A simple, brilliantly refreshing watermelon ice cream that you’ll want all summer long. Made in the Ninja CREAMi, it comes together quickly and is perfect when you want just one or two servings of something light and fruity.
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with watermelon. It’s my husband’s favorite fruit, and while I enjoy it too (summer peaches still win my top spot), I absolutely loathe cutting one and dealing with how much space it takes up on the counter or in the fridge. By the end of the season I’m often ready to not see another slice for months. That said, nothing compares to watermelon’s thirst-quenching, cooling effect on a hot day — which is how this ice cream came to be.
This watermelon ice cream was invented during a recent heat wave when our air conditioner struggled to keep the living area comfortable. I made it in my Ninja CREAMi because it’s become my go-to countertop appliance for single-serve frozen treats. If you own one, you’ll appreciate how easy it makes blending fruit and other ingredients into a scoopable, creamy result.
The finished texture is somewhere between frozen yogurt and sorbet: light and scoopable, with bright watermelon flavor and a hint of fresh lime in every bite. It’s refreshing, not heavy, and perfect for hot afternoons or an easy, healthy dessert.
Why It’s Worth Making
- Super refreshing with a full lime juiced into the base for bright acidity.
- Naturally hydrating — light and full of fresh fruit juice.
- Easy to make protein-packed if you choose to add protein powder.
- Creamy and scoopable, but not heavy like traditional ice cream.
Ingredient Rundown
With just five core ingredients, the watermelon truly shines in this ice cream. Keep ingredients fresh and simple for the best results.
- Watermelon – choose a ripe, juicy melon and chop into small cubes for easy blending.
- Yogurt – this recipe reads like a frozen yogurt, but using full-fat plain yogurt keeps the texture creamy instead of icy.
- Lime – the juice of one lime brightens the watermelon and balances sweetness; reserve zest if you want a garnish.
- Cucumber – optional but recommended: a small amount enhances the thirst-quenching quality and gives a subtle cooling note.
- Protein powder – optional. If you add it, choose unflavored or very mild vanilla so the watermelon remains the star.
How To Make It Protein Packed
The Ninja CREAMi excels at incorporating protein powder into frozen bases without leaving a chalky texture. If you want to boost protein, use an unflavored protein powder or a very mild vanilla. The goal is to keep the watermelon flavor bright, so add protein conservatively. You can also omit protein entirely — the recipe is delicious either way.
Pro Tips
How To Make It Smooth and Creamy
Follow these tips to achieve the best texture from your Ninja CREAMi:
- Puree all ingredients until smooth. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender before freezing in the CREAMi pint container.
- Freeze the mixture completely, then process on the light or sorbet setting. Add a splash of liquid (coconut milk, coconut water, or a little dairy milk) if the mixture is too firm, and respin until scoopable.
- Garnish with lime zest, a few mint leaves, or a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning like tajín for a spicy-salty contrast.
Alternative Ideas
- If you enjoy tajín on fresh watermelon, try it as a garnish on this ice cream for a sweet-spicy-salty hit.
- Fresh herbs like mint or basil pair beautifully with watermelon; fold a few leaves into the base or use them as a garnish.
- For a dairy-free version, swap plain yogurt for carton coconut milk (not canned) to retain creaminess and a subtle coconut note.
Storage & Leftovers
Because this is a CREAMi recipe, leftovers store well in the original pint container. Smooth the top and freeze. When ready to serve again, respin on the light or sorbet setting and add a small splash of liquid if needed to restore a scoopable texture.
Need More Frozen Watermelon Ideas For Summer?
If you love frozen watermelon treats, try variations like watermelon slushies or frozen smoothies. This basic watermelon ice cream recipe adapts easily: adjust the yogurt for creaminess, switch liquids for different flavor notes, or add a touch of spice for contrast.
Watermelon Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 255 grams watermelon
- 115 grams plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 20 grams unflavored protein powder of choice (optional; vanilla may work if mild)
- 75 grams cucumber
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a Ninja CREAMi container and puree until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Freeze the container for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight, until fully solid.
- Process on the sorbet or light ice cream setting. If the mixture is too firm, remove the lid, add a splash of milk or coconut water, and respin. Repeat until desired consistency is reached.
- Scoop into bowls and garnish with lime zest, mint, or a pinch of tajín if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein powder is optional. Choose unflavored or a subtle vanilla to avoid overpowering the watermelon. A small amount blends best.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.