Enjoy a simple, naturally sweetened watermelon slushie made with just four ingredients: fresh watermelon, lime juice, mint leaves and dates. This refreshing, low-calorie drink is perfect for hot days and fits vegan and gluten-free diets.
I love summer and dream of living where warm weather lasts all year. When temperatures rise, a cool drink makes all the difference. Plain water is great for hydration, but sometimes you want a little extra flavor and texture — that’s when this watermelon slushie hits the spot. It’s light, fruity and incredibly easy to make.
This slushie uses just four wholesome ingredients and relies on the natural sweetness of dates instead of refined sugar. Freezing the blended mixture rather than using ice cubes concentrates the fruit flavor and creates a smoother, more satisfying slush. The result is a nutrient-rich, hydrating beverage that’s ideal for hot afternoons, pool parties, or a quick healthy treat.
If you need a drink immediately, add a handful of ice to the blender with the other ingredients and blend until smooth. For best texture and flavor, pour the blended mixture into a shallow tray and freeze briefly to achieve a true slushie consistency — you’ll notice the flavor is brighter and the texture is creamier than simply blending ice.
The combination of watermelon, fresh lime and mint is wonderfully bright. If you don’t have mint or prefer a milder herb, omit it or try basil for a different but still refreshing note. Lemon juice works as a substitute for lime, and the dates are optional if your watermelon is already very sweet — swap in honey, agave or maple syrup if you prefer.
Looking for more drink recipes?
- Watermelon mint lemonade
- How to make aguas frescas
- Vegan Mexican horchata
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo on Instagram and tag @simpleveganblog with the hashtag #simpleveganblog. We love to see how readers adapt and enjoy these simple, plant-based recipes.
Watermelon Slushie
10 mins
10 mins (plus freezing)
8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh watermelon, cubed (seedless preferred)
- The juice of 2 limes (or 2 lemons)
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 handful fresh mint leaves (or basil, optional)
Instructions
- Add the cubed watermelon, lime juice, pitted dates and mint leaves to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and bright in color.
- Pour the blended mixture into a shallow tray and place it in the freezer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the mixture every hour to break up large ice crystals and help it achieve a slushie texture. Freezing time will vary by freezer and tray thickness; a thin tray speeds up the process.
- When it reaches a slushie consistency, scoop into glasses and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days; allow it to soften back to slushie texture at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Seedless watermelon makes preparation easier; if using seeded watermelon, blend and strain before freezing if you prefer a seed-free drink.
- Swap lime for lemon if that’s what you have on hand — both brighten the flavor nicely.
- If your watermelon is very sweet, you can omit the dates. Honey, maple syrup or agave are also suitable alternatives for added sweetness.
Nutrition
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