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Watermelon with Fennel Salt

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This refreshing watermelon with fennel salt is a sophisticated vegan dish that perfectly balances sweet, savoury, and citrus notes. By lightly toasting the fennel seeds before crushing them with salt, you unlock a deep, aniseed aroma that cuts through the moisture of the chilled fruit. It is an incredibly simple yet effective way to elevate a standard summer staple into something far more memorable for your guests.

Ideal for garden parties or as a light palate cleanser, this recipe relies on the contrast between the cold, crisp melon and the aromatic seasoning. Using lime wedges provides a final hit of acidity that ties the flavours together beautifully. For the best results, ensure the watermelon is thoroughly chilled in the fridge before slicing and serving immediately.

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Ingredients for Watermelon with Fennel Salt

  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 12 (1-inch-thick) slices from a 5-lb quartered chilled watermelon

  • 6 lime wedges

How to make Watermelon with Fennel Salt

Heat a dry small heavy skillet over moderately low heat until hot, about 3 minutes, then toast fennel seeds, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer seeds to a work surface and cool 10 minutes. Coarsely crush seeds using bottom of skillet, then stir together with salt and sprinkle over watermelon. Serve with lime wedges.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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