5-Ingredient Watermelon Chia Pops
5-Ingredient Watermelon Chia Pops are an easy, kid-friendly, naturally sweetened treat, perfect for cooling down in the the hot days of summer!
Oh boy, you guys, I’m pretty excited about these pops. They are just so darn cute. And, they have spinach in them. Which, I dare say is an unusual combo.
I can’t say I’m particularly cutesy or Pinteresty when it comes to food, but the idea for these just came to me to other day and I couldn’t wait to bust out the pop mold and give them a whirl. And I have to say, they came out just how I imagined.
They’re easy to make too. The top part is just watermelon whirred together in a blender into juice. Then chia seeds are added, and the mixture goes into pop molds and into the freezer.
The result is a naturally sweetened treat that tastes just like watermelon (because that’s what it is!), with little tiny “seeds.” I’ve found these pops to be an excellent way to introduce chia seeds to little once, since they’re just a fun part of the overall treat.
The second “rind” layer is simply spinach, coconut milk, and honey blended together. Spinach is such a mild flavor that the creamy coconut and sweet honey do a nice job of making it palatable to little ones.
Plus, even those who may turn their nose up at anything green may be inspired to try when it’s introduced as part of a pop. Taste the mixture before pouring it into the molds and feel free to add additional honey if you feel it needs a bit more sweetness.
Elle went crazy for these and I’ve been making them on repeat since I first tested the recipe. I’ve also discovered they make the perfect treat during the evening hours when this mama starts to crave sweets.
So, whether you have little ones at home or not, these are definitely worth a try. I hope you enjoy. Now, let’s make some watermelon pops!
RECIPE & KID-FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS
1 | Taste the watermelon mixture prior to adding the chia seeds. If it needs additional sweetness, feel free to add a little honey or maple syrup.
2 | Even if you don’t have a mold, you can still make these pops. Simply follow the directions using small paper cups and straws.
THIS RECIPE IS . . .
Naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Naturally Sweetened, Nut-Free, and Paleo Friendly
5-Ingredient Watermelon Chia Pops
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon juice, blended from the flesh of about ½ mini seedless watermelon or ¼ large watermelon
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup packed baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk, from a can
- 2 tablespoons raw honey*
Instructions
- In a large glass jar or bowl, shake or whisk the watermelon juice with the chia seeds. Refrigerate for about 5 minutes to give the seeds time to plump a bit.
- Shake or stir the watermelon-chia mixture again, then pour into a pop mold, filling about ¾ full for each pop. (Save any leftover for drinking!).
- Place the sticks in the pops, then freeze for about 4 hours until set.
- Meanwhile, blend together the spinach, coconut milk, and honey until completely smooth. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to use.
- Remove the pop molds from the freezer, fill each to the top with the spinach mixture, then replace the sticks and freeze until solid, about 4 hours more.
