This watermelon smoothie brings together frozen watermelon cubes, sweet strawberries, creamy Greek yogurt, and bright fresh mint for the most refreshing drink you'll make all summer. It's naturally hydrating, takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, and tastes like pure sunshine. I first made this on a scorching afternoon when Lily came running in from the backyard, flushed and asking for "something cold and pink," and it's been our go-to ever since.
If you're looking for more cooling drinks, try this easy strawberry juice recipe or this healthy strawberry juice recipe for another fruity favorite.
What You'll Love About watermelon smoothie Recipe
It's incredibly fast. From frozen fruit to finished smoothie in under 5 minutes? Yes, please. Perfect for busy mornings or when you need something refreshing right now.
Naturally hydrating and light. Watermelon is about 92% water, which makes this hydrating smoothie recipe ideal for hot weather or after a workout. It's refreshing without feeling too filling.
Simple, wholesome ingredients. No weird powders, no long ingredient list. Just fruit, yogurt, a touch of honey, and fresh mint. You can even make it vegan with a quick swap.
Loved by kids and adults alike. The bright pink color wins over kids immediately, while the fresh mint and creamy texture make it feel grown-up and special. It's one of those rare recipes that truly pleases everyone.
Endlessly adaptable. Swap strawberries for blueberries, try basil instead of mint, add a handful of spinach if you want to sneak in greens. This easy watermelon smoothie welcomes experimentation.
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watermelon smoothie Ingredients
Here's a simple list of what goes into this refreshing drink.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Frozen watermelon cubes: The star of the show. Freezing the watermelon beforehand creates a thick, slushy texture that's way better than using ice. Cut your watermelon into 1-inch cubes and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Frozen strawberries: Add sweetness, a gorgeous color, and extra berry flavor. Frozen strawberries work better than fresh here since they help thicken the smoothie naturally.
Vanilla Greek yogurt: Brings creaminess and a slight tang that balances all the fruit. It also adds protein, which makes this healthy breakfast smoothie more satisfying. Use plain Greek yogurt if you prefer less sweetness.
Honey: Just a little bit to enhance the natural sweetness. Depending on how ripe your fruit is, you might not need much-or any at all. Taste and adjust to your preference.
Water or unsweetened almond milk: Helps everything blend smoothly. Start with less and add more if needed. Almond milk makes the smoothie a bit creamier, while water keeps it lighter.
Fresh mint leaves: The secret ingredient that makes this taste like summer. Mint adds brightness and a cooling sensation that's absolutely perfect with watermelon. Fresh basil works beautifully too if you want to try something different.
How to Make It
This smoothie comes together so quickly you'll barely believe it.
Add ingredients to blender: Place the frozen watermelon cubes, frozen strawberries, vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, water or almond milk, and fresh mint leaves into your high-powered blender. If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let the watermelon sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
Blend until smooth: Start on low speed and gradually increase to high, blending for about 45 seconds to 1 minute until everything is completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick and your blender is straining, add a splash more water or almond milk and blend again.
Taste and adjust sweetness: Give it a quick taste. Depending on how sweet your watermelon and yogurt are, you might want to add a bit more honey. Blend briefly to incorporate.
Serve immediately: Pour into glasses and enjoy right away while it's cold and thick. Garnish with an extra sprig of mint or basil if you're feeling fancy. This strawberry watermelon smoothie is best enjoyed fresh.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are some ways to make it your own.
Make it vegan: Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free vanilla yogurt (coconut, almond, or oat-based all work great). Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Try different fruit combinations: Replace strawberries with frozen blueberries, raspberries, or mango. Each one creates a slightly different flavor while keeping that refreshing watermelon base.
Add greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients. The fruit is sweet enough that you won't taste the greens, but you'll get all the benefits.
Make it thicker: Use less liquid or add a frozen banana for an even creamier, milkshake-like texture. You can also freeze this mixture in popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat.
