cayenne, and Cinnamon

Adding a Spicy or Warm Kick

Spices are an excellent way to make watermelon more flavorful. Adding black pepper, cayenne, or even cinnamon can enhance the natural sweetness in different ways.

How to Use Spices on Watermelon

Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper can make watermelon taste more complex by contrasting its sweetness.
Cayenne Pepper: If you like heat, a little cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
Cinnamon: For a warm, comforting note, sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon on watermelon slices.

Spice Combos to Try

Cinnamon and Honey: As mentioned earlier, cinnamon paired with honey can transform your watermelon into a dessert-like treat.
Cayenne and Lime: The heat from cayenne and the acidity from lime make for an exciting flavor explosion.

8. Balsamic Glaze: The Sweet-Sour Delight

Why Balsamic Works

Balsamic glaze adds both sweetness and acidity, providing a sophisticated twist. If you are pondering what to put on watermelon to make it taste better, balsamic glaze should be on your list.

How to Use Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle Over Slices: Simply drizzle balsamic glaze over watermelon slices. The vinegar’s acidity contrasts beautifully with the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Add Herbs: Garnish with some fresh basil or mint to elevate the flavors even more.

Pairing Ideas

Balsamic and Feta: Combine balsamic glaze with feta cheese for an elevated, restaurant-worthy dish.
Balsamic and Strawberries: For a fruit salad, add strawberries to your balsamic-drizzled watermelon for a medley of complementary flavors.

9. Chaat Masala: A Unique Indian Twist

What is Chaat Masala?

Chaat masala is an Indian spice blend that typically contains dried mango powder, cumin, black salt, and various other spices. It provides a complex mix of tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a great option for what seasoning tastes good on watermelon.

How to Use Chaat Masala

Sprinkle Over Cubes: Lightly dust watermelon cubes with chaat masala for a spicy, tangy twist.
Pair with Lime: Adding lime juice to watermelon with chaat masala brings out the blend’s flavors even more.

Benefits of Using Chaat Masala

Chaat masala’s tangy nature highlights the sweetness of watermelon, adding a depth of flavor that’s different from common seasonings.

10. Flavored Salt Blends: Adding Layers of Complexity

Why Flavored Salts?

Flavored salt blends are a great way to add multiple layers of flavor to watermelon. These salts can include a variety of spices, herbs, and even dried fruits that complement watermelon’s sweetness. If you’re interested in what to put on watermelon to make it taste better, flavored salts provide a unique twist.

Types of Flavored Salt Blends to Use

Garlic Salt: Adds a hint of umami, perfect for those who enjoy a savory twist to their sweet snacks.
Citrus-Infused Salt: A blend of salt with dried citrus zest (like lime or lemon) can amplify the citrusy undertones.
Smoked Salt: Smoked salt gives a slightly smoky undertone, which contrasts interestingly with the freshness of watermelon.

How to Use Flavored Salts on Watermelon

Sprinkle Lightly: Simply sprinkle your choice of flavored salt over watermelon slices.
Pair with Fresh Herbs: Flavored salts can also be paired with fresh herbs like mint or basil to enhance the flavor profile.

Benefits of Flavored Salt Blends

They offer depth and complexity beyond regular salt.
Flavored salts help bring out both the sweetness and the savory notes in watermelon, creating a balanced experience.

11. Alcohol Infusions: Adults-Only Watermelon Treat

Why Alcohol Infusions?

Infusing watermelon with alcohol can elevate it into an adults-only summer treat. Alcohol-soaked watermelon is perfect for gatherings and parties, offering a fun twist on this classic fruit.

Types of Alcohol to Use

Tequila: Tequila pairs well with lime, and combining it with watermelon can give a margarita-like experience.
Vodka: Vodka is a neutral spirit that allows the natural sweetness of watermelon to shine.
Rum: Rum, especially spiced or coconut rum, can add tropical notes to watermelon.

How to Infuse Watermelon

Watermelon Balls: Use a melon baller to make watermelon balls, and soak them in your chosen alcohol for 2-3 hours in the fridge.
Direct Infusion: Alternatively, you can inject alcohol directly into the dessert with a syringe for a more intense flavor.

