Summer Watermelon Smoothie

Want a refreshing, vitamin-packed smoothie that doubles as a kid-pleasing snack? This watermelon smoothie is a cool and sweet thirst quencher that you’ll be sipping on as we enjoy these last few hot days of summer.

I still can't wrap my brain around the fact that summer is over and school is back in session. This entire year has thrown me, and I'm sure you too. As much as we cannot control this pandemic, we can control what we put in our bodies. And the now more than ever we need plants— loaded with immune boosting vitamins and minerals.

This watermelon smoothie recipe is a great one for a hot day. Packed with watermelon, cherries and strawberries, this quintessential summer smoothie is quick and easy to make and perfect for freezing as popsicles. With just four simple ingredients, you’re on your way to an invigorating, naturally-sweetened, healthy summer treat.

How to make a watermelon smoothie

All you need to make this smoothie is a blender. Toss all the ingredients into it and blend until smooth. You can add filtered water or coconut water for a thinner consistency if you want it to be more like a juice.

Health benefits of a watermelon smoothie

Watermelon

Watermelon has a high water content, so it’s the perfect fruit for hydration. All that water doesn’t mean it’s lacking in powerful antioxidants. Watermelon actually has about 40% more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Lycopene can help curb your risk of cancer and heart disease, and offers some protective effects against damaging UV rays.

Strawberries

Strawberries add filling fiber to this watermelon smoothie as well as vitamin C, and other beneficial antioxidants. Blood sugar regulation, reducing heart disease risk and boosting immunity are just some of the health benefits of adding strawberries to your diet.

Cherries

Cherries are also high in fiber and loaded with antioxidants. These powerful antioxidants may protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Anti-inflammatory compounds in cherries may help reduce muscle pain and damage.

Can I freeze watermelon for a smoothie?

Yes, you can freeze watermelon! Cut the watermelon into cubes or scoop out the flesh with a melon baller. Place the cubes in a resealable freezer bag and lay the bag on its side in the freezer. Check out our smoothie prep ahead article for even more time-saving tips.

What goes well with watermelon in a smoothie?

Aside from the strawberries and cherries in this smoothie, here are some other delicious taste pairings that work well with watermelon: blackberries, blueberries, peaches, lemon, lime, mango, pineapple, cucumber, mint and coconut water.

5 Watermelon Smoothie Tips

1. Since watermelon is over 90% water by weight, you don’t need to add any extra liquid or ice to this smoothie.
2. Use seedless watermelon for this recipe. No need to spend all day picking out watermelon seeds!
3. Using frozen cherries and frozen strawberries rather than fresh yields a cool and frosty drink. If using fresh, add ice cubes to the blender.
4. Serve this smoothie  immediately after making. The longer it sits, the watermelon separates from the other ingredients.
5. Want popsicles? Freeze the smoothie in freezer pop molds to make homemade popsicles for the kids.