Watermelon Banana Smoothie

Watermelon has a high water content, so this smoothie is thinner and lighter than thick, creamy smoothies. A ripe frozen banana helps sweeten it, chill it, and give it a smoother texture without yogurt or dairy. For another easy smoothie with banana, try my mango strawberry banana smoothie. For a frostier version, you can use frozen watermelon.

For more easy dairy-free smoothie recipes, try this mango cherry smoothie, mango dragon fruit smoothie, or strawberry dragon fruit smoothie.

Recipe features

• Vegan and dairy-free: Made without yogurt, milk, or dairy.
• Only 3 ingredients: Fresh watermelon, frozen banana, and lime juice.
• Light and naturally sweet: Ripe banana and sweet watermelon add plenty of flavor without added sugar.
• Quick and easy: Blends together in just a few minutes for a simple summer drink.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The watermelon and banana smoothie recipe uses simple ingredients, but please see the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Fresh watermelon - Fresh watermelon gives the smoothie the best flavor and contains enough liquid to blend without adding water.  A smoothie made with fresh watermelon will be thinner than one made with frozen watermelon.

I also tested this recipe with frozen watermelon. For a thicker colder smoothie, use frozen watermelon cubes with a fresh ripe banana and start with ½ cup of water, adding up to ⅔ cup as needed to blend. We preferred the flavor and consistency of fresh watermelon, but frozen watermelon is a good option if you want a slushier smoothie.

Frozen ripe banana - Use a ripe, brown-spotted banana for the best sweetness. Peel, quarter, and freeze the banana before making the smoothie, so it helps chill and slightly thicken the drink.

The banana adds natural sweetness and helps bind the smoothie. A fresh banana can be used, but the smoothie won't be as cold or as thick. For a thicker smoothie, add another frozen banana, keeping in mind that the flavor will be more banana-forward.

Lime - Fresh lime juice is best to add a tangy flavor to watermelon. 

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Use ripe fruit: A brown-spotted frozen banana adds sweetness and helps give the smoothie a smoother texture. Taste the watermelon before blending, since bland watermelon will make a bland smoothie.
• Skip the ice if possible: Ice can dilute the watermelon flavor. Use frozen banana or frozen watermelon if you want it colder. (See the section below on using frozen watermelon).
• Too thin? Add another frozen banana or frozen strawberries. This smoothie is naturally thinner and lighter because watermelon has a high water content.
• Bland? Add more lime juice for brightness or a soft pitted date, agave, or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Separated? That's normal after sitting. Stir or shake before drinking, and enjoy it right after blending for the best texture.
• Blender struggling? Use a tamper stick for high-speed blenders to help move the ingredients to the bottom of the blender. If you're using frozen watermelon, freeze it in small 1-inch cubes to make it easier to blend.
• For the most accurate measurement: Watermelon can vary when measured by cups, depending on the size of the cubes and how tightly they fit. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the most accurate measurement.

How to Make a Banana Watermelon Smoothie with Frozen Watermelon

For a colder, slushier smoothie, use frozen watermelon instead of fresh. Cut a seedless watermelon into small 1-inch cubes, then freeze the cubes in a single layer on a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Since frozen watermelon doesn't release liquid as quickly as fresh watermelon, you'll need to add water to help it blend. Start with ½ cup of water and add up to ⅔ cup, or more as needed, until it reaches your desired consistency.

I recommend using a fresh banana with frozen watermelon so the smoothie doesn't get too thick. The frozen watermelon version has a thicker slushy-like consistency, but it thaws and separates quickly.

Variations

Add strawberries: Fresh or frozen strawberries add extra fruitiness, and frozen berries will make it thicker. If you like strawberry smoothies, try my strawberry dragon fruit smoothie.

Add fresh mint: Blend in a mint leaf for a cool, refreshing flavor.

Swap the lime: Use peeled kiwi instead of lime juice for a sweet-tart twist.

Make it thicker: Add another frozen banana, but the smoothie will taste more banana-forward.

Storage

Refrigerator - Enjoying the smoothie freshly made is best, but if needed, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours.  Keep in mind that the smoothie will thaw and may separate.

Freeze - It's best served immediately, but leftovers can be frozen in ice cube trays and used later to add flavor to another smoothie. 

Banana watermelon smoothie FAQs

Related recipes

• Tropical island green smoothie
• Mango dragon fruit smoothie

I hope you enjoyed the smoothie!  If you did, feel free to rate it and leave a comment.