Sesame-Lime Watermelon Poke Bowl
Beloved watermelon—naturally sweet and irresistibly juicy—is about to get interesting! In this dish, I create watermelon “sushi” by chopping the fruit into bite-size pieces and then marinating them in a tangy, Asian-style sauce.
This recipe is a fun and creative twist on traditional Hawaiian poke, which typically features raw fish. Instead, I use juicy watermelon marinated in a delicious sesame-lime sauce to mimic that savory-sweet umami flavor in classic poke bowls. While it’s not “true poke,” it is a yummy, plant-powered spin on a favorite dish. (Don’t forget to check out my spicy spin, Sesame-Sriracha Watermelon Poke Bowl.)
The watermelon’s sweet signature flavor pairs beautifully with the lime-infused sesame sauce, creating a surprisingly addictive bite. And when it comes to bowl-building, anything goes. For this version, I’ve chosen a colorful mix of nutrient-packed toppings with all sorts of textures, flavors, and hues (hello, crunchy purple cabbage, creamy green avocado, juicy yellow mango, & crisp cukes!), but as I always say…you’re the boss of your bowl.
Why this bowl is a summer win!
- No oven required! Toss your favorite seasonal fruit and veggies together with the quick sesame-lime marinade and brown rice or soba noodles (eater’s choice) for a no fuss, no-heat meal.
- Watermelon is a hydration hero. Watermelon, the star of the bowl, is 92% water, which makes it sweet, tasty and refreshingly hydrating.
- It’s make-ahead friendly. Marinate the watermelon in advance and stash it in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) to let those mouthwatering flavors soak in. It’s ideal for prepping ahead for weekday lunches or warm-weather entertaining.
- It’s light but filling. I don’t know about you, but my appetite tends to take a dip when the mercury spikes. Still, it’s important to get the right nutrients to stay fueled for summer fun. This dish packs fiber, healthy fats and natural sweetness to keep you energized.
Try these Watermelon Feta Bites!
Sesame-Lime Watermelon Poke Bowl
Ingredients
For watermelon poke
- 2 cups chopped watermelon
- 2 Tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce*
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
For bowl assembly
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or soba noodles
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ mango, sliced
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ½ avocado, sliced
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, lime juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the watermelon poké sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Add the chopped watermelon to a large, wide bowl; pour the sauce over the top and mix to coat all the pieces. Let it sit and marinate at least 20 minutes. If all of the pieces aren’t submerged in marinade, toss it around every few minutes.
- While the watermelon is marinating, chop the veggies and fruit.
- Assemble the bowls by adding the ingredients in pretty piles around your plate, saving the watermelon for last. Drizzle the leftover watermelon marinade over the noodles and other ingredients as a sauce.
- Garnish with optional sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Yum, yum, yum. I made this recently on one of the hottest days of the year. It was delicious and refreshing. Thanks, Joy!!
That makes us so happy to hear!! It’s the perfect no-fuss dish for a hot day. Thanks for trying it and sharing the love, Morgan!
— Olivia
I’m allergic to mango, what else would you suggest i use? Also could I replace the tamari with low sodium soy sauce? Thanks Joy
Hi Audrey! Great questions! If you’re allergic to mango, you can easily swap it out with diced pineapple, peaches, or even orange segments—anything juicy and sweet to balance the savory flavors. And yes, low-sodium soy sauce is a perfect substitute for tamari. We hope you love the bowl!!
— Olivia
Thanks!
Absolutely amazing dish!! Easy to prepare; light, delicious dish for the hot summer days. The flavor combinations of the marinate and all the other ingredients hit every taste bud. Thanks for sharing and we will be having this dish quite often this summer.
PS – May add a little sprinkle of feta cheese next time to see how it taste.
Hi Sally, I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! This dish really is summer in a bowl, right?! And I love your idea to try a sprinkle of feta next time… sweet, salty, tangy… yes, please! Let me know how it turns out. So happy it’s earned a spot in your summer rotation!