Watermelon Cucumber Granita – Skinnytaste

Cool off with this refreshing watermelon cucumber granita. It's easy to make and requires no special equipment!

Watermelon Cucumber Granita

This light frozen dessert is cold and slushy, perfect for cooling off or refreshing your palate this summer. Made with just 4 ingredients, this watermelon cucumber granita is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. I love the combination of cucumber and watermelon here. It’s like frozen spa water and so refreshing! You can also make it as a boozy treat. Just add a splash of gin or vodka, like I did in this watermelon granita cocktail.

What is Granita?

Granita is a frozen Italian dessert made with fruit, sugar, and liquid. It has a rougher, more icy texture than sorbet.

The origin of granita

Granita originated in Sicily, Italy during the Middle Ages when the Arabs ruled the region. Originally called “Sherbet”, it was made from snow from Mount Etna and was a special treat for royalty. In Sicily, it is common to eat granita with brioche for breakfast.

Why You'll Love This Granita Recipe

There's nothing better than relaxing on a hot summer day with a frozen treat. Sweet, juicy watermelon, crunchy cucumber, and tangy lime make for the most refreshing treat.

• There are only 4 ingredients: Aside from the watermelon and cucumber, all you need is sweetener and lime juice.
• Easy to make: You'll need a food processor or blender to puree the granita ingredients, but you don't need any special equipment to achieve that signature icy texture.
• Sugar Free: I personally like to eat them with monk fruit sweetener (just a little goes a long way), so they're a sugar-free snack.
• Dietary restrictions: This healthy watermelon cucumber granita is dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Weight Watchers friendly.

I would love to see you make this Ice Watermelon Granita. Tag me with a photo on Instagram or Facebook!

Watermelon Cucumber Granita Ingredients

You only need four ingredients to make this vegan watermelon cucumber granita. Please refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements.

• watermelon: If you want to make the sweetest granita, use ripe watermelon that is in season.
• cucumber: Peel and seed the English or Persian cucumbers.
• sweetener: I prefer Lakanto monk fruit as a sugar-free and calorie-free option, but granulated sugar is fine too.
• Lime juice For a refreshing and bright citrus flavor

How to make granita

Plan on making this simple granita recipe when you have some time at home. The watermelon-cucumber mixture takes about 5 hours to become ice-cold, but the process is mostly hands-free. Please see the recipe card below for detailed instructions.

1. Puree all ingredients. Place in a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth. Pour mixture into a 9 x 9-inch metal baking pan.
2. Freeze and Scrape: Place the pan in the freezer for about 90 minutes, until almost solid. Stir with a fork and break up any clumps. Freeze for another hour or two, then scrape the granita with a fork to form clumpy, snow-like crystals. Repeat the process until the mixture is frozen and sculpted.
3. How to serve granita: Divide the watermelon granita into glasses or bowls and garnish with cucumber slices, if desired.

transform

• fruit: Instead of watermelon, try pineapple, mango or strawberries.
• cucumber: If you want to make a granita with only fruit, omit the cucumbers, double the watermelon, or add 1 ½ cups more of other fruit.
• Citrus: You can substitute it with lemon or orange juice.
• Watermelon Mint Granita: Add mint to blender.
• juice: To make a granita cocktail, add vodka, gin, or rum just before serving.

How long can granita be stored in the freezer?

Watermelon granita can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

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