Easy 1-Ingredient Yellow Watermelon Shaved Ice

I am always trying to find ways to give my kids foods that are healthy, but feel like a treat. They LOVE getting traditional shaved ice, but let's be honest-- it's just ice and sugary syrups. We have even tried shaved ice places that have "organic" syrups and those still have a lot of concentrated sugar. Since my kids could eat watermelon all day long, and it is naturally sweet, making watermelon shaved ice is their perfect dairy-free summer time treat!

I started making this watermelon shaved ice for them using a traditional cheese grater. This method totally works and makes great shaved ice. The only drawback is that it does take more time. Recently, I decided to upgrade to a small food processor and this cut the watermelon shaving time down significantly. If you have a food processor, I totally recommend pulling it out of your kitchen cabinet to make this delicious treat.

We recently came across a Yellow Seedless Watermelon and my kids got so excited, we had to try it. We noticed that Yellow Watermelons have a slight honey flavor profile, but other wise are very similar to Red Seedless Watermelons. Both types make GREAT shaved ice using either a food process or cheese grater.

How to make this Yellow Watermelon Shaved Ice

Prep and Cut: Cut your watermelon into long rectangles (or batons) that are just narrow enough to fit easily down the feed tube of your food processor. Try to make them relatively uniform in thickness so they freeze evenly.

Freeze: Line a baking sheet or freezer safe container with parchment paper. Arrange the yellow watermelon rectangles in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching each other to prevent them from freezing into one massive clump. If you want to add a second layer, add parchment between each layer. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight until completely solid.

Set Up the Food Processor (if using): Insert the grating/shredding disc into your food processor (the attachment you'd normally use to shred cheese or vegetables) and secure the lid. Shave the Watermelon Ice: Turn the food processor on. Take your frozen watermelon rectangles straight from the freezer and immediately feed them one by one down the tube, using the pusher to guide them gently against the grating disc.

Open the processor to find a pile of fluffy, vibrant watermelon snow!

If using cheese grater/box grater: grate frozen watermelon into bowl by hand. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to hold the frozen watermelon block so your fingers don't get too cold!

Serve Immediately: Scoop it into bowls and enjoy right away before it melts.

Check out the full recipe below! I hope you enjoy!