Strawberry Watermelon Protein Refresher
Fruity, crystal-clear, and wonderfully refreshing, this Strawberry Watermelon Protein Refresher is a lighter alternative to thick, heavy protein shakes. Juicy watermelon and strawberries provide bright natural flavor, while clear protein powder adds a protein boost without turning the drink creamy. A splash of lime and plenty of ice make it especially refreshing on hot days. Clear protein drinks are commonly prepared separately with cold water to keep the finished drink light and transparent.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh watermelon, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 scoop clear, unflavored or watermelon-flavored protein powder
- 1½ cups cold water, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½–1 teaspoon honey or zero-calorie sweetener, optional
- 1 cup ice
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves, optional
- Fresh strawberry and watermelon wedges, for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Fruit
Cut the watermelon into small pieces and remove any seeds. Hull the strawberries and slice them in half.
For an especially cold refresher, you can freeze the watermelon and strawberries beforehand. Frozen fruit can provide a chilled texture without needing as much ice.
2. Prepare the Protein
Add the clear protein powder to ¾ cup of cold water in a shaker bottle.
Shake well according to the instructions on your protein powder. Let it sit for a minute or two afterward so the foam settles. Straining off excess foam can help keep the drink looking clearer.
3. Make the Strawberry Watermelon Base
Place the watermelon, strawberries, remaining ¾ cup water, lime juice, and mint leaves into a blender.
Blend briefly until the fruit is completely broken down.
If you want a truly crystal-clear drink, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Press gently with a spoon to extract the juice while leaving most of the fruit pulp behind.
4. Combine With the Protein
Pour the strained strawberry-watermelon mixture into a large glass.
Slowly add the prepared clear protein drink and gently stir.
Avoid vigorous stirring at this point because it can create unnecessary foam.
5. Add Ice
Fill the glass generously with ice and stir gently once more.
Taste the refresher and add a little honey or your preferred sweetener if you want additional sweetness.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a small watermelon wedge, strawberry, lime slice, or fresh mint.
Serve immediately while it’s ice-cold and refreshing.
Tips for the Best Refresher
Use cold ingredients. Chilled watermelon, strawberries, and water make a big difference in keeping the drink refreshing.
Choose clear protein powder. A clear protein designed to mix with water will give you a much lighter, juice-like drink than traditional milk-based protein powders. Similar strawberry-watermelon protein drinks use clear protein to maintain a refreshing fruit-forward style. (Sunwarrior)
Don’t overblend. If you’re aiming for a crystal-clear appearance, blend the fruit just enough to extract its flavor, then strain thoroughly.
Adjust the flavor. Add more lime for tanginess, extra watermelon for sweetness, or a few mint leaves for a cooling finish.
For a thicker, smoothie-style version, skip straining and blend the fruit with the protein instead. Strawberry-watermelon protein smoothies commonly combine the fruits with protein powder and liquid for a more substantial drink.
Meta Description
Sip on a refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Protein Refresher made with juicy fruit, clear protein, lime, and ice for a light, fruity, protein-packed drink.