How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for South African Spicy Melon Salad?

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon harissa (or other hot sauce), 1/2 teaspoon serrano chili (seeded, chopped fine), and more.

Is South African Spicy Melon Salad suitable as salads?

Yes, South African Spicy Melon Salad falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover South African Spicy Melon Salad?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

South African Spicy Melon Salad Recipe

Name: South African Spicy Melon Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon harissa (or other hot sauce); 1/2 teaspoon serrano chili (seeded, chopped fine); 1/2 teaspoon cumin (kamoun); 1/2 teaspoon paprika (tahmira); salt & freshly ground black pepper; 3 -4 cups watermelon (rine removed, chunked,chilled); 1/2 red onion (sliced thin); 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh-chopped); 2 tablespoons mint (fresh- chopped); 1/4 cup black olives (Moroccan olives, pitted-or other oil cured black olives, coarsely chopped); 2 ounces feta cheese (crumbled about 1/2 c.); 3 tablespoons almonds (slivered-optional)

Fresh, crisp and full of flavor — this South African Spicy Melon Salad is a must-try. Made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, serrano chili and …

This South African Spicy Melon Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, harissa (or other hot sauce) and cumin (kamoun). It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 268 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Salads

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

South African Spicy Melon Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions