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When it's burning up outside, I grab this watermelon and strawberry smoothie. It's icy cold, creamy with vegan yogurt, and has a splash of lime for a little brightness. It comes together fast and feels extra fun if you pour it into a watermelon shell.
I started making this because watermelons were cheap and my kitchen was too hot to cook. Now, whenever I've got extra watermelon getting soft, I toss it in the blender and chill out.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Maple syrup: Sweetens things up and gives a rich taste. Grab the real stuff for the best flavor.
- Vegan yogurt: Makes everything extra velvety and adds a tangy bite. Choose unsweetened coconut or plain if you like it mellow.
- Lime juice and zest: Gives a big pop of brightness. Zest your lime before you squeeze to get all that flavor.
- Frozen banana: Turns the drink super creamy and sweet. Toss ripe bananas in the freezer after peeling, they'll be ready whenever you are.
- Frozen strawberries: Packs in juicy berry taste and chills things fast. I look for unsweetened ones so it doesn't end up too sugary.
- Fresh watermelon: Full of juicy crunch and blends silky smooth. The best ones sound hollow if you give them a little knock.
Simple Steps to Make It
- Time to Serve
- Either pour into cups or go big and scoop it into a hollow watermelon. A slice of lime or a berry on top looks great.
- Check the Texture
- If it's too thick, just splash in a bit of cold water and blend until smooth. Scrape the sides if your blender needs help.
- Blend It All
- Start slow and then turn up the power. Push the fruit down if things get stuck until it’s super creamy.
- Stack in the Blender
- Pop in watermelon first, then frozen strawberries, banana, lime juice and zest, yogurt, then maple syrup last. Watermelon at the bottom keeps the blades moving.
- Get Your Fruit Ready
- Cube your watermelon and measure your frozen ingredients. Don't forget to zest and juice the lime before you get started.
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How to Store Leftovers
It's honestly best right after blending because it starts to separate over time. If you end up with extra, put it in the fridge and drink within a day. Just give it a stir if it looks split.
Easy Swaps
Out of bananas? Toss in frozen mango or even zucchini for that creamy texture. Not vegan? Greek yogurt swaps in just fine.
Fun Ways to Serve
Try it at brunch with some granola or chia sprinkled on top. For parties, pour in mini watermelon shells and pass out spoons for a twist.
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Why It Screams Summer
Watermelon’s been around forever and is still what I think of when the weather warms up. Blending it like this just makes every sip feel fresh and happy.
Common Questions
- → What's the trick for a creamier, thicker blend?
Start with frozen fruit and pour in just a splash of liquid. You can bump up the yogurt or use a really strong blender to make it extra thick and scoopable.
- → Is there a good stand-in for the banana?
Totally! Frozen zucchini (peeled, sliced, and then frozen) works great. The texture stays creamy but the smoothie’s a bit less sweet this way.
- → My watermelon’s super watery—what now?
If you’ve got extra-juicy melon, try scaling back the liquid or pop in more frozen bits so your smoothie stays frosty and thick.
- → Do I have to go with vegan yogurt?
Nope, any yogurt you like is fine! Plant-based or dairy, just use what fits your needs. Yogurt simply gives that velvety finish.
- → How do I use a watermelon for serving?
Just hollow out a mini watermelon, pour in your smoothie, and trim the bottom so it sits flat. It’s cute, handy, and composts itself later.
- → Can I stash this in the fridge for later?
It’s best when it’s freshly blended, but chill it for up to 4 hours if you really need to. Just whiz it again real quick before sipping.