Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mint Watermelon Granita is the ultimate summer dessert—light, fresh, and incredibly easy to make. The sweetness of the watermelon, paired with the refreshing mint and citrusy zing from lime, creates a delightful balance of flavors. The texture is icy and fluffy, just like a snow cone, but far lighter and more natural. Plus, it’s completely customizable! Adjust the sweetness, add a splash of rum for an adult version, or garnish it with lime zest for a pop of color. This granita is a showstopper that’s perfect for hot days, BBQs, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruit & Herbs:
- 1.5 kg seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into chunks
- 20 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
Citrus:
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
Sweetener:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Place the watermelon chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow, freezer-safe dish to remove the pulp (optional for a smoother texture).
- Freeze the mixture for 45-60 minutes, then use a fork to scrape and break up any ice crystals forming at the edges.
- Return to the freezer. Every 30 minutes, scrape the mixture with a fork, repeating 3-4 times, until the granita is fully frozen and fluffy with fine crystals (about 4 hours total).
- Fluff the granita with a fork and spoon into chilled glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 portions
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 240 minutes (freezing time)
- Overall Time: 255 minutes
Variations
- Adult Version: For a fun twist, add a splash of rum or vodka to the mixture before freezing. It adds a subtle kick to the granita (adults only!).
- Other Fruits: You can experiment with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches for a unique flavor profile. Just blend and freeze in the same way.
- No Pulp: If you prefer a smoother texture, simply strain the watermelon mixture to remove any pulp before freezing.
Storage/Reheating
- Leftover granita can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Be sure to fluff it with a fork before serving to maintain its light, icy texture.
- If the granita becomes too hard in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and then fluff with a fork to break up the ice crystals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen watermelon instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen watermelon works well in this recipe. Just be sure to let it thaw slightly before blending.
Can I make this granita without sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute depending on your preference.
How do I make sure the granita stays fluffy?
The key to a fluffy granita is scraping it with a fork every 30 minutes as it freezes. This prevents large ice crystals from forming and gives it the fine, icy texture.
Can I use a different type of citrus?
While lime provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the watermelon, you can also use lemon, orange, or even a splash of grapefruit juice for a different citrus twist.
Can I add other herbs besides mint?
Yes, basil or lemon balm would also work well as a substitute for mint or in combination with mint for a unique flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this granita can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it tightly covered in the freezer and fluff it up before serving.
How do I make the granita smoother?
For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp before freezing.
Can I serve this granita in a fancy way?
Absolutely! Serve the granita in chilled glasses or bowls and garnish with extra mint leaves, lime zest, or even edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
How long should I freeze the granita?
The granita needs about 4 hours to freeze completely. Make sure to scrape it every 30 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, you can use alternatives like maple syrup, agave, or stevia. Just be sure to adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of the alternative sweetener.
Conclusion
Mint Watermelon Granita is the perfect refreshing dessert for hot summer days. With its light, icy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s a great way to cool down while enjoying a healthy, vegan treat. Whether served at a BBQ, a poolside party, or just as a family dessert, this granita will surely become a favorite go-to recipe for all your summer celebrations!
Mint Watermelon Granita
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 portions
Description
Mint Watermelon Granita is a refreshing and light summer dessert combining watermelon, mint, lime, and a touch of sweetness. This icy treat is perfect for cooling off on hot days and is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Ingredients
1.5 kg seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into chunks
20 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Place the watermelon chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow, freezer-safe dish to remove the pulp (optional for a smoother texture).
- Freeze the mixture for 45-60 minutes, then use a fork to scrape and break up any ice crystals forming at the edges.
- Return to the freezer. Every 30 minutes, scrape the mixture with a fork, repeating 3-4 times, until the granita is fully frozen and fluffy with fine crystals (about 4 hours total).
- Fluff the granita with a fork and spoon into chilled glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the watermelon mixture to remove any pulp before freezing.
For a fun adult version, add a splash of rum or vodka before freezing.
You can substitute the sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute, depending on your preference.
For a different twist, experiment with fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
