Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate summertime treat that looks gorgeous, tastes divine, and is almost too easy to make, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crisp, juicy watermelon wedges dipped in velvety dark chocolate, then sprinkled with sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty pop. They’re a no-bake dessert that brings serious wow-factor to any cookout or picnic, blending refreshing fruitiness, intense chocolate, and a little bit of luxury in every bite. Whether you need an impressive party snack or just want a decadent way to cool off, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices are pure joy on a platter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of ingredients is all you need, yet each one plays a starring role in making these Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices utterly irresistible. Let’s break down how every item brings flavor, texture, or color to the table:
- Seedless Watermelon: Use a small, seedless watermelon cut into 1-inch-thick triangular slices — it’s the sweet, hydrating base that gives these slices their signature look and refreshing bite.
- Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate: Rich and bittersweet, dark chocolate amps up the flavor and balances the fruit’s natural sugars beautifully.
- Coconut Oil (optional): A spoonful helps the chocolate melt to silky perfection, making for the smoothest, glossiest dip.
- Flaky Sea Salt: This finishing touch elevates every bite, adding a crunchy burst of salt that brings out all the nuanced flavors.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): A sprinkle of mint turns these into showstoppers and adds a cool, aromatic contrast.
How to Make Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices
Step 1: Prep the Watermelon
Start by slicing your seedless watermelon into thick, even triangles — about one inch thick is just right. Lay them out on a cutting board and gently pat each slice dry with paper towels. This step is key, since removing surface moisture helps the chocolate coating stick perfectly and not slide off the fruit.
Step 2: Prepare Your Chocolate
Grab a microwave-safe bowl or set up a double boiler on your stove. Combine the dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) with the coconut oil if you’re using it. Melt, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds (if microwaving), or until the chocolate is glossy and smooth. The coconut oil isn’t mandatory, but it does give that dreamy, dippable consistency.
Step 3: Dip the Slices
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to keep your Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices from sticking. Working one at a time, dip each watermelon wedge halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them flat on the parchment-lined tray as you go.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the dipped portion generously with flaky sea salt. Don’t skimp here — this is the magic that transforms your slices into that craveable sweet-savory combo everyone loves!
Step 5: Chill to Set
Once all your watermelon wedges have had their chocolate bath, transfer the tray to your refrigerator. Let them chill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens to a perfect shell. When you’re ready to serve, add fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and a refreshing aroma, if that’s your style.
How to Serve Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices
Garnishes
For maximum visual and flavor appeal, garnish these slices right before serving with fresh mint leaves or even a scattering of edible flowers. Mint brings a cooling note that plays beautifully with the deep chocolate and juicy melon. If you want extra flair, a light dusting of lime zest can also jazz things up.
Side Dishes
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices pair best with other light, refreshing sides. Think fruit skewers, chilled cucumber salad, or a platter of mixed berries and citrus. For a party, surround them with bowls of pistachios or a tangy yogurt dip, allowing everyone to mix and match their bites for a full-on summer snacking experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the finished slices on a large platter in a fan shape for a party-worthy centerpiece, or skewer them for a fun dessert-on-a-stick presentation. Try slicing into smaller triangles for cute, bite-sized party versions. For a personal touch, drizzle white chocolate over the hardened dark chocolate before serving for a beautiful marbled effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, store Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chocolate will keep its snap for a few hours, but for the absolute best taste and texture, enjoy within the same day you make them.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this treat. Watermelon’s high water content means it tends to become mushy and release liquid as it thaws, which can make the chocolate coating lose its crispness and visual appeal. Fresh and chilled is the golden rule here!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices — in fact, you want them cold! Serve them straight from the fridge so the chocolate stays set and the melon stays crisp and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier twist. Just note that dark chocolate pairs especially well with the sweet watermelon and sea salt, but all varieties will still taste great.
Do I need to use coconut oil when melting the chocolate?
Coconut oil is optional, but it creates a smoother, shinier chocolate that’s easier to work with and gives a nicer shell when set. If you don’t have any on hand, you can skip it — your Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices will still be delicious!
How far in advance can I prepare these for a party?
For peak freshness, prep these slices the same day you plan to serve them and refrigerate until ready. You can make them up to 6 hours ahead, but don’t let them sit too long, as the watermelon can start to weep and soften the chocolate.
What’s the best way to transport these to a picnic?
Keep them chilled right up to serving by stacking them in a single layer (with parchment between layers) in a lidded container, placed in an insulated cooler with an ice pack. This keeps the chocolate from melting and the watermelon perfectly crisp and juicy during your journey!
Can I make Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices vegan and gluten-free?
They’re naturally gluten-free and can be fully vegan if you use dairy-free dark chocolate. Always check your chocolate’s ingredients just to be sure, but that’s all you need for a plant-based version of this treat.
Final Thoughts
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices are my go-to answer to the call for something decadent, refreshing, and just a little bit fancy. Trust me: the crunchy chocolate, lush watermelon, and sparkle of sea salt are impossible to resist. Give this recipe a whirl the next time the sun is out, and watch these slices disappear faster than you can say “summer favorite!”
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Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in a delightful and refreshing treat with these Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices. This simple yet elegant dessert combines the sweetness of watermelon with rich dark chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 small seedless watermelon (cut into 1-inch thick triangular slices)
- 1½ cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
- flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
- fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the watermelon slices dry with a paper towel.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth.
- Dip and Chill: Dip each watermelon slice halfway into the melted chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt, and place on the baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until set.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make sure the watermelon is well-chilled and dry before dipping to prevent the chocolate from sliding off.
- Use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
- Serve within a few hours for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