Alcohol-Infused Watermelon Combos

Tequila and Lime: Add a squeeze of lime juice to tequila-soaked watermelon for a zesty kick.
Rum and Mint: Pair rum-infused watermelon with mint leaves for a mojito-inspired twist.

12. Savory Sauces: Soy Sauce and Fish Sauce

Why Savory Sauces?

Adding savory sauces like soy sauce or fish sauce may sound unconventional. However, these umami-rich ingredients can create a surprising contrast that brings out the sweetness in watermelon. Moreover, the combination of salty and sweet flavors adds an extra layer of complexity that is both unique and delicious.

How to Use Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce

Light Drizzle: Use just a few drops of soy or fish sauce to avoid overwhelming the fruit.
Combine with Lime: Mixing soy sauce with lime juice can give a balanced sweet, salty, and sour profile.

Savory Sauce Combos

Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some sesame seeds after adding soy sauce for a unique Asian-inspired twist.
Fish Sauce and Chili: Pair fish sauce with finely chopped chili for a sweet, salty, and spicy combination.

13. Nut and Seed Toppings: Adding Crunch

Why Add Nuts and Seeds?

If you’re looking to add some texture along with flavor, nuts and seeds are the way to go. The crunchiness contrasts well with watermelon’s soft texture, creating a more dynamic eating experience.

Types of Nuts and Seeds to Use

Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add a hint of saltiness and a lovely green color.
Sunflower Seeds: These add a nice crunch without overpowering the watermelon’s flavor.
Almond Slices: Thinly sliced almonds can add both texture and a mild nuttiness that pairs well with watermelon.

How to Use Nuts and Seeds

Sprinkle on Top: Simply sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds over the watermelon before serving.
Pair with Honey: Drizzle honey and then add nuts for a layered flavor profile.

Nut and Seed Combos

Pistachios and Honey: This combo adds sweetness, crunch, and a nutty contrast.
Sunflower Seeds and Lime: Lime juice and sunflower seeds together add both acidity and texture to the watermelon.

14. Yogurt and Cream: Creamy Enhancements

Adding Creaminess

For those who enjoy a creamy texture, adding yogurt or cream to watermelon can be an excellent way to make it more decadent.

How to Use Yogurt or Cream

Greek Yogurt: Spoon some Greek yogurt over watermelon cubes for a tangy, creamy addition.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert feel.

Creamy Combos

Yogurt, Honey, and Mint: This combo is refreshing, slightly sweet, and creamy, making it perfect for a summer day.
Whipped Cream and Cinnamon: For a dessert-like experience, add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Enhances the Taste of Watermelon?

Many items can enhance the taste of watermelon, including salt, herbs like mint, spices such as cayenne, and even cheese like feta. Moreover, each of these options adds a different dimension of flavor, whether it’s sweetness, spice, or saltiness. Additionally, combining these ingredients can create unique and complex flavor experiences that make watermelon more enjoyable.

How to Make Watermelon More Flavorful?

To make this dessert more flavorful, there are several easy ways to enhance its taste. For instance, adding ingredients that contrast its sweetness can create a delightful experience. Additionally, combining different flavors such as salty, spicy, or tangy can make the watermelon even more enjoyable. Furthermore, using herbs, spices, or sweeteners can elevate the natural taste of the fruit while ensuring a balance between the flavors. To make watermelon more flavorful, consider using ingredients that contrast or complement its sweetness. For example, a sprinkle of salt, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of honey can significantly enhance its taste. Spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper also make for a unique twist.

What Seasoning Tastes Good on Watermelon?

Seasonings that taste good on watermelon include salt, Tajin, chaat masala, black pepper, and flavored salts. Each seasoning provides a unique flavor profile—some are spicy, others tangy, and some are simply savory, like salt.

What Do You Sprinkle on Watermelon?

You can sprinkle many things on watermelon, such as sea salt, Tajin, chaat masala, flavored salt blends, black pepper, or even fresh herbs like mint. Additionally, sweeteners like honey or agave can also be drizzled on top for added sweetness. Furthermore, each of these ingredients brings a unique twist, making the flavor richer and more enjoyable.

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