Refreshing Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe for Hot Days

Cool summers demand a magical watermelon pistachio ice cream that dances between fruity brightness and nutty richness.

Sweet memories of childhood blend perfectly in this unexpected dessert combination.

Refreshing watermelon provides a delicate, juicy backdrop for rich, emerald-green pistachios.

Creamy textures mingle with unexpected flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Homemade desserts always feel more special when you craft something unique and memorable.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through vibrant, contrasting tastes.

Chill out and treat yourself to this remarkable frozen delight that will become your new favorite indulgence.

Perks of Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream in Summer

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks who want to create a stunning dessert without complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Summer's Bounty: Packed with fresh watermelon and crunchy pistachios, this ice cream captures the essence of sunny days, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious treat that screams seasonal delight.
• No-Churn Convenience: Skip the expensive ice cream maker! This recipe uses basic kitchen tools like a blender and freezer, allowing anyone to create a gourmet dessert with minimal equipment and maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Magnet: Its unique combination of sweet watermelon and nutty pistachios makes this dessert a conversation starter at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties, guaranteeing impressed guests and empty bowls.

Pistachio Watermelon Ice Cream Ingredients

• Watermelon: Sweet summer fruit for light, fruity flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Rich base for creamy texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and smooth consistency.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Balances and deepens the overall taste.

• Pistachios: Nutty crunch for textural contrast.

Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream Directions

Step 1: Blend Fresh Watermelon

Grab your blender and toss in chunks of ripe watermelon. Pulse and blend until you create a silky smooth puree with no chunks remaining. The vibrant pink liquid will be your flavor foundation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Ice Cream Base

• Watermelon puree
• Heavy cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a uniform, luscious blend with a beautiful soft pink color.

Step 3: Incorporate Crunchy Pistachios

Gently fold chopped pistachios into the creamy mixture. Use a soft spatula to distribute the nutty gems evenly throughout, ensuring each future spoonful will have a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Prepare for Freezing

Transfer the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Step 5: Freeze and Set

Place the container in the freezer. Allow the ice cream to set and firm up for 4-6 hours. The waiting is the hardest part, but patience rewards you with a spectacular frozen treat.

Step 6: Scoop and Serve

Remove the container from the freezer. Using an ice cream scoop, create beautiful rounds of watermelon pistachio ice cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, creamy dessert that captures summer in every bite.

Ice Cream Tips That Combine Watermelon and Pistachio Perfectly

• Prevent Ice Crystallization: Stir the mixture every hour during freezing to break up ice crystals and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Roast pistachios briefly before adding to enhance their nutty taste and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use condensed coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that's equally delicious.
• Perfect Serving Tip: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve the ideal soft, scoopable consistency.
• Fresh Watermelon Matters: Choose ripe, sweet watermelon for the most vibrant and natural fruit flavor in your homemade ice cream.

Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream Storage and Serving

• Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal carefully to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor. Keep in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• Cover the surface of the ice cream directly with plastic wrap before sealing the container. This extra layer prevents ice crystals from forming and maintains creamy texture.
• Remove ice cream from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving. Let it sit at room temperature to soften slightly, making scooping easier and restoring its smooth consistency.
• Scoop individual servings into small sealed containers for quick grab-and-go treats. This prevents repeated thawing and refreezing, which can degrade quality.

Fresh Picks for Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream

• Elevate Fresh Summer Flavor Companions: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the sweet watermelon and nutty pistachio notes, creating a delightful sensory experience.
• Pair with Light Dessert: Serve alongside a delicate lemon pound cake to enhance the refreshing watermelon essence and provide a complementary texture contrast.
• Garnish with Herbal Twist: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top of the ice cream to add a bright, cooling dimension that amplifies the summery character of the dessert.
• Create Textural Balance: Add a small crisp almond cookie on the side to provide a crunchy counterpoint to the creamy ice cream's smooth consistency.

Pistachio Ice Cream Flavor Spins

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free condensed milk alternative for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Nutty Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pistachios with roasted unsalted pistachios and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Use sugar-free condensed milk or natural sweeteners like stevia, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the refreshing watermelon flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder during mixing to transform the dessert into a protein-rich treat that supports muscle recovery and nutrition goals.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this watermelon pistachio ice cream is vegetarian-friendly, using only dairy and plant-based ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! You can substitute pistachios with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a similar crunchy texture.

• Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

No, this is a no-churn ice cream recipe that requires only basic kitchen tools like a blender and freezer container.

• How ripe should the watermelon be for best results?

Choose a watermelon that is deep red, sweet, and fully ripe to ensure maximum flavor in your ice cream.

Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool summer dreams come alive with watermelon pistachio ice cream, blending Mediterranean freshness and nutty charm. Sweet kernels of pistachios dance through rosy watermelon waves, promising refreshment that makes palates sing with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) pureed watermelon
• 1 cup (236 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (236 ml) sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped pistachios
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Transform ripe watermelon into silky smooth liquid using a blender, ensuring no chunky fragments remain.
2. Create a luscious base by whisking together the watermelon puree, velvety heavy cream, sweet condensed milk, aromatic vanilla extract, and delicate salt until perfectly harmonized.
3. Carefully integrate chopped pistachios throughout the mixture, allowing the nuts to distribute evenly and provide delightful texture.
4. Transfer the creamy concoction into a freezer-safe container, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.
5. Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid, protecting the developing ice cream from potential freezer odors.
6. Place the container in the freezer, allowing the mixture to solidify and develop its rich, refreshing character for 4-6 hours.
7. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and let sit for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly, making scooping easier.
8. Scoop the vibrant watermelon pistachio ice cream into chilled bowls, revealing its stunning pale pink hue and sprinkled nut fragments.

Notes

• Select ripe, sweet watermelons for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness, avoiding watery or pale fruits.
• Toast pistachios lightly before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and provide a deeper, more robust crunch in the ice cream.
• Use full-fat heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk for an ultra-creamy texture that prevents ice crystals from forming during freezing.
• Strain watermelon puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp, ensuring a smooth, silky ice cream base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg