Watermelon Chia Fresca (Chia Seed Drink)

Looking for a refreshing way to stay hydrated this summer? This watermelon chia fresca is an easy homemade chia seed drink that blends fresh fruit, water, and lime for a cool, slightly tart beverage that’s naturally sweet and satisfying. It's inspired by the traditional Mexican drink known as agua de chia or chia fresca, but adds a juicy, fruity twist with watermelon.

Overhead image of Watermelon Chia Fresca in glasses on a wood tray with a gold spoon.

Chia seeds might be small, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch. When soaked, they create a fun gel-like texture that adds a nice mouthfeel and a boost of fiber to your drink. Plus, their ability to absorb water makes them a natural hydrator, making this drink ideal for hot weather or post-exercise refreshment.

This homemade chia seed drink is quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Sliced watermelon, lemon, chia seeds, fresh mint, and a jar of water.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this summery mocktail or breakfast drink are pretty simple.

  • Chia seeds - Look for them in the bulk section.
  • Water - Whatever you normally use for drinking water is fine
  • Seedless watermelon - You'll need about half of a melon (feel free to double the recipe and use the whole fruit)
  • Fresh mint leaves - This adds all of the refreshing herb flavors.
  • Lemon or lime - For a little brightness and acidity.
  • Salt - Because everything's better with a little salt.

Instructions

There are three main steps to make this Watermelon Chia Fresca recipe.

  • Prepare the chia gel
  • Blend the fruit with mint and salt
  • Mix the chia gel and the watermelon water together and serve

Stir chia seeds and water and set aside for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the chia seeds from separating from the water.

Chia seeds in a jar of water being stirred with a gold spoon.

After about ten minutes, the chia water will thicken and form a gel.

Before you do anything with the chia water, add watermelon, mint, lemon or lime, and salt to your blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and liquidy.

At this point, you can pour in the chia gel and pulse a couple of times, or until the chia seeds are evenly mixed with the watermelon water.

Blender filled with watermelon, lemon zest, and fresh mint.

To serve, divide the Chia Fresca between glasses and garnish with more fresh mint leaves if desired.

Watermelon drinks in glasses with mint leaf garnish.

Can you make Watermelon Chia Fresca ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

Chia Fresca is a great meal prep recipe to make in advance. Store Chia Fresca in a pitcher or jar with a lid and refrigerate for up to five days. 

Potential Ingredient Substitutions

  • Instead of mint, try substituting fresh basil.

๐Ÿ“– Recipe

Overhead image of Watermelon Chia Fresca in glasses on a wood tray with a gold spoon.

Watermelon Chia Fresca (Chia Seed Drink)

Stephanie McKercher, RDN
This watermelon chia fresca is a naturally sweet, tart, and ultra-refreshing summer drink made with fresh fruit, lime juice, and hydrating chia seeds. It's inspired by traditional Mexican-style chia fresca (agua de chia) and makes the perfect cool-down beverage for hot days, post-workout hydration, or an energizing afternoon sip.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine Mexican-inspired, summer, vegan
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, (about ยฝ medium melon)
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish if desired
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel or lime peel (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
  • teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Stir chia seeds and water and set aside for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the mixture thickens and a gel forms.
  • In the meantime, add watermelon, mint, lemon peel, lemon juice, and salt to a blender. Cover and blend on high 30 seconds, or until liquid forms. Pour in chia water gel, cover, and pulse two times, or until the chia seeds are evenly mixed with the watermelon mixture. Transfer to glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Store Watermelon Chia Fresca in a pitcher or jar with a lid and refrigerate for up to five days. 

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I can't thank you enough for this delicious, refreshing, and cooling recipe - I am currently making my third batch this month - and it has really saved my life this summer! I find myself craving it and it is so cooling to me!

  2. 5 stars
    Hi Steph,

    Thank you for sharing this post. This is definitely delicious! I love watermelon because of its freshness. Where can I get chia seeds though?

    1. Thanks Jessica! You can find chia seeds at most grocery stores. Sometimes they are by the dietary supplements or in the bulk section. Amazon is also a great place to find them! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. oh my goodness I can already tell I will LOVE this! I think I could make myself sick on the amount of watermelon I could put down if I didn't practice self control...it's my favorite!

    xo
    SarahGrace