This melon lime smoothie is pure summer in a glass. Juicy watermelon and sweet cantaloupe blend with a whole peeled lime, coconut or almond milk and plenty of ice into a light, frosty drink that is sweet, tangy and incredibly refreshing.

There are just five ingredients, no added sugar and no fancy equipment beyond a good blender. It takes less than a minute to blend, so it is perfect for hot afternoons, quick breakfasts or a cool snack after being outside.

The Best Melon Lime Smoothie (Light, Frosty and Refreshing)

Melon and lime are a classic pairing for a reason. Watermelon brings a crisp, watery sweetness, and cantaloupe adds a deeper, honeyed flavor and a soft orange color. On their own, ripe melons can taste almost too sweet. A whole peeled lime fixes that, adding a bright, tangy edge that makes the fruit taste fresher and more vibrant.

Unlike many smoothies, this one does not rely on frozen fruit or bananas for body. Instead, two cups of ice turn the juicy melon into a light, slushy texture that is closer to an agua fresca or a frozen lemonade than a thick milkshake. Coconut or almond milk adds a gentle creaminess that softens the lime and ties the flavors together.

Because melons are mostly water, this smoothie is especially hydrating and light, which makes it a great pick on the hottest days of summer or after a long afternoon at the pool. It is a great way to use up the last of a watermelon or cantaloupe that is sitting in the fridge, and it is a smart choice when you want something sweet without anything heavy.

The recipe is also very forgiving. Use a little more cantaloupe for a creamier, sweeter smoothie or a little more watermelon for something crisp and juicy. Add more ice for a thicker, slushier drink.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Cantaloupe Smoothie

Super refreshing. Juicy melon, tangy lime and lots of ice make it cold, light and hydrating.
Only five ingredients. Milk, lime, watermelon, cantaloupe and ice are all you need, and most of them are probably in your kitchen right now.
No added sugar. Ripe melon supplies all the sweetness, and the lime keeps it from tasting flat or sugary.
Fast. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds and it is ready to pour, with no soaking, cooking or freezing ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This smoothie keeps things simple, so the quality of each ingredient really shows. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

Coconut or almond milk: The liquid base. Either one keeps the smoothie dairy free and adds a light creaminess that balances the tart lime. Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note, while almond milk keeps the flavor more neutral. Use the drinkable carton kind, not thick canned coconut milk.
Lime: One small lime, peeled. Blending the whole peeled fruit gives a fuller, brighter flavor than juice alone. Remove the green peel and as much of the white pith as you can, because the pith tastes bitter. If you only have bottled lime juice, start with a tablespoon or two and adjust to taste.
Watermelon: Watermelon chunks bring sweetness and lots of juice. Pick a melon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground. Seedless watermelon is easiest, but small white seeds blend away without a problem.
Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe adds a rich, honey sweet flavor and a little body. A ripe cantaloupe smells sweet at the stem end and gives slightly when pressed. Honeydew makes a good swap if that is what you have. Scoop out every seed before cutting it into chunks, since the seeds can make the smoothie gritty.
Ice: Two cups of ice chill the smoothie and give it that frosty, slushy texture. Since the melon is fresh rather than frozen, the ice is what makes the smoothie thick. Add more for a thicker drink. Crushed ice or smaller cubes blend faster and are easier on a regular blender.

How to Make a Melon Lime Smoothie

Prep the fruit. Cut the watermelon and cantaloupe into chunks, removing the rinds and the cantaloupe seeds. Peel the lime, trimming away the white pith. Cut the lime in half so it blends evenly with the melon.
Add the milk first. Pour the coconut or almond milk into the blender. Liquid on the bottom helps the blades spin freely and keeps the ice from jamming before the fruit breaks down.
Layer the rest. Add the lime, watermelon chunks, cantaloupe chunks and ice in the order listed. The ice on top presses the fruit down toward the blades.
Blend. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until the ice is fully crushed and the smoothie is smooth, pale orange and frosty. In a high speed blender like a Vitamix, this happens quickly. Stop when you no longer hear chunks of ice hitting the blades.
Adjust and taste. For a thicker consistency, add more ice and blend again. Taste and add a little more lime if you want it tangier, or a few more cantaloupe chunks if you want it sweeter.
Serve right away. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately while it is cold and slushy. Because it is made with fresh fruit and ice, it will start to separate and melt if it sits.

Kami’s tip: For a thicker consistency, add more ice and blend again until it is as frosty as you like.

Ways to Customize This Smoothie

Freeze the melon. Use frozen melon chunks and less ice for a thicker, creamier smoothie.
Add mint. A few fresh mint leaves make it taste even cooler and more refreshing, a lot like a melon agua fresca.
Try other melons. Honeydew works in place of either melon for a pale green smoothie.
Make it creamier. Add a few spoonfuls of plain or vanilla yogurt for extra body and a little protein.

Melon Lime Smoothie FAQs

Do I need to peel the lime? Yes. The peel and white pith are bitter, so peel the lime and blend just the fruit.
Can I use frozen melon? Yes. Frozen melon makes a thicker, colder smoothie, so you can use less ice. Add a splash more milk if it gets too thick to blend.
Can I use only watermelon or only cantaloupe? Yes. All watermelon makes a lighter, crisper smoothie, and all cantaloupe makes a sweeter, creamier one.
Is this smoothie dairy free? Yes, when you use coconut or almond milk.
Why is my smoothie watery? Melon is mostly water, so it needs the ice for thickness. Add more ice, 1/2 cup at a time, or use frozen melon chunks.
How do I choose a ripe melon? A ripe watermelon feels heavy and has a creamy yellow ground spot. A ripe cantaloupe smells sweet at the stem end and gives slightly when pressed.
Can I add a banana? You can. A frozen banana makes the smoothie thicker and creamier, though the banana flavor will be noticeable next to the delicate melon.
Can I make it ahead? It is best right away. Cut melon keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, so prep the fruit ahead and blend when you are ready.

Lime Melon Smoothie

This lime melon smoothie blends watermelon, cantaloupe, a whole peeled lime, coconut or almond milk and ice. It is light, frosty and refreshing with no added sugar.

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Ingredients

1 cup coconut or almond milk
1 small lime peeled
1 cup watermelon chunks
1 cup cantaloupe chunks
2 cups ice

Instructions

Add ingredients according to order listed into Vitamix blender. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds until desired consistency reached.
For thicker consistency, add more ice.

Made this smoothie? Leave a star rating in the recipe card and tell me how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing about your favorite fruit combinations.