Watermelon Sorbet & Granita – A Refreshing Taste Of Spring

Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Cherie

Cool down with Watermelon Sorbet or Granita! Light, refreshing & naturally vegan, these easy frozen treats are perfect for spring. Try both today!

Nothing says refreshing quite like watermelon. Juicy, hydrating, and naturally sweet, it’s the perfect fruit to enjoy as the weather warms up. While watermelon is often associated with the height of summer, its light, cooling nature makes it a fantastic transitional ingredient as we move from spring into warmer days.

What better way to celebrate its fresh, fruity flavour than by turning it into a smooth, scoopable sorbet or, for those who prefer a little texture, a delicate, icy granita?

In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ Why watermelon makes an incredible frozen dessert
✔ The health benefits of watermelon – Hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants
✔ A simple, naturally vegan & dairy-free watermelon sorbet recipe
✔ Fancy something with a little more texture? Try a watermelon granita! – A crunchier, easy-to-make alternative
✔ Serving ideas & flavour pairings

If you’d like to jump straight to a recipe, use the following link, or read along to find out more.

Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free

One of the best things about sorbet is that it’s naturally dairy-free and plant-based, making it an excellent alternative to ice cream for those looking for something lighter, fruitier, and more refreshing.

This Watermelon Sorbet is made with simple, fresh ingredients—no cream, no eggs, just the natural sweetness and juiciness of watermelon, enhanced with a touch of citrus and sugar for balance.

The Health Benefits of Watermelon

Not only is watermelon deliciously sweet and refreshing, but it’s also packed with nutrients that support hydration, digestion, and overall well-being.

• Hydrating & Low-Calorie – With over 90% water content, watermelon is incredibly hydrating and naturally low in calories, making it the ultimate guilt-free frozen treat.
• Rich in Antioxidants – Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
• Good for Digestion – A great source of dietary fibre, which supports gut health and digestion.
• Boosts Skin Health – Packed with vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin, collagen production, and overall immune support.

With all these benefits, it’s clear that watermelon is not just delicious but also a great addition to a balanced diet!

👉🏽 Click the following link to find out more about the health benefits of Watermelon – Top Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon

Watermelon Sorbet Recipe

Our Watermelon Sorbet is light, fruity, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect cooling dessert to enjoy on its own or pair with other summery flavours.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 800g fresh watermelon, cubed and deseeded
• 100g caster sugar (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime (for brightness and balance)
• A pinch of salt (enhances flavour depth)
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup or honey (optional – for a smoother texture, note: honey makes it non-vegan)

Optional Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, lime zest, or a drizzle of honey

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Watermelon
   • Remove the rind, cut the watermelon into cubes, and deseed if necessary.
2. Blend the Ingredients
   • Add the watermelon, sugar, lime juice, and salt to a blender.
   • Blend until completely smooth.
3. Chill the Mixture
   • Pour into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.
4. Freeze the Sorbet
   • With an ice cream maker: Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then freeze for another 1-2 hours.
   • Without an ice cream maker: Pour into a shallow dish and freeze for 1 hour, stirring every 30 minutes until smooth and scoopable (about 3-4 hours).
5. Serve & Enjoy!
   • Scoop into bowls, garnish with mint leaves or a twist of lime zest, and enjoy!

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Scoop)

• Calories: 90 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Sugars: 19g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Fibre: 1g | Water Content: ~90%

💡 Pro Tips:
✔ Reduce sugar for a less sweet sorbet, or swap for a natural sweetener.
✔ Add a splash of vodka or rum for an adult-friendly sorbet that stays softer in the freezer.

Fancy Something with More Texture? Try a Watermelon Granita!

If you prefer a frozen dessert with a little more texture, a Watermelon Granita might be the perfect choice!

Unlike sorbet, which is smooth and churned, granita is frozen in a shallow dish and scraped with a fork every 30 minutes to create light, delicate ice crystals.

What is a Granita?

A granita is an Italian-style semi-frozen dessert that’s similar to sorbet but has a coarser, more crystalline texture.

Key Differences Between Sorbet & Granita:

• Sorbet → Smooth & creamy, churned (or stirred frequently) to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
• Granita → Icy & flaky, frozen in a shallow tray and scraped with a fork every 30 minutes to create delicate, crunchy ice crystals.

Why Choose a Granita Instead of a Sorbet?

✔ Easier to Make – No churning, no special equipment – just freeze and scrape!
✔ Lighter & More Icy – The crunchy texture makes it even more refreshing.
✔ Great for Layering – Serve with fresh fruit, herbs, or even a splash of alcohol for a sophisticated twist.

Watermelon Granita Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 800g fresh watermelon, cubed and deseeded
• 80g caster sugar (slightly less than sorbet for a more refreshing taste)
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Method

• Blend the Watermelon
  • Add watermelon, sugar, lime juice, and salt to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
• Freeze & Scrape
  • Pour into a shallow, freezer-safe dish.
  • Freeze for 30 minutes, then scrape with a fork.
  • Repeat every 30 minutes for about 3 hours, until icy and flaky.
• Serve & Enjoy!
  • Scoop into glasses and garnish with fresh mint or lime zest.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Scoop)

• Calories: 80 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Sugars: 18g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Fibre: 0.5g

💡 Tip: For a boozy twist, serve with a drizzle of Prosecco or a shot of rum!

The Final Scoop – Which Will You Try?

Both Watermelon Sorbet and Watermelon Granita are light, fruity, and incredibly refreshing, making them perfect for spring & summer!

👉🏽 Would you go for the smooth, creamy sorbet or the light, icy granita? Let us know in the comments below!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Watermelon Sorbet & Granita – A Refreshing Taste Of Spring – and that we have inspired you to give our recipes a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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