Healthy Watermelon Popsicles

These fresh watermelon popsicles require just 4 ingredients (3 are optional!) and a few minutes of prep for a super refreshing, tasty, and healthy low-calorie frozen summer treat that both kids and adults will love!

Flavorful Fresh Watermelon Lime Popsicles

Every week during summer, I purchase a watermelon (or two) and then have to do the refrigerator jigsaw challenge to fit it in the fridge (because summer dictates we NEED the watermelon to be ice cold straight from the fridge!). However, want to enjoy watermelon at its finest with minimal space taken? Try these homemade watermelon popsicles!

I've already shared a recipe for delicious watermelon juice this summer (where you can read all about the health benefits of watermelon). Well, having used the leftovers to make homemade watermelon popsicles last week, I decided they deserve a post of their own for your next hot summer day!

The process is so simple, too! Just blend the melon mixture, pour it into popsicle molds, and freeze until solid. Plus, there are plenty of ways to adapt the recipe, too!

You don't even have to add any extra sweetener if your melon is sweet enough! Making this a super healthy and naturally low-calorie summer treat that's still child-approved. They're also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan for the whole family to enjoy. Keep reading for the complete watermelon popsicle recipe method, top tips, and more!

The Ingredients

Technically, you can prepare this watermelon popsicle recipe with as little as ONE ingredient. I've used four to make these delicious watermelon mint popsicles. 

• Watermelon: To pick the best watermelon, choose one that's heavy for its size with a dull skin (not shiny) and a prominent worn yellow patch on it (if it's white, the melon may have been picked too early and won't be as flavorful) and lots of webbing (which means they're sweet!). Use a seedless melon, if possible, but one with seeds will work too.

This homemade popsicle method will also work with other melons and fruits, like honeydew, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, kiwi, berries, peach, etc. 

• Lime: (optional) A small amount of tangy lime juice is perfect for balancing against the sweet melon. Lemon juice will also work. 
• Fresh mint leaves: (optional) Watermelon and mint are a match made in heaven and perfect for enjoying in the form of refreshing watermelon mint popsicles this summer. 
• Sweetener: (optional) If your watermelon isn't sweet enough, add a small amount of agave nectar or maple syrup to sweeten it to taste. I prefer watermelon agave popsicles.

What Else Could I add?

There are almost endless ways to enjoy these homemade watermelon popsicles when you experiment with combining fruit purees. Here are just a few optional add-ins and flavor combinations you might enjoy. 

• Vegan yogurt: For creamy watermelon popsicles, mix in some dairy-free yogurt (between 1—1 ½ cups). You can mix it in as little as you like (for swirls) or thoroughly mix it, adjusting the amount to taste. 
• Coconut milk: Another way to make creamy watermelon popsicles is to add canned coconut milk. I recommend ½-1 cup based on how creamy you want them. 
• Dairy-free chocolate chips: This might sound odd, but these mimic watermelon seeds in your popsicle so kids love them.

• Rose water: This fruity-floral combination is delicious. Add rose water to taste, starting with just a teaspoon (it's better to add too little than too much).
• Apple juice: For more natural sweetness in the melon popsicles.
• Other fruits: Combine the watermelon with other fruits for tons of flavor combos. Start by adding one cup and increase to taste. 
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Peach
  • Kiwi
  • Pineapple

How to Make Watermelon Popsicles?

Prepare these homemade watermelon popsicles in just four simple steps. 

• 1) First, chop the watermelon. Since we're blending it, you don't have to be too precious with this. I cut it half, then half again, and cut away the flesh with a knife. If you're adding lime juice, then juice that now, too. 
• 2) Transfer the melon to your blender (do so in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth. Then taste the mixture and add lime juice/sweetener to taste. 

If the mixture is thick or not blending well, add a little extra liquid (fruit juice, coconut water, water).

If you used a seeded watermelon, you could pass this mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag before moving on to the next step. This step will also filter out the pulp. 

• 3) Pour the watermelon mixture into popsicle molds (or paper cups), leaving a ¾-inch gap for expansion. Next, add the popsicle sticks, and allow them to freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until frozen solid.

If you have any issues de-molding them, you can run the mold under warm water for a few seconds. 

Enjoy!

FAQs

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Adjust the ingredient ratio: Add more lime for tang, agave for sweetness, mint to taste, etc. 
• Don't discard the watermelon rind: You can use it to turn into pickles, jam, or even add to stir-fries. 
• Using leftover: If you end up with more watermelon puree than you have popsicle molds, turn to an ice cube tray instead. The frozen cubes will work in lemonade during summer to chill and slowly infuse them with flavor.
• For chunky popsicles: Mix some whole berries or chopped fruit into the watermelon mixture for bites of fruit in the watermelon ice lollies. 
• Make layered popsicles: Pour different flavored layers into the popsicle molds separately, freezing them for 20-30 minutes between each layer. I.e., make watermelon slice popsicles with a big watermelon layer (¾ the mold), a small layer of dairy-free yogurt/coconut milk, and a layer of kiwi. 

Storage Instructions

You can store these homemade watermelon popsicles in your freezer for between 2-3 months. Note that if you experiment with any add-ins, this may affect the shelf life. 

Other Fruity Recipes

• Pineapple strawberry nice cream
• Apple orange carrot juice
• Dehydrator Apple Chips [+ Air Fryer| Cinnamon Apple Slices]
• Simple strawberry juice
• Blueberry banana smoothie
• Strawberry yogurt smoothie
• Banana milkshake (without ice cream)

If you try this easy watermelon popsicles recipe (watermelon ice lollies), I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla