Yoghurt, watermelon and banana milkshake

Ingredients

• 250 mlcold low-fat natural yoghurt
• 10crushed ice cubes
• 2bananas
• 500 gwatermelon flesh
• 1 tsphoney
• ½ tsp (optional)cardamom

Instructions

1. 1

   Slice the bananas

   Peel the bananas and cut them into rounds.

2. 2

   Prepare the watermelon

   Remove any seeds from the watermelon, then cut the flesh into cubes.

3. 3

   Blend the fruit

   Put the yoghurt, bananas, watermelon, honey and cardamom in a blender and blend.

4. 4

   Add the ice

   Add the crushed ice and blend for about 10 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and even.

5. 5

   Pour into glasses

   Pour the shake into long-drink glasses.

6. 6

   Serve the shake

   Serve with a coloured straw.

What is a watermelon and banana milkshake?

This is a chilled fruit-and-yoghurt drink, sometimes called a shake or frappé. This Italian-style version pairs juicy watermelon with banana for sweetness and body, with cold yoghurt giving it a creamy tang.

Fruit blended with yoghurt is a simple, adaptable summer refreshment rather than a dish with one defining regional tradition. The short ingredient list and crushed ice make this version quick to prepare and serve straight away.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 124 calories, 4g protein, 29g carbs, 1g fat.

The banana and watermelon supply most of the carbohydrates, while the yoghurt contributes protein and a little fat. Honey adds a small amount of carbohydrate, and the overall fat content is modest because the yoghurt is low-fat. Pair a glass with a source of fibre or a savoury protein-rich food if you want a more balanced snack.

Choosing the fruit

Watermelon: Use ripe, fragrant flesh and remove the seeds before blending. Chilling it beforehand helps keep the finished drink cold.

Bananas: Ripe bananas blend easily and add sweetness and a thicker texture. If they are very large, the drink may be especially rich and dense.

Getting a smooth blend

Blend the yoghurt, fruit, honey and optional cardamom first, as directed. This gives the blender a chance to break down the fruit before the ice is added.

Add the crushed ice last and blend for about 10 seconds. Stop once the mixture looks smooth and evenly combined.

Sweetness and flavour

Honey: The recipe uses just 1 teaspoon, while ripe banana and watermelon provide much of the drink’s sweetness. Taste the blended fruit mixture before adding the ice if you want to judge its flavour.

Cardamom: Its warm, aromatic note is optional and can be left out for a simpler fruit flavour. Measure it carefully so it does not overpower the watermelon.

Texture and serving

The banana gives the shake a fuller, creamier feel, while watermelon keeps it juicy. Crushed ice makes it colder and helps create a drinkable consistency.

Pour into long-drink glasses and serve immediately with straws. As the ice melts, the shake will become thinner.

What to serve alongside

Serve it as a cool breakfast drink, an afternoon refreshment or a simple summer snack. For a more substantial plate, pair a glass with toast, oats or a small savoury sandwich.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use cold yoghurt and chilled watermelon for a refreshing drink.
• Remove watermelon seeds before blending for a smoother result.
• Cut the bananas into rounds so they blend readily.
• Add the crushed ice only after blending the fruit and yoghurt.
• Blend the ice for about 10 seconds, then stop once the texture is smooth.
• Serve as soon as it is poured so the ice does not dilute the shake.

Variations

• Leave out cardamom: Keep the flavour focused on the fruit and yoghurt.
• Use frozen banana: Freeze peeled banana pieces ahead of time for a colder, thicker shake.
• Adjust the honey: Omit it or add a little more to suit the sweetness of the fruit.
• Add mint: Blend in a few mint leaves for a fresh herbal note.
• Make it dairy-free: Use an unsweetened plant-based yoghurt in place of the natural yoghurt.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving in seeds: Pick them out before blending so they do not interrupt the smooth texture.
• Using underripe bananas: Choose ripe bananas for easier blending and natural sweetness.
• Adding ice too early: Blend the fruit and yoghurt first, then add the crushed ice.
• Blending for too long: Stop after about 10 seconds once the ice is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
• Letting it stand: Serve promptly, as melting ice thins and dilutes the drink.

How to store

This shake is best served immediately. If needed, cover and refrigerate for up to a day, then stir or briefly reblend before serving; the texture may become thinner as the ice melts.

Frequently asked questions