Hello to one of my favorite summertime desserts! This watermelon sorbet recipe is SO SIMPLE, yet SO GOOD. A healthy spin on traditional sorbet, but without all the added sugar.
There is something about summer that just screams watermelon. Truth is, I was never a huge fan of watermelon growing up. Honestly, I think it was because my mom never bought it because she doesn’t really like it that much.
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But, Micheal on the other hand, is a huge fan of it. Buying it for him has turned me into a pretty big watermelon lover. It has a great nutritional profile as well (find out more here) – made mostly of water so it is low in carbohydrates and packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
It can’t be beaten on a hot day and this sorbet might be your new favorite way to enjoy it!
Why we love this watermelon lime sorbet
- easy to make – simply cutting a watermelon, freezing, and blending. You will need a little patience, but that is it!
- all you need is a blender – no ice cream maker required!
- so light and refreshing – the perfect amount of sweetness balanced with a little tang from the lime. It screams summer!
- no sweetener is needed – although you can add some if you like depending on your preferences
- family approved – everyone will love it, kids and adults, alike
How to pick a sweet watermelon
Having a sweet watermelon is key for this recipe, along with just eating in general. Here are a few things to look out for when picking one:
- how it looks – look for a watermelon symmetrical and uniform in shape. No gashes, bumps, or bruises.
- webbing – larger webbing (the darker green lines) can indicate it is sweet. Also if it is dark and dull, it is a good indication.
- how heavy it is – with watermelon being such high water content, you want it to feel heavy as it helps indicate its sweetness.
- large yellow spot – turn it over and look for a larger yellow spot. This is where it sat in the field and ripened in the sun. If the spot is white, it hasn’t ripened long enough.
Check out this video for more details!
Ingredients
- frozen watermelon
- lime juice – for a little tang and also helps to give it a smooth texture and consistency
- salt – optional, but brings out the flavors a little more
How to make watermelon sorbet in a blender
- Prep your watermelon. Dice watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Place cubed watermelon in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 5 hours, or until frozen.
- Blend. Add frozen watermelon chunks, lime juice, and sea salt (if using) in a Vitamix or high-powered blender. If needed, wait a few minutes so it is easier to blend. Blend until watermelon is broken down into shaved ice consistency.
- Enjoy!
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, a food processor will work the same as a blender. You will want to make sure it is a high-powered one so it can puree the watermelon.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, if you have leftovers, you can freeze the extra. Place it in a jar or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. The mixture will harden like ice, so you will have to defrost it for a little when wanting to eat it. You can also put it back in the blender to help soften it up.
Pro-tip – I like to keep frozen watermelon in the freezer all summer long. Then when I want to make this, just put the amount I want and lime juice in my blender and blend away.
Pump up the protein
If being mindful of your protein intake and want to sneak some in, you can easily add a scoop or two of protein powder. I like collagen since it is unflavored and you can’t detect but you could also use a vanilla flavored one. Make use to use one that blends well as you don’t want to be left with a gritty texture.
Substitutions or additions
This recipe is so simple that you can easily customize it to change it up. Here are some suggestions:
- fruit – substitute your favorite fruit!
- lime juice – lemon juice is a good substitute.
- sweetener – if you want your sorbet a little sweeter, feel free to add some honey or maple syrup.
- protein powder – add a scoop or two of collagen or vanilla protein powder.
- milk – add a splash of cream or coconut milk to make it super creamy and more like a traditional sorbet
More healthy dessert recipes
- tahini milkshake
- homemade gummies with real fruit
- avocado frozen yogurt
- dairy-free peanut butter frosty
Watermelon Sorbet
ingredients
- 6 cups cubed watermelon (about 750 grams)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- pinch of sea salt (optional)
instructions
- Prep your watermelon. Dice watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Place cubed watermelon in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 5 hours, or until frozen.
- Blend. Add frozen watermelon chunks, lime juice, and sea salt (if using) in a Vitamix or high-powered blender. If needed, wait a few minutes so it is easier to blend. Blend until watermelon is broken down into shaved ice consistency.
- Enjoy!
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Thank you for such a refreshing recipe! My husband already made it three times in a week period.
So glad you both liked it so much Ludy! Thanks for trying!
Loved this refreshing recipe! It was even better the second day. It froze solid but I used an ice cream scoop to make a watermelon sorbet snow cone! Yum!
YUM! Love that idea! Glad you enjoyed it Nicole!
Thank you for this recipe! It’s so simple and refreshing! The lime juice added the perfect amount of zing. My whole family really enjoyed this watermelon sorbet.
So glad everyone loved it Kerry! Thank you for trying it!
Looks sooo refreshing and it’s hot as he— here
It’s so good – would be good with any frozen fruit too!
Is this something that can be made ahead of time and frozen?
Yep! It will freeze in one solid block (or whatever you are freezing it in), but just let it thaw out in the fridge and then blend it again. The blending it again will give it the same consistency as when you first make it. You could even freeze it in smaller containers for individual portions. Hope you enjoy!
This looks soooooo good! Think a food processor would work? I really should get a blender haha!
Yes it definitely will!! You can even let the watermelon sit of a couple minutes so it isn’t rock solid before you process it. And yes, my Vitamix is my most used kitchen gadget!
Update: It worked and is so refreshing!!
YAY!! So glad it worked and you liked it! Thanks for trying Tiffany 🙂
looks SO refreshing, kelly!!! perfect summer recipe, & i love how simple it is to throw together! giving it a try – chris would love this! xx
Thanks Jess!! It really is so simple! I’m even thinking you could add a little alcohol for a fun summer treat haha!
Hi There, what an informative and wonderful post. Helped me very much with my dilemma. Like the points you have talked about. Absolutely true!