I turn fresh watermelon into crispy "fries" sprinkled with Tajin and serve them with a tangy coconut-lime dip. It's a playful, healthy snack perfect for a hot day and always a hit at summer gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how refreshing and fun this snack feels—it’s basically watermelon transformed into fries! It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and comes together in just minutes. It’s the perfect poolside munch or party platter. The vibrant colors, mix of sweet and spicy flavors, and the creamy dip make it a standout without any guilt.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 small watermelon, rind removed and cut into long fry-like sticks
2 teaspoon Tajin Classic Seasoning (chili-lime salt)

For the dip:

1 cup coconut yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the watermelon)

directions

In a small bowl, I whisk together the coconut yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, and coconut sugar until smooth.
I arrange the watermelon sticks on a serving platter or plate.
I sprinkle the Tajin evenly over the watermelon fries.
I serve the fries with the coconut-lime dip on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 (as a snack)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

If I don’t have Tajin, I mix sea salt, chili powder, and lime zest to make a quick homemade substitute.
I swap coconut yogurt with Greek yogurt or another non-dairy yogurt depending on what I have on hand.
Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
For a touch of sweetness, I drizzle a bit of honey into the dip instead of coconut sugar.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover watermelon fries (unseasoned) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I add Tajin right before serving to keep the texture crisp. The dip can be refrigerated separately in a sealed container and stirred before serving. No reheating is needed for this dish.

FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare watermelon fries?

I slice the watermelon up to 2–3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I season just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Can I use a different yogurt for the dip?

Yes, I use whatever yogurt I have—Greek yogurt, plain dairy-free yogurt, or even flavored yogurt if I want to play with different profiles.

What if I don’t have Tajin?

I make a simple mix with chili powder, salt, and lime zest when I’m out of Tajin. It gives a similar kick and brightness.

Will the watermelon get soggy?

Watermelon holds up well if I season it right before serving. If left too long with seasoning, it can get a bit soft, so I always wait until the last minute.

Is this a good recipe for kids?

Absolutely. Kids love dipping the watermelon, and I just reduce or skip the seasoning for younger palates if needed.

Conclusion

This watermelon fries recipe is one of my favorite summertime treats. It's quick, fun, and packed with bold flavor while staying light and nutritious. Whether I’m entertaining or just craving a cool snack, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to.

Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Fresh watermelon cut into fry-like sticks and sprinkled with Tajin seasoning, served with a tangy coconut-lime yogurt dip. A refreshing, healthy snack perfect for summer.

Ingredients

1 small watermelon, rind removed and cut into long fry-like sticks
2 tsp Tajin Classic Seasoning (chili-lime salt)
For the dip:
1 cup coconut yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp coconut sugar (optional)

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together coconut yogurt, lime zest and juice, and coconut sugar; set aside.
Arrange watermelon sticks on a plate and sprinkle evenly with Tajin seasoning.
Serve the seasoned watermelon fries alongside the coconut-lime dip.

Notes

Swap Tajin with a homemade mix of ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, and lime zest if unavailable.
Any yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) can be used instead of coconut yogurt.
Add a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Store unseasoned watermelon sticks in the fridge for up to 5 days; add Tajin just before serving.
Dip can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days; stir before serving.