Watermelon recipes often bring to mind simple slices on a hot day, but this watermelon gazpacho turns that familiar fruit into a refreshing chilled soup. This chilled summer soup has a light and bright appearance with an abundance of natural sweetness from the watermelon, along with some tartness and richness from the additional vegetable ingredients. This is one of those dishes that will make you feel refreshed from the very first spoonful.
This watermelon gazpacho is a refreshing variation of classic Spanish gazpacho, a chilled no-cook soup. Preparing it is simple and relaxed, making it ideal even on busy days. Start by blending the watermelon with tomatoes, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, and seasoning until smooth and slightly frothy. In a separate bowl, finely chop the cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño to create a mix that adds both crunch and colour. Stir the blended mixture into the chopped vegetables, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil to bring everything together. Once combined, let the soup chill in the refrigerator for a few hours so the flavours deepen.
Whether you serve it as a starter for guests, enjoy it as a light meal, or simply want something cool and nourishing, this dish fits easily into your day. Just chop, blend, chill, and enjoy a bowl of refreshing gazpacho whenever you need it.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
4 cupsWatermelon (seedless)
3 mediumTomatoes (roma or similar)
2 tablespoonsLime or lemon juice
1 tablespoonRed wine vinegar
1 cloveGarlic (peeled)
1 teaspoonKosher salt (plus more as needed)
1/4 teaspoonGranulated sugar
1/2 mediumEnglish cucumber (peeled and diced)
1 mediumBell pepper (any colour, diced)
1 small Red onion (finely diced)
1 medium Jalapeño pepper (finely chopped)
2 tablespoonsFresh herbs (cilantro, mint, or parsley)
3 tablespoonsExtra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
to tasteBlack pepper
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Prepare the base
Chop the watermelon roughly until you have 3 cups. Quarter 2 medium tomatoes. Add them to a blender along with lime juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and sugar. Blend on high until smooth. This creates the flavorful liquid base of the soup.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients
Dice the remaining watermelon and tomato into small, even pieces. Also chop the cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño. Keep the pieces small, so they mix well and are easy to eat.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Combine and Season
In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and fresh herbs. Pour the blended watermelon mixture into the bowl. Add olive oil and mix everything well. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper as needed.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Chill the Soup
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step is important as it helps the flavours blend and makes the soup nicely chilled.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Serve chilled
Before serving, stir the soup well. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. Pour the soup into bowls or glass tumblers and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
Watermelon gazpacho is a chilled soup made by blending fresh watermelon with vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.
Watermelon recipes like gazpacho, salads, and smoothies are perfect for summer. They are refreshing, hydrating, and quick to prepare, making them ideal for light meals or snacks.
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a covered container, and stir well before serving to bring back its smooth consistency.
Yes, you can reduce the spice by removing the jalapeño seeds or skipping the jalapeño entirely. The soup will still taste fresh, balanced, and full of flavour.