Watermelon Gazpacho is a refreshing twist on the classic chilled Spanish soup, perfect for hot summer days. This vibrant dish blends sweet watermelon with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a touch of vinegar for a balanced sweet-savory flavor. Light, hydrating, and bursting with freshness, it’s a colorful starter or light lunch that captures the essence of seasonal produce.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Ingredients
- 3-1/2 cups cubed fresh seedless watermelon
- 12 ounces vine-ripened tomatoes
- 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
Instructions
- To 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.
- With the blender running, slowly pour in the oil and blend until the mixture is thoroughly combined and emulsified.
- Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.
- Meanwhile, 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.
- Before 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.
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