A blend of frozen watermelon cubes, strawberries, and yogurt, with the optional addition of mint or basil if you feel so inclined, this pink drink is the grown-up equivalent of zipping down a Slip-n-Slide or drinking cold water right from the hose on the hottest day as a kid: utter exhilaration. Ever since drinking Deb’s frozen watermelon mojitos last summer, I’ve been utterly enamored with freezing leftover watermelon to make drinks, this strawberry watermelon smoothie included. (Note this is a regular watermelon smoothie recipe, but if you want to do a spinoff for a watermelon smoothie cocktail, I 100% support you.)
How to Make a Watermelon Smoothie
It can be tricky to make a watermelon smoothie without a recipe, because watermelon itself is nearly 92% water. That means that if you toss watermelon cubes into the blender, you’ll end up with watermelon juice. The trick to making a luxuriously thick watermelon smoothie is to freeze the watermelon cubes first. From there, other ingredients can add different effects to the texture.
Personally, I love a creamy watermelon smoothie, so I took a note from my classic Strawberry Smoothie and Greek Yogurt Smoothie and added vanilla Greek yogurt. To die for. The combo of the creamy yogurt with the frozen watermelon and strawberries reminded me of the cream slushes we used to order at the drive-in. (Sonic anyone?) I prefer vanilla yogurt over plain yogurt in this recipe, as the vanilla adds necessary flavor and sweetness. Another option to make the smoothie creamy and sweet is to add a fresh or frozen banana. Watermelon and banana go well together. Do note that if you add banana to this recipe, the banana’s flavor will be more pronounced.
How to Cube and Freeze Watermelon for Smoothies (or any other drink!)
See my post for the easiest, best method of How to Cut a Watermelon. It includes freezing instructions as well.
What Fruit Goes Well with Watermelon
Watermelon goes well with a variety of fruits, including strawberries, bananas, and tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple. The more frozen fruit you add, the thicker the smoothie will be. My favorite fruit to pair with watermelon is strawberry. Because the strawberry’s flavor is complimentary and not overpowering, it allows the pure flavor of the watermelon to shine more than any other fruit pairing.
Adding Liquid
Since both the watermelon and the strawberries are frozen, you’ll need to add some liquid to help the smoothie blend. Here are a few options:
Regular Milk or Almond Milk. Use whatever you have around. I’ve used both to make the recipe and loved the results both times (it might sound weird, but in a smoothie, it’s fine to eat watermelon and milk together). Coconut Water. For the ultimate refreshment. Water. Yep, plain old water works just fine for smoothies.
Bonus Smoothie Additions
Spruce up your watermelon yogurt smoothie with any of the below:
Sweetener. Watermelon and strawberries can be bland in smoothies without the help of a little sweeter. I found ½ tablespoon of honey perfect for my taste, the ripeness of my melon, and the sweetness of my vanilla yogurt. You could also use agave. Pure maple syrup would be my last choice, as its flavor is a bit strong for the delicate melon. Mint. SO REFRESHING. Making this a watermelon mint smoothie takes the recipe from “I’m at a beach and loving life” to “I’m at a beach resort and never leaving.” Basil. More herbaceous, it’s another refreshing option. Lime. For a watermelon mojito smoothie, add both mint and lime.
Watermelon Smoothie Health Benefits
This easy smoothie recipe offers more than just good sips. Here are a few watermelon smoothie benefits:
Because of the high water content in watermelon, this smoothie is exceptionally hydrating. Watermelon is packed with Vitamin-C, Vitamin-A, and numerous antioxidants. By adding strawberries to this smoothie, you’re also getting oodles of added antioxidants and fiber.
Read more about watermelon health benefits here and strawberry health benefits here.
Recipe Steps
Once you have your melon frozen, you can make a watermelon smoothie in two minutes!
Watermelon Smoothie Storage Tips
To Store. Blended smoothies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Storing them in an airtight jar is the best way to ensure they stay fresh. To Freeze. Pour smoothies into airtight freezer-safe jars or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
More Healthy Breakfast Smoothies
Strawberry Mango Smoothie Blueberry Banana Avocado Smoothie Strawberry Spinach Smoothie Kale Smoothie Beet Smoothie
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
High-Powered Blender. A powerful blender will ensure a smooth, creamy consistency every time. This blender is also a great option. Stainless Steel Straws. These reusable straws are great for sipping smoothies (or any cool drinks!). Measuring Cups. These easy measuring cups can go in the microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
This fun and flirty strawberry watermelon smoothie is going to be keeping our blender in business from now until fall, and I couldn’t be more excited. I hope it brings a burst of nourishing refreshment to you too. Cheers!
