Watermelon Lime Smoothie
A bright, refreshing blended drink that combines sweet, juicy watermelon with tart lime juice and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for hot days, this simple smoothie comes together in minutes and requires just five ingredients. The watermelon provides natural body and hydration, while the lime adds a zingy citrus note that keeps the drink from becoming cloying. Serve immediately over ice for maximum chill.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- —
- Total
- 5 min
- Makes
- 2 smoothies (about 12 fl oz each)
Steps
Before you start
- Cut and freeze watermelon chunks at least 2 hours ahead (or use fresh watermelon with 1 cup ice cubes)
- Have a blender ready
- Lime should be at room temperature for easier juicing
Juice the limes
- Cut 1 or 2 limes in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or by hand with a fork, pressing firmly to extract all the juice.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you have seeds or pulp.
- You should have about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of fresh lime juice.
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Ready when: You have 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of fresh lime juice
Tip: Room-temperature limes yield more juice than cold ones. Roll the lime on the counter with firm pressure before cutting to break down the cells inside.
Combine ingredients in blender
- Add the 3 cups (450 g) of frozen watermelon cubes to your blender.
- Pour in the 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of freshly squeezed lime juice and 3/4 cup (180 ml) of cold water.
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons (25 g) of granulated sugar.
- Do not blend yet.
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Ready when: All ingredients are layered in the blender
Tip: If using fresh (unfrozen) watermelon instead, add 1 cup (240 ml) of ice cubes to the blender for proper thickness and temperature.
Blend to smooth
- Cover the blender tightly and start on medium speed for 10 seconds to break down the frozen watermelon without straining the motor.
- Increase to high speed and blend for 35 to 50 seconds more, until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible chunks of watermelon.
- The smoothie should be creamy, uniform in color, and pourable without graininess.
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Ready when: Smoothie is completely smooth and uniform in color with no visible watermelon solids
Tip: Listen to the blender sound—if it's laboring or making a grinding noise, stop and let the frozen watermelon soften for 20 seconds, then resume. Overworking can burn out the motor.
Pour and serve
- Immediately pour the smoothie into two tall glasses, dividing evenly between them.
- If desired, add a few ice cubes to each glass for extra chill and to slow melting.
- Insert a straw and serve right away.
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Ready when: Smoothie is poured into glasses and ready to drink
Tip: Frozen watermelon melts quickly, so drink within 5 minutes of blending to maintain the ideal thickness and temperature.
Good to know
Tips
- Freeze watermelon chunks on a sheet tray before transferring to a zip-top bag; this prevents them from clumping together and makes portioning easier.
- For a creamier smoothie, add ¼ cup (60 ml) of yogurt or a splash of coconut milk, though this changes the ingredient list.
- Taste the smoothie before serving and add a pinch more lime juice if it tastes too sweet, or a splash more water if it's too thick.
- Choose a watermelon with a hollow sound when tapped and a creamy yellow spot on the bottom—these are signs of ripeness and better flavor.
Storage & reheating
Best served immediately. If you must store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 hours, but the texture will separate slightly—stir well before drinking.
Substitutions
- granulated sugar → honey or agave nectar. Use 1½ tablespoons (20 ml) honey or agave for a slightly different flavor profile and smoother sweetness. Blend until fully incorporated.
- fresh lime juice → lemon juice. Swap for 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice for a slightly milder citrus bite. The smoothie will be less tart.
- water → coconut water or sparkling water. Use coconut water for tropical flavor or sparkling water for fizz. Sparkling water may reduce the drink's body slightly.
- fresh watermelon, frozen → frozen strawberries or raspberries. Replace with 3 cups (400 g) of frozen berries and add ½ cup (120 ml) extra water. The drink will be sweeter and more berry-forward.
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