Move over sugary blender drinks. It’s the season for icy fruit smoothies! This strawberry watermelon slushie is made with ripe watermelon, fresh (or frozen) strawberries, and contrasted with lime juice for a sweet and zesty drink that’s healthy, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying.
This Strawberry Watermelon Slushie is a Cool Fruit Smoothie
This strawberry watermelon slushie was originally inspired by Bryant Terry and his cookbook, Vegan Soul Kitchen. He introduced me to the blend of watermelon, strawberry, and lime, which is a truly amazing combination. I first posted this recipe way back in 2009, but have since updated it and have some more details in the FAQs below.
Can I Substitute Other Melons for the Watermelon?
Honestly, I’ve never tried this blend with other melons, but I think honeydew would be delicious! I’m not sure about cantaloupe, but it could be tasty too. But in my Cantaloupe Smoothie Recipe, I use banana and lemon juice instead of strawberry and lime.
Can I Use Watermelon Juice Instead of Watermelon?
Watermelon has an extremely high water content (hence the name – “water” melon) so it purees into a relatively thin liquid. It doesn’t need to be “juiced.” Most store brands are watered down more, sweetened, or extremely expensive. So I’d stick with fresh watermelon if you can!
Can I Use Different Berries Instead of Strawberries?
I’m kind of hooked on the watermelon-strawberry combination, but blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries could also be delicious in this recipe. Other berries might blend well too. If using seedy berries, like blackberries, you might want to press them through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds before blending.
Can I Substitute Lemon Juice for the Lime Juice?
There is something magical about a strawberry watermelon slushie with fresh squeezed lime juice. But you can substitute lemon juice. It will still be delicious. In a pinch, you could even use bottled lemon or lime juice.
Do these Strawberry Watermelon Slushies Make Good Cocktails?
They do! You can double the recipe to make four cocktail-sized slushes. These are virgin drinks as is, but you can make grown-up versions with alcohol. I’d start with just 1/2 ounce per drink (about 1 tablespoon), and add more as desired. Rum, vodka, or tequila will go well with these refreshing summer drinks.
What are Good Garnishes for these Slushes?
I like to do a small fresh watermelon wedge, strawberry, or lime wedge. Alternatively, you could garnish it with some fresh mint leaves.
Do I Need a High Speed Blender for this Recipe?
I don’t think so. I use a regular blender or a single serve blender to make these strawberry watermelon slushies. What’s most important is that your blender is good at crushing ice and pureeing. For years, I’ve used a Ninja blender, and both the large blender and the single serve cups work great. It could be likened to a budget-friendly high speed blender.
Aren’t Slushies Usually Dairy-Free?
Yes, many are! They aren’t always, but slushies are usually a naturally dairy-free treat. This is a dairy-free website, so we share delicious dairy-free things! We certainly don’t limit ourselves to alternatives and substitutes. In fact, I love celebrating, enjoying, and sharing all of the wonderful food and drinks that are dairy free.
Special Diet Notes: Strawberry Watermelon Slushie
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian. It’s even banana-free!
- 2 cups (or about 12 ounces) seedless watermelon balls
- ¾ to 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, to taste
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar, honey, or sugar (or to taste)
- Ice, as needed (see Ice Note below)
- Place the watermelon and strawberries in the blender. Blend until smooth. You may need to push the watermelon down a bit to get it going, but once it starts to blend the juices will be released to keep it going.
- Blend in the lime juice, sweetener, and ice (if using). If you do choose honey, keep in mind that it doesn’t dissolve as well in cold liquids as agave and sugar. Give it a good blend to prevent any “chunks” of honey from remaining.
Also Try My Apricot Slushie Recipe!
