These easy Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip such a fun and delicious snack that is perfect for the summertime! They’re gluten-free, vegan, and take little to no time to make!
Are you as obsessed with watermelon as I am? I’ve already brought you a watermelon CAKE so today I thought I would whip up something equally fun and playful with watermelon- watermelon fries with coconut lime dip. They’re just like French fries but super healthy. No, you should never have to REPLACE real fries with watermelon fries, but this is great on a hot summer day.
The star of this recipe is Tajin, which is a seasoning blend made of dehydrated lime, chiles, and salt. It originated in Mexico and has quickly gained popularity in North America. Tajin is often paired with fruit or veggies like cucumber, mango, or in our case, watermelon!
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
Other than being the perfect poolside or BBQ recipe during the summer, here are more reasons you’ll love this watermelon fries with coconut lime dip recipe.
- Refreshing snack
- Naturally gluten-free
- Vegan friendly
- Easy to make
- Kid friendly
Key Ingredients
Watermelon – Watermelon is, of course, the star of the show in this recipe! I break down everything you need to know about how to choose a watermelon down below.
Tajin Seasoning – Tajin is a Mexican seasoning made of of very simple ingredients including salt, chili, and lime. Don’t have tajin seasoning? No problem. You can totally swap in salt, chili powder, and lime zest if you already have it on hand. You can also easily find it online.
Coconut Yogurt – I use a non-dairy coconut yogurt to make this recipe vegan. But you can absolutely try out a dairy coconut flavoured yogurt as well.
Lime – Lime zest and juice totally make this recipe come alive and gives it that fresh summer flavour.
Coconut Sugar – This gives the coconut lime dip some extra sweetness to the watermelon fries but it’s optional if you find your watermelon is sweet enough.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lime juice and zest and coconut sugar. Set aside.
Step 2: On a plate, scatter watermelon fries and sprinkle Tajin classic seasoning.
Expert Tips
The key to choosing a good watermelon for making watermelon fries is to look for:
- A watermelon that feels heavy for its size (regardless of if it’s big or small).
- A yellow splotch on one side.
- A deep hollow sound when tapped.
To cut the watermelon into fries, you can simply slice the watermelon into rounds, cut off the rind, and then cut the watermelon into the size of fries.
The easiest way to cut a watermelon is by using a serrated knife like a bread knife!
Recipe FAQs
I’d suggest cutting up the watermelon into strips a few days in advance but I recommend adding the seasoning prior to serving. Cut watermelon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes! There is a difference. For this recipe, I recommend using dairy-free yogurt made with a coconut base. However, if you don’t have that available you cant totally experiment with other yogurts as well.
If you don’t have Tajin seasoning, you can make your own by combining 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of chili powder, and lime zest to taste. You can also improvise using any spicy seasoning you have on hand.
For sure! I have never met a toddler who doesn’t love to dip their food and my son is no exception. However, If you are serving this to your kiddo I would suggest holding back on the spice/Tajin seasoning.
More Recipes You Might Like
If you want some more fun summer recipes like this watermelon fries with coconut lime dip recipe, here are some of my favourite healthy summer appetizers
- Honeydew Melon Fries with Lemon Poppyseed Cherry Dip
- Pineapple Chocolate Donuts with Spicy Salty Crust
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Avocado Lime Sauce
So loves, tell me – have you made watermelon fries? Leave me a comment below with your thoughts!
Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip | Healthy Summer Snack!
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon rind removed and cut into long fry-like shapes
- 2 tsp Tajin Classic Seasoning
Dip:
- 1 cup coconut yogurt
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lime juice and zest and coconut sugar. Set aside.
- On a plate, scatter watermelon fries and sprinkle Tajin classic seasoning.
- Serve with dip and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- A watermelon that feels heavy for its size (regardless of if it’s big or small).
- A yellow splotch on one side.
- A deep hollow sound when tapped.
Nutrition
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
reyhan says
thanks alot of information goodjobs
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great snack to make for kids in the summer!
Stephanie says
What a fun idea!
Stephanie says
Yum! How creative is this! What a fun way to change boring old watermelon.
Orshid says
This article was really interesting. Thank you for sharing it
Abbey Sharp says
My pleasure! Thanks Orshid 🙂
Carrey says
Super obsessed with these! Made them for Canada Day as a picnic snack and they got devoured!
Abbey Sharp says
Hi Carrey! Thank you so much for the 5 star rating! Glad you enjoyed the watermelon fries 🙂
Emma says
Incredible. So good, my catering company has started making them for events. Thanks abbey!
Abbey Sharp says
Thats amazing!
Brooke says
This is an amazing appetizer idea! My whole family loved it!
Abbey Sharp says
Awesome! Its definitely a popular one. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Kalee says
I love this idea! If I’m being honest, I could eat my weight in watermelon every Summer! I love this new take on it!
Abbey Sharp says
so good!
Cherie says
There are so many ads on this site I had to read article one line at a time on my smart phone. Too tiresome to bother .
Abbey Sharp says
Sorry about that
Donna H says
I had to try it – and it came out way better than expected! I cut my “fries” a little thicker, drained them for about an hour on paper towel before putting them out for guests. The chili lime salt takes watermelon to a whole new level! And the coconut lime dip – amazing! So glad I tried this one!
Abbey Sharp says
Amazing! Thanks for letting me know Donna 🙂
Vanessa says
This was so good! Refreshing and addicting! The shape is perfect for chowing down!
Abbey Sharp says
I’m so glad you loved it
Kathleen says
Should the coconut yogurt be plain or vanilla flavor? When u clicked on the link it showed an image of vanilla flavored So yogurt but wondering if ur should be plain because it doesn’t say vanilla in the ingredient list. Thanks!
Abbey Sharp says
you’re right! we will need to update that. i used plain.
Suzanne says
These look so good! How far ahead of time can I make them to serve?
Abbey Sharp says
You can cut them up days ahead but I recommend adding the seasoning before serving because the salt will make the water come out of the watermelon over time!
Jessica says
For the coconut yogurt. Do you use coconut flavored yogurt or yogurt with coconut milk as base? I know they make both and wondering what you use.
Abbey Sharp says
Coconut milk based, not flavoured.
Pia says
Hi Abbey.
This looks so refreshing and fun and am making it for brunch tomorrow for friends. But am wondering about the yoghurt. Is it coconut flavor or natural flavored vegan made from coconut? We don‘t have that here in Germany. Only soy. Or coconut flavored dairy.
Also I haven‘t found the tajin so have ordered from Amazon but looks like it will not make it here in time. So thinking to use Hot Thai spice. Or do you have any other suggestion for replacement.
Thanks in advance,
Pia
Abbey Sharp says
It’s a coconut based yogurt. You can use soy yogurt instead. Any spices like chili work great
Heidi says
I can’t wait to make this, but was wondering the serving size — based on your 20cal info?
Abbey Sharp says
It’s about 10 fries.