Watermelon Strawberry Aqua Fresca

I promised you one more berry recipe before the end of Berry Month. This recipe will pair perfectly with the Skewered Shrimp and Blackberries with Sesame Ginger Marinade recipe I posted earlier.

This Watermelon Strawberry Aqua Fresca  recipe is a non alcoholic, and nutritious recipe courtesy of Driscoll’s Berries. It contains two of my favorite summer foods, watermelon and strawberries. Yum!

Both watermelon and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. A one-cup serving of strawberries can provide up to 93% of the suggested daily supply of Vitamin C, is high in fiber, and contains 20% of your recommended daily allowance of Folic Acid. Oh, and they also have iron, and calcium.

Watermelon Strawberry Aqua Fresca

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Makes: 6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (6 oz) Driscoll’s Strawberries, hulled and chilled
• 2 cups watermelon cubes, chilled
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Blend strawberries, watermelon and lime juice until smooth. Add sugar to taste.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Pour over ice if desired.
4. Insert a lime wedge and strawberry on a cocktail pick for garnish.

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 74; Protein: 1.25g; Saturated Fats: 0.03g; Fat: 0.44g; Carbohydrates: 18.76g; Fiber: 2.51g; Sodium: 2mg

Lighten Up: lighten up this recipe by using sugar substitute in place of the sugar.

Driscoll’s also gave me these tips for adding berries into a healthy lifestyle:

Portable, palate pleasing and packed with nutrition, berries are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Simply put, eating fresh berries is a smart thing to do.

The pigments that give berries their red, blue, yellow, black and purple colors are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, and they have been linked to heart and brain health, supporting a healthy immune system and protection against certain cancers.

Toss colorful berries into your leafy green salads or get creative and make a simple vinaigrette dressing with puréed berries to add visual distinction and extra antioxidant power to your meal.

Berries show up on almost every list of “Super Foods” recommended by nutritionists to improve the quality of our lives. Combine berries with other nutrition stars such as salmon, spinach, flaxseed, olive oil, beans and tomatoes.

Berries are a classic smoothie ingredient and with good reason – brilliant color, great flavor and nutrition. Combine them with other fruits and veggies to achieve a power drink that delivers multiple servings of fruits and vegetables, yet is still “berry-licious.”

Berries blended with yogurt, banana, spinach (yes, spinach!), flaxseed oil and the juice of your choice is a refreshing, heart-healthy pick-me-up. Did you know if you toss frozen berries straight from your freezer into the blender you don’t need to add ice?

On the go? Grab a container of tasty blueberries, strawberries, raspberries or blackberries for your next hike, picnic or errand-running afternoon.

I have watermelon, strawberries, and lime in my fridge right now, so I may have to give this recipe a try.