
Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 25 mins
Soup season isn't just during the fall and winter. This watermelon gazpacho is refreshing, light, and delightful on a summer day. While traditional Spanish gazpacho recipes feature sun-ripened tomatoes, this version gets a sweet boost from juicy watermelon. Don't worry, though, your soup won't be overly sweet. Watermelon shines in light desserts like granita, but it also plays well in savory dishes like watermelon and feta salad and watermelon salsa.
What is in watermelon gazpacho?
Watermelon gazpacho is a cold, no-cook soup made in a blender. It contains many of the same ingredients as standard gazpacho, like tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion, but with the addition of fresh, sweet watermelon. Generous amounts of red wine vinegar and olive oil add brightness and a smooth finish to the soup.
Can watermelon gazpacho be made ahead of time?
Watermelon gazpacho tastes best the same day it's made, but it can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed for up to two days. Give the gazpacho a good stir before spooning it into bowls, as the water and oil in the soup might separate over time. Store the chopped watermelon garnish separately and add it to bowls of soup just before serving.
Can you make gazpacho without a blender?
If you don't have a blender, you can make this pureed soup in a food processor or with an immersion blender. Start by pulsing the ingredients to break them down into smaller chunks, then blend them continuously until you reach your desired consistency.
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Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups
cubed fresh seedless watermelon, (about 22 oz.; from 1/2 small seedless watermelon)
- 3
vine-ripened tomatoes (about 12 oz.)
- 1
English cucumber
- 1
red bell pepper
- 1/2
small red onion
- 1
garlic clove
- 1/4 cup
red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp.
black pepper
- 2 tsp.
hot sauce (optional), plus more to taste
- 1/3 cup
olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp.
fresh mint or basil leaves, chopped
Grilled bread, for serving
Directions
- Step 1To a blender, add 3 cups of the watermelon. Roughly chop 2 tomatoes, three-quarters of the cucumber, half of the bell pepper, and a quarter of the onion and add them to the blender. Add the garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Blend on high speed until the soup is very smooth.
- Step 2With the blender running, slowly pour in the oil and blend until the mixture is thoroughly combined and emulsified.
- Step 3Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.
- Step 4Meanwhile, finely chop the remaining tomato, half bell pepper, quarter cucumber, quarter onion, and ½ cup watermelon. Combine in a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 5Before serving, whisk the soup and taste and adjust for vinegar, salt, and hot sauce. Ladle into serving bowls and top with a big scoop of the chopped watermelon mixture. Sprinkle with mint and drizzle with oil, if you like. Serve with grilled bread.
Tip: The oil in this recipe makes the soup smooth and creamy. For a lighter, fruitier (and pinker!) gazpacho, use 5 cups of watermelon and 1/4 cup of olive oil, and process it lightly until just combined and still a little chunky.
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