Skip the yogurt: For a lighter, dairy free watermelon smoothie, leave out the yogurt entirely and add a bit more liquid. You can also add half an avocado for creaminess without dairy.
Change up the herbs: Fresh basil is amazing with watermelon and gives the smoothie an almost sophisticated, Italian-inspired flavor. A small piece of fresh ginger adds warmth and a little zing.
Equipment FOR watermelon smoothie
You don't need much to make this recipe happen.
High-powered blender: A good blender is key for breaking down frozen fruit into a smooth, creamy consistency. Vitamix, Blendtec, or Ninja blenders all work beautifully.
Measuring cups and spoons: For getting your ingredients just right. Smoothies are forgiving, but measurements help ensure the texture comes out perfect.
Knife and cutting board: If you're starting with fresh watermelon, you'll need these to cube it before freezing. Pre-cut frozen watermelon smoothie is also available at many stores if you want to skip this step entirely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely plan ahead.
Refrigerator storage: Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as it may separate slightly.
Freezer storage: Pour the blended smoothie into freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then shake or blend briefly before serving.
Prep freezer packs: Portion out the watermelon, strawberries, and mint into individual freezer bags. When you're ready to make a smoothie, just dump one bag into the blender with yogurt, honey, and liquid. It's like having your own homemade smoothie kit ready to go.
Keep frozen watermelon smoothie on hand: Whenever you have leftover watermelon, cube it and freeze it. Having a stash in the freezer means you can make this quick watermelon smoothie recipe anytime the craving hits.
Expert Tips
few small tips make a big difference.
Freeze watermelon properly: Spread cubed watermelon smoothie in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents the cubes from clumping together and makes them easier to measure out.
Don't skip the mint: Even if you think you don't like mint, try it with just a few leaves. It adds brightness without being overpowering, and it really does make the smoothie taste more refreshing.
Start with less liquid: You can always add more, but you can't take it out. Start with the ½ cup and only add more if your blender is struggling. A thicker smoothie has better texture.
Use room temperature yogurt: Cold yogurt straight from the fridge can make the smoothie too thick and hard to blend. Let it sit out for a few minutes before adding it to the blender.
Blend in stages: If your blender isn't super powerful, pulse a few times first to break up the frozen fruit, then blend continuously until smooth. This prevents the motor from straining.
Taste before serving: watermelon smoothie varies depending on the season and variety. Always taste your smoothie before pouring and adjust honey as needed
FAQ
What fruit mixes well with watermelon?
watermelon smoothie pairs beautifully with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, and pineapple. Citrus fruits like lime or lemon also complement watermelon's sweetness. For herbs, both mint and basil are fantastic choices that add a fresh, bright note.
Is watermelon good in a smoothie?
Absolutely! Watermelon creates a naturally sweet, hydrating base for smoothies. When frozen, it gives the smoothie a thick, creamy texture similar to a slushie without needing ice. Plus, it's packed with vitamins A and C, and it's incredibly refreshing on warm days.
How to make fresh watermelon shake?
Start with frozen watermelon cubes for the best texture. Add your choice of liquid (water, milk, or juice), a bit of sweetener if desired, and blend until smooth. You can add yogurt for creaminess or other fruits for extra flavor. Fresh mint or lime juice makes it even more refreshing.
What mixes well with a watermelon smoothie?
Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, while strawberries and other berries bring sweetness and color. Fresh mint or basil adds brightness. For a tropical twist, try adding coconut milk or a squeeze of lime. A small piece of fresh ginger or a handful of spinach also work surprisingly well.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with watermelon smoothie:
Refreshing Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients
Method
- Add the frozen watermelon, frozen strawberries, yogurt, honey, liquid, and mint leaves to a high-powered blender.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes completely smooth, stopping to add a splash more liquid if the smoothie seems too thick.
- Taste the smoothie and blend in a bit more honey if additional sweetness is desired.
- Pour into glasses and serve right away, garnishing with extra mint or basil if you like.
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