Medically reviewed by Shahzadi Devje, Registered Dietitian (RD) & Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Quench your thirst in style with this super easy no-added-sugar Watermelon Slushie recipe. With only three whole food ingredients, it's the perfect healthy choice to cool down on a hot Summer's day.
Don't you think that watermelon deserves to be recognized as the official Summer fruit? It's been a while since you've probably had your last watermelon, hasn't it (Thanks, Canadian weather!).
So when we're given a hot summer day, we're thinking, "Give us ALL the watermelon!" Picture us all huddled together, our faces buried in enormous delicious watermelons. We're the family that adores watermelon eating contests. That's no joke! And when it's hot and humid outside, we need everything we eat and drink to cool us down fast.
Watermelon slushie saves the day!
What is it?
A watermelon slushie is a frozen combination of fresh watermelon and lime juice.
It's comparable to drinking watermelon juice, only in frozen form. Some recipes call for ice, but this one doesn't. It's easy, nutritious (no added sugar!), and quite refreshing on a hot summer's day!
What are the benefits of eating watermelon?
Watermelon is a delicious fruit that is full of water (92%), making it perfect for hydrating while being low in sugar.
Watermelon is the richest food source of l-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to nitric oxide production (NO). NO, is produced in the body and plays an important role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure.
Research suggests that l-citrulline may help improve exercise performance and recovery by reducing lactic acid build-up during strenuous physical activity.
There is presently no agreement on the efficacy of l-citrulline in reducing blood pressure, though - as shown by recent meta-analyses.
Different methodological flaws may account for the inability to arrive at a consensus. However, certain studies indicate that citrulline has a blood pressure-lowering effect.
Due to increased oxidative stress with age, older individuals may benefit from a greater dietary intake of lycopene, a lipophilic carotenoid with powerful antioxidant properties.
Watermelon is an excellent source of dietary lycopene. Lycopene ingestion and lycopene levels in the circulation decrease with age. Thus, it may be helpful for the elderly.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make watermelon slushie at home:
How to make it - step by step
- Begin by cutting your watermelon (seedless) into small chunks and freezing it for at least 12 hours (Images 1 and 2).
- Remove the frozen watermelon chunks from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before making the watermelon slushie. Meanwhile, prepare the lime and mint (Image 3).
- Prep time is barely 5 minutes: In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the cubes, lime juice and fresh mint (Images 4-6).
- Blend for a slushie-like consistency, using the tamper (images 7-8)
- Pour into glasses and enjoy! (Images 9-10).
Top tips
- Seedless watermelon works best in this recipe - if it is ripe. Look for the pale yellow splotch on your watermelon to indicate that it's sweet, ripe and ready!
- If you slice it and freeze it overnight before blending, you'll save time.
- Make sure the watermelon is cut into small cubes to minimize stress on your blender. They'll also stay frozen for a longer period of time. Also, try to cut the pieces so that they're approximately the same size.
- Take the watermelon out of the freezer about 10 minutes prior to blending. I prefer to remove them right before preparing the lime and mint.
- To make watermelon slushies, use a high-speed blender. Start on low speed and gradually increase it as you stir. Use the tamper to press down the fruit for better blending. Over blending is not ideal; if you want an icy texture.
- If you want a more liquid consistency, thaw the watermelon for 20 minutes before processing.
- Serve immediately 🙂
Other Easy And Healthy Recipes You May Like :
Tell me, what are your favourite cold drinks? Have you tried my tasty Watermelon Slushie recipe before? Leave me a comment and share your favourite way to enjoy watermelon?
If you try this refreshing summer recipe, would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Can't wait to see your photos.
Watermelon Slushie | Easy And Healthy Summer Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon ripe
- 1 lime fresh, juice
- 8 mint leaves fresh, medium-sized, washed
Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon by removing the seeds and cut into small cubes. Freeze in a large container for at least 12 hours.
- Once you're ready to prepare the watermelon slushie, remove the watermelon cubes from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the lime juice and mint leaves.
- In a high speed blender, add the ingredients and start to blend on low-speed. Use the tamper to push down the pieces to encourage blending. Avoid over-blending though - if you're after that lovely icy consistency. This step involved frequent stirring to ensure all the cubes are blended and mixed with the mint.
- Garnish with mint just before serving.
Notes
- Seedless watermelon works best in this recipe if it is ripe. Look for the pale yellow splotch on your watermelon to indicate that it's sweet, ripe and ready!
- If you slice it and freeze it overnight before blending, you'll save time.
- Make sure it's cut into small cubes to minimize stress on your blender. They'll also stay frozen for a longer period of time! Also, try to cut the pieces so that they're approximately the same size.
- Take the watermelon out of the freezer about 10 minutes prior to blending. I prefer to remove them right before preparing the lime and mint.
- To make watermelon slushies, use a high-speed blender. Start on low speed and gradually increase it as you stir. Use the tamper to press down the fruit for better blending. Over blending is not ideal; if you want an icy texture, avoid it by overdoing it.
- If you want a more liquid consistency, thaw the watermelon for 20 minutes before processing.
- Serve immediately 🙂
Please note the nutritional analysis values are estimates and suggestions. This nutrition facts table does not know your life - your body, including your hunger and satiety cues, change daily. It's okay to eat more or less. Say no to food guilt and instead embrace mindful eating.
Shahzadi is an award-winning registered dietitian (RD) regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and certified diabetes educator (CDE), approved by the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board. A YouTuber and notorious foodie, she's dedicated to helping you end your cooking wars, transform your health, and be the best version of yourself! Shahzadi is an on-air nutrition expert for CTV Your Morning and a regular contributor for Global News and other national media outlets.
looks and tastes amazing!
oh, thank you! Am so glad you liked it 🙂
So refreshing and delicious!