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This cool watermelon smoothie has been my go-to summer savior when the heat gets unbearable. The mix of juicy watermelon, zesty strawberries, and smooth banana makes a drink that's healthy yet feels like a treat without any guilt attached.
I came up with this drink while trying to use extra watermelon from our backyard. What began as just playing around in the kitchen has now turned into the drink my family asks for most after swimming.
What You'll Need
- Ripe watermelon: Gives natural sweetness and forms the wet base. Pick one that sounds hollow when you tap it.
- Iced strawberries: Add some tang and make it thick so you won't need ice cubes. Grab them in peak season and stick them in the freezer for better taste.
- Iced bananas: Make everything nice and smooth. Go for ones with dark spots for extra sweetness.
- Lime juice with zest: Adds that zingy citrus kick to balance sweetness. Don't use bottled stuff.
- Plant-based yogurt: Gives a smooth feel and slight tang. Grab the plain kind with no added sugar.
- Tree syrup: Makes the natural fruit flavors pop. Get the real deal, not the fake breakfast stuff.
How To Make It
- Get Your Fruit Ready:
- Cut watermelon into small squares about an inch big so they blend easier. Take out seeds if you're not using the seedless kind. Check that your strawberries and bananas are totally frozen for the right thick texture.
- Stack Your Stuff:
- Put everything in your blender exactly as listed with watermelon at the bottom. This smart stacking helps blend better since the watermelon juice helps move the frozen bits around.
- Blend It Right:
- Start slow for about 10 seconds then crank it up. Use the pusher to get everything down to the blades without stopping. Keep going until it's totally smooth with no lumps left which usually takes between half a minute to 45 seconds.
- Make It Look Good:
- Serve right away in cold glasses for the best texture. For some fun, scoop out half a watermelon and use it as your serving bowl. Top with some fresh watermelon chunks or strawberry slices to make it prettier.
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The lime peel is my hidden trick that lots of other recipes don't include, but it adds amazing citrus scents that take this smoothie beyond just sweet. My kid actually calls this the Pink Power Smoothie because she thinks it gives her extra energy during her summer soccer games.
Prep In Advance
This drink tastes best right after you make it, but you can get some stuff ready ahead of time. Cut your watermelon into pieces and keep them in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can even pop the watermelon chunks in the freezer along with your other frozen fruit for an extra thick drink. If you do blend the whole thing early, keep it in a tight container in the fridge for no more than a day, but know that it might not feel the same after sitting.
Health Rewards
This watermelon blend isn't just tasty. The watermelon has lycopene, which helps your heart. Strawberries bring vitamin C and fiber, while bananas add potassium and B6 vitamins. The plant yogurt throws in good bacteria for your gut. With hardly any added sweeteners, this drink gives you natural fruit sugars with fiber, making it way better than store-bought juice or soda.
Mix It Up
The main recipe works great on its own, but feel free to try new things. Throw in some spinach for extra nutrients without changing how it tastes. To get more protein, add a spoon of chia or hemp seeds. If you like herbs, a few fresh mint leaves go really well with watermelon. And grown-ups can turn this into a summer cocktail by adding a splash of white rum or vodka after blending.
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Whip up this refreshing drink today and kick back against the summer heat in style!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use bananas that aren’t frozen?
Sure, fresh bananas work too, but the smoothie might not be as thick or chilled. Try tossing in some ice cubes instead.
- → What are alternatives to vegan yogurt?
You can swap vegan yogurt for regular yogurt, coconut cream, or even almond butter to get that creamy touch.
- → Is maple syrup essential?
Not at all. You can skip maple syrup if the fruits are sweet enough or use honey, agave, or another sweetener you like.
- → How can I make the texture thicker?
Easy! Add extra frozen fruit or cut back on the amount of watermelon to get a thicker consistency.
- → What fruits go well with this mix?
Try tossing in mango, pineapple, or kiwi. They bring tropical flavors that blend perfectly with watermelon.