Watermelon Rind Pickles
I am an absolute pickle FANATIC. Not even exaggerating. There is just something about the taste of tangy, slightly sweet, incredibly flavorful pickles that keeps me wanting more and more. And more and more and more. If there is a pickle on a menu or at a party, I’m eating it. Possibly them all. Because of my deep love, we have lots of wonderful pickle recipes on the blog. If you haven’t yet, you’ve got to try classic recipes like Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles (also known as sweet pickles), tart Homemade Refrigerator Pickles, and Giardiniera Pickled Vegetables. Plus we have some deliciously intriguing and fun pickling recipes, such as Spicy Beet Pickled Eggs and Quick Pickled Red Onions. But have you ever heard of Watermelon Pickles? Prepare to have your mind blown.
The Best Watermelon – Pickled
Crunchy, sweet, tender, and spicy Pickled Watermelon Rind is a wonderfully unique snack that can be enjoyed by itself, as a side, or added to some of your favorite dishes. They are easy to prepare in just 30 minutes with a simple stovetop pickling solution. Then the watermelon just sits in the refrigerator until pickled perfection is achieved, with no traditional canning necessary. Once they are ready, these watermelon pickles are firm, tart, briny, a bit spicy, and highly addictive! Not only are the pickles super tasty, but this pickled watermelon rind recipe is also a great way to repurpose the rinds you usually throw in the trash or compost bin. I call this a quick pickled watermelon rinds recipe because you can eat these just a few hours after you pickle them, or you can wait and let them sit in the juice for even longer, it is totally up to you!
Ingredients for Pickled Watermelon Rind
These crunchy watermelon pickles check all of the flavor boxes: sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy. To make this mouth party happen you need just a handful of wholesome ingredients:
Peeled watermelon rind – check out our guide here for how to choose and cut a watermelon! White vinegar – an essential component of any good pickle (you could also use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar) Water – to make the pickling solution Granulated sugar – to balance out the salty flavors Salt – a preservative that adds great taste Jalapeños – sliced and seeded, or leave the seeds in for more spicy heat Black peppercorns – adds more spice, depth, and smoky flavor Vanilla extract – gives the pickled watermelon a smooth, slightly sweet finish
No other spices are needed for great flavor! However, if you want to clean out our spice rack, consider adding in allspice berries, whole cloves, or red pepper flakes.
How to Make Pickled Watermelon Rind
Instructions… Note: I prefer these nice little slices for how easy it makes it to include them on sandwiches, etc. However, you can cube the rinds if you like. Here’s a photo of the sliced watermelon for reference:
Tips & Tricks
Make sure to include a small layer of the red flesh of the watermelon! This will add a hint of sweetness to the pickled rinds. Slice into evenly sized pieces to ensure that each piece will take the same amount of time to become pickled. You can substitute the white vinegar for rice vinegar for a slightly less strong flavor!
How do you eat pickled watermelon rind?
I love to snack on pieces by themselves right out of the jar! But they are also great to add to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Try them on these Pineapple Chorizo Burgers and Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches! Homemade watermelon pickles are also fantastic to include on barbecue platters and summer charcuterie boards for a centerpiece-worthy plate. They also can be used as a fantastically unique and tasty cocktail garnish.
Can I make this pickled watermelon rind recipe more or less spicy?
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes! As is, these pickled watermelon rinds have a nice bit of heat that is balanced by the sweet and sour flavors. Take the spiciness up a notch by leaving in the jalapeño seeds after slicing. Or you can leave out the peppers altogether for a milder pickle.
How long will homemade refrigerator watermelon pickles keep well?
They last in the fridge for about 4 to 6 weeks. After a month, the rinds slowly start to lose that wonderful crunch, but they are still safe to eat for several more weeks.
Looking for More Easy and Delicious Sides, Snacks, and Condiments?
Hella Jalapeno Jelly Recipe (Hot Pepper Jelly!) How to Roast Red Peppers (Roasted Red Peppers) How to Make Simple Syrup Crunchy Beet Carrot Slaw Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe (No Pectin!)
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, protein, sodium, and fiber percentages.
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