30-Minute Fresh Lime Strawberry Sorbet

Prep: 5 minCook: 10 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Fresh Lime Strawberry Sorbet with Simple Sugar Syrup

A refreshing frozen dessert that combines sweet strawberries with bright lime zest and juice. This light sorbet starts with a simple sugar syrup infused with lime zest, then blended with fresh strawberries for natural fruit flavor. The mixture is strained for smoothness and churned in an ice cream maker for the perfect texture. Ideal for summer entertaining or as a palate cleanser, this Weight Watchers-friendly treat offers intense fruit flavor without heavy cream or eggs.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 slices lime zest, 3 inch
    lemon1:1 ratio

    citrus flavor change

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup sugar
    honey3/4 ratio

    slightly different sweetness

    Full guide →
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
    lemon1:1 ratio

    citrus flavor change

    Full guide →
  • 5 ½ cups fresh strawberries
    frozen strawberries1:1 ratio

    thaw and drain first

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat water, lime zest, and sugar in saucepan over medium heat

  2. 2

    Bring to boil while stirring, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes

  3. 3

    Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes

  4. 4

    Remove and discard lime zest

  5. 5

    Add lime juice and stir to combine

  6. 6

    Puree 3.5 cups strawberries with 3.5 cups of the sugar mixture in food processor

  7. 7

    Combine pureed mixture with remaining sugar mixture and stir

  8. 8

    Strain mixture through fine mesh colander into bowl, discarding solids

  9. 9

    Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight

  10. 10

    Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions

  11. 11

    Transfer to freezer-safe container and freeze for 2 to 6 hours until firm

  12. 12

    Slice remaining strawberries and serve with sorbet

Tips

Tip 1

Strain the mixture thoroughly to ensure smooth texture without fruit pieces

Tip 2

Chill the base completely before churning for best results and faster freezing

Tip 3

Reserve some strawberries for garnish to add fresh fruit contrast

Good to Know

Storage

Keep frozen in airtight container up to 1 month

Make Ahead

Base can be made 2 days ahead before churning

Serve With

Scoop while slightly softened, garnish with fresh strawberry slices

Common Mistakes

Watch

Strain thoroughly to avoid icy chunks in final sorbet

Watch

Don't skip chilling time or sorbet won't freeze properly

Substitutions

lime
lemon1:1 ratio

citrus flavor change

Full guide →
sugar
honey3/4 ratio

slightly different sweetness

Full guide →
fresh strawberries
frozen strawberries1:1 ratio

thaw and drain first

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

Pour mixture into shallow pan and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals.

How long does homemade sorbet keep?

Store covered in freezer up to 1 month. Let soften slightly before scooping if very hard.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

Yes, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing to prevent watery sorbet.