Let the melon do most of the work
Honeydew makes a lighter smoothie than banana because it brings more juice and less starch. The yoghurt gives enough body to stop the drink feeling like plain melon juice, but this is intentionally a pourable, refreshing recipe. It is not meant to hold a mound of toppings or support a spoon.
Use chilled, ripe melon with a sweet fragrance. A watery or underripe melon will produce a watery drink, whatever the blender does. Cantaloupe can work, but it changes both the colour and the flavour, producing a more orange, musky version. Keep the prepared weight the same if making that substitution.
Mint is strongest when restrained
Mint leaves vary dramatically in size. Six small leaves mean a gentle accent; six large stems would create a different drink. Remove the stems and add the leaves near the end so you can stop blending as soon as they are finely distributed. Long blending tends to produce more foam and can make the herbal character feel harsher.
The lime balances the melon without turning this into a sour drink. Start with the measured amount and taste. If the melon is already very sweet, a little extra lime may help more than extra yoghurt. Serve the smoothie soon after blending because its light structure separates more readily than an oat or banana-based drink.
What you'll need
- 300 g chilled honeydew flesh
- 100 g plain yoghurt
- 60 ml cold water
- 6 small mint leaves
- 2 tsp lime juice
Let's make it
- Wash the outside of the melon before cutting. Remove the rind and seeds, then weigh the flesh and cut it into chunks.
- Blend the melon with the yoghurt and water until smooth. Add mint and lime juice, then pulse briefly so the leaves become fine flecks.
- Taste and add another small squeeze of lime if the melon tastes flat. Avoid increasing mint before you have checked the acidity.
- Pour into two glasses and serve cold, with no extra ice unless you plan to drink it immediately.
Make it your own
Plain coconut yoghurt gives a dairy-free variation with a noticeable coconut note.
A small piece of cucumber can replace 40 g of the melon for a less sweet version; remove large watery seeds first.
Keeping it fresh
Keep cut melon and dairy ingredients refrigerated before use. Cover any unserved smoothie promptly and keep at 5°C or below; use within 24 hours or sooner according to ingredient instructions.
Allergen notes
Milk
