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Mint Watermelon Granita Delight

Category: Sweet Treats with the Perfect Crunch

Mint watermelon granita combines juicy seedless watermelon, fresh mint leaves, and zesty lime for a refreshing frozen treat ideal for summer. The fruit and herbs are smoothly blended with a touch of sugar, strained for a silky texture, and frozen in stages, creating delicate, airy ice crystals. Fluffed with a fork for a snowy finish, it's served in chilled glasses with a mint garnish. This Italian-inspired dessert is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it light and inclusive. Adjust sweetness to taste, and elevate with a splash of rum for an adult twist if desired.

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Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:41:49 GMT
A bowl of watermelon granita with mint leaves on top. Save
A bowl of watermelon granita with mint leaves on top. | krispywithmia.com

This cool and vibrant Mint Watermelon Granita is the ultimate sweet treat for sweltering summer afternoons With just four core ingredients you will get a frosty dessert that is both hydrating and naturally vegan I reach for it every time I want something easy yet impressive to end a picnic or cookout

The first time I served this was at a July fourth barbecue and my friends now ask about it all year I love how it doubles as a dessert and palate cleanser

Ingredients

  • Watermelon: sweet juicy and hydrating It is best to choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size with a deep hollow sound when tapped
  • Fresh mint leaves: add brightness and lift the sweetness Check for vibrant color and no dark spots
  • Juice of 1 lime: about 2 tablespoons The citrus balances the natural sugars and gives complexity Always pick limes that feel heavy and smooth for their size
  • Granulated sugar: three tablespoons gives just enough sweetness to bring out watermelon flavor but you can adjust up or down Taste your fruit first for natural sweetness
  • Extra mint or a twist of lime for garnish: makes every glass pretty Choose the freshest sprigs

StepbyStep Instructions

Prep the Watermelon:
Remove the rind from the watermelon and chop into chunks Try to remove all seeds unless it is a seedless variety as seeds will not blend smoothly
Blend the Base:
Add chopped watermelon mint leaves lime juice and sugar to the blender or food processor Blend until absolutely smooth I like to blend twice to ensure a silky texture
Strain for Smoothness:
If you want a more delicate consistency pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow very wide freezer safe baking dish Gently press the juice through and discard the pulp
Initial Freeze and Scrape:
Place the dish in the freezer After 45 to 60 minutes ice crystals will start forming around the edges Use a fork to scrape these into the center
Repeat Freeze and Fluff:
Return the dish to the freezer Scrape with a fork every 30 minutes to break up any large crystals After three or four rounds about 4 hours total the granita will look like fluffy snow
Serve and Garnish:
Once it is frozen and feathery use a fork to fluff the granita Spoon it into chilled glasses or bowls immediately Top with extra mint or a twist of lime for fresh aroma
A glass of watermelon granita with mint leaves. Save
A glass of watermelon granita with mint leaves. | krispywithmia.com

I am forever loyal to fresh mint in this recipe It gives such an uplifting punch that even kids become fans I have a hilarious photo of my niece grinning wildly with a big spoonful and green flecks on her face

Storage Tips

Leftover granita keeps in the freezer for up to a week Make sure you cover tightly so it does not pick up freezer smells When ready to eat run a fork through to refresh the texture If the mixture sets up too hard give it a few minutes on the counter

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fresh mint try basil for a fun twist Honeydew or cantaloupe can stand in for watermelon just note you may need a touch more lime juice Maple syrup or agave work in place of sugar and both add subtle flavor

A small glass of watermelon granita with a sprig of mint on top. Save
A small glass of watermelon granita with a sprig of mint on top. | krispywithmia.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this in small glasses as a light finish to any meal or go big in a wine glass for maximum drama A few blueberries or a slice of fresh lime look extra inviting If you want a party vibe splash a bit of white rum before freezing

Cultural and Historical Context

Granita hails from Sicily where it is enjoyed as both breakfast and dessert on hot days The combination of water fruit sweetener and patience creates something almost magical At its best granita is all about celebrating fruit at its ripest

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve the perfect granita texture?

Scraping the mixture with a fork every 30 minutes during freezing creates fluffy, fine ice crystals characteristic of granita.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness?

Yes, taste the blended mixture and add more sugar if your watermelon isn't sweet enough.

→ Is it possible to add alcohol?

For an adult version, a splash of rum or vodka boosts flavor. Add before freezing and mix well.

→ How long can I store granita?

Granita can be kept in the freezer for up to one week. Scrape with a fork before serving to refresh the texture.

→ Does granita need special equipment?

A blender or food processor is essential for smooth blending. A fine sieve helps achieve an extra smooth finish.

→ What garnishes complement this dessert?

Fresh mint leaves, lime zest, or a lime wedge add visual appeal and a burst of freshness.

Mint Watermelon Granita Dessert

Icy mint watermelon granita blends juicy fruit and herbs for a fresh, vibrant summer dessert.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
240 min
Total Time
255 min
By: Mia Chen

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Serves

Diet Suitability: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fruit & Herbs

01 1.5 kg seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into chunks
02 20 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Citrus

03 Juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tablespoons)

→ Sweetener

04 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, or to taste

Steps

Step 01

Combine watermelon chunks, mint leaves, lime juice, and granulated sugar in a blender or food processor.

Step 02

Blend the mixture until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

Step 03

Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a shallow, freezer-safe dish to remove any pulp if a smoother granita is desired.

Step 04

Transfer the dish to the freezer and freeze for 45–60 minutes. Remove and scrape the edges with a fork to break up forming ice crystals.

Step 05

Return the dish to the freezer. Every 30 minutes, repeat scraping the mixture with a fork for a total of 3–4 times, until the granita is fluffy and crystalline, about 4 hours in total.

Step 06

Fluff the frozen granita with a fork and spoon into chilled glasses. Garnish each serving with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For added depth of flavor, incorporate a splash of rum or vodka before freezing for an adults-only version.
  2. Adjust the sugar to taste, depending on the natural sweetness of your watermelon.
  3. Enhance presentation by garnishing each glass with lime zest or a lime wedge.
  4. Store leftover granita tightly covered in the freezer for up to 1 week; re-fluff with a fork before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Blender or food processor
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Shallow freezer-safe dish
  • Fork
  • Citrus juicer

Allergen Info

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if unsure.
  • Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Always verify ingredient labels if managing allergies.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are approximate and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 65
  • Fats: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 1 g