Summer’s Coolest Soup: Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon in Gazpacho? Now, that's something different!!

It's been extremely hot and humid this week and I've made my simple but tasty gazpacho on a few of the nights. Nothing is easier than tossing a few juicy vegetables into the blender for a delicious cold soup. 

However, this time, I added some watermelon to my basic recipe for a little variation.  It's interesting how the flavors all mingle so nicely. 

During this excessive heat wave with temps rising to almost 100 degrees 100 degrees F, hydration is the name of the game and nothing is more hydrating than watermelon. I thought this was a good time to share unique cooling recipe. 

It's a fun twist on my simple traditional gazpacho and great for cookouts and entertaining on really hot days! Also perfect for those guests who are gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based. Hydration is the name of the game and nothing is more hydrating than watermelon.

 Adding watermelon wasn't my idea. While in Spain a few weeks ago, I came across this interesting gazpacho idea. Gazpacho is very popular in Spain. In fact, I saw many varieties of gazpacho sold in supermarkets in grab and go containers for one.

I'm learning there is no end to how to use watermelon in recipes. In the past, I've made popsicles, smoothies, salads, etc., but this is a first for fruit gazpacho. 

This soup is ridiculously easy, super refreshing, and kind of feels like something you'd enjoy at a spa.  It may turn out to be one of your new favorite summer soups. This no-cook easy recipe, is light, healthy, easy to make, and full of flavor. If you don't like the idea of watermelon- just leave it out and follow the rest of the recipe. The gazpacho will still be delicious with or without it. 

Let me know if you try it—and if you have other fun ways to use watermelon, I’d love to hear them in the comments! 

A Tip: 

Gazpacho is made in the blender, which creates air in the soup. By allowing the soup to sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2-3 hours after blending, some of the air will dissipate and there will be a greater concentration of tasty soup. 

SPICY WATERMELON GAZPACHO
Refreshing, hydrating, no-cook summer soup

Ingredients:

      2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 

      3 cups of cucumber, sliced 

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

  1/2 red pepper, chopped

  1/3 red onion, chopped

  Freshly squeezed juice of lemon or lime (about 1/4 cup)

  Salt and cracked pepper to taste

  hot pepper of your choice

  Optional: cumin powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender 

2. Blend until smooth (or leave slightly chunky if you prefer).

3. Chill in fridge for at least 90 minutes.

4. Serve cold, with fresh herbs and chopped red onion toppings

    With the watermelon or not, this recipe is perfect for hot humid days. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of flavor!

** You may notice that my recipe does not use oil. That's because I choose to eat "oil-free" as much as I can. However, if you prefer, please add olive oil. 

I love summer when watermelons are abundant, reasonably priced, and sweet and juicy. But sometimes you get a bad one- a watermelon that is overripe, mushy or tasteless. What a waste - carrying home that heavy monster, making a mess on the counter