What are you going to do with that pale, crunchy watermelon rind after eating the sweet red flesh? Don’t toss it just yet—turn it into the pickled watermelon rind instead!
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Pickled watermelon rind recipes
Pickled watermelon rind is a traditional Southern dish. It is made from the white, tough part of the watermelon. The rind is typically cut into strips or cubes and submerged in a brine solution, which often includes vinegar, sugar, and various spices. This method of preservation infuses the rinds with flavor while also softening their texture, making them more palatable.
This dish is crunchy, sour, and sweet, with a strong flavor of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
So how to make the pickled watermelon rind? There are 3 ways to make the pickles:
- Quick and easy recipe transforms leftover rinds into a tangy, refreshing snack. You need to slice the rinds, then pour a warm water and vinegar mixture over them in a jar
- Japanese-style recipe uses a mix of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. The rind absorbs the savory-sweet flavors, with optional ginger adding a spicy kick.
- Old Southern-style recipe uses a blend of vinegar, sugar, and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
You can store the watermelon rind pickles in the refrigerator for up to a month. Here is how to pickle watermelon rind – a refreshing summer snack:
Best Pickled Watermelon Rind
Ingredients
5-minute simple recipe
- 4-5 cups watermelon rinds thinly sliced
- 3/4 – 1 cup vinegar white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup water
Japanese-Style Recipe
- ¼-½ watermelon approximately 6 pounds
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar unseasoned
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds optional
- Ginger a few strips (optional)
Old fashioned Pickled Watermelon Rind
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- 3- inch piece of ginger broken
- 2 cinnamon sticks broken
- 1 tbsp pickling salt
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp cloves
- 3 cups watermelon rinds green skin removed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 jalapeño pepper sliced (optional)
Instructions
5-minute simple recipe
- Thinly slice the watermelon rinds and pack them into a large jar.
- In a small pot, bring water to a simmer (do not boil). Pour the hot water over the sliced watermelon rinds in the jar.
- Pour the vinegar over the watermelon rinds in the jar. Adjust the amount of vinegar based on your preference for tanginess.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and shake gently to mix the ingredients. Place the jar in the refrigerator.
- Let the pickled watermelon rinds marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or up to 3 days before serving. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will become.
- Enjoy the pickled watermelon rinds chilled as a tangy snack or side dish.
Japanese-Style Recipe
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch slices and then into sticks. Remove the tough, dark green skin from the white part of the rind. Slice the white watermelon rind into uniform pieces.
- In a jar, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and toasted white sesame seeds (if using). Add the optional ginger strips for additional flavor.
- Place the watermelon rind pieces into the jar with the marinade. Seal the jar tightly and mix well to ensure the rind is coated evenly.
- Refrigerate the sealed jar for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy the pickled watermelon rind as a refreshing and flavorful snack or as a complement to salads or grilled dishes.
Southern-Style recipe
- Combine the white vinegar, rice vinegar, water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt, peppercorns, and cloves in a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the watermelon rinds and cook until softened.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
- Divide the jalapeño slices (if using) and watermelon rinds between two 16-ounce glass jars with lids.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
How to use
1. As a Condiment or Side Dish
Pickled watermelon rind has a sweet and tangy profile. It complements both savory and sweet foods. This makes it a valuable addition to many meals.
- Burger topping: Add a tangy crunch to your favorite burger
- Taco garnish: Dice finely and use as a zesty taco topping
- Salad addition: Chop and mix into potato salad or coleslaw for extra flavor
- Relish alternative: Use in place of sweet pickle relish in deviled eggs or tuna salad
- Cheese plate accompaniment: Pair with strong cheeses for a balanced flavor profile
2. In Salads and Sandwiches
This pickle enhances flavor and texture in salads and sandwiches. Its crisp texture and sweet-tart taste provide contrast to other ingredients.
- Watermelon Rind Waldorf Salad: Mix diced pickled watermelon rind with apples, celery, and walnuts
- Pickled Rind and Feta Salad: Combine with feta cheese, arugula, and a light vinaigrette
- Southern-Style Club Sandwich: Layer turkey, bacon, and pickled watermelon rind for a unique twist
- Pickled Rind Grilled Cheese: Add a layer of chopped pickled watermelon rind to your favorite grilled cheese sandwich
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and pickled watermelon rind with a sesame-ginger dressing
3. Cocktail Garnishes and Charcuterie Board Additions
Watermelon rind pickles also make creative cocktail garnishes.
- Bloody Mary skewer: Thread pickled watermelon rind, olives, and cherry tomatoes on a cocktail pick
- Martini twist: Replace the traditional olive with a cube of pickled watermelon rind
- Gin and Tonic enhancer: Add a slice of pickled watermelon rind for a sweet-tart complement
- Margarita rim: Finely chop pickled watermelon rind and mix with salt for a flavored rim
On charcuterie boards, pickled watermelon rind can serve multiple purposes:
- Palate cleanser: Place small pieces between strong cheeses or cured meats
- Flavor pairing: Serve alongside prosciutto or speck for a sweet-salty combination
- Textural contrast: Offer as a crunchy element to balance soft cheeses
- Visual interest: Use the vibrant color to add eye-catching appeal to the board
- Unexpected sweet note: Provide a unique alternative to traditional fruits or jams
Variations
You can create your own version of pickled watermelon rind by adding different ingredients. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Spicy Pickled Watermelon Rind
- Add sliced jalapeño or other hot peppers to the pickling brine for a spicy kick.
- Use a combination of vinegar like apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar.
- Add whole spices like peppercorns, coriander seeds, or mustard seeds.
2. Sweet and Sour version
- Increase the sugar in the brine for a sweeter pickle.
- Use a mix of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for umami flavor.
3. Herbed version
- Toss in fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary.
- Use white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar as the base.
- Add a few cloves of garlic to the jar.
4. Southwestern Pickled Watermelon Rind
- Add cumin, chili powder, and lime juice to the pickling liquid.
- Include sliced jalapeños, onions, and cilantro.
- Serve as a topping for tacos, burgers, or nachos.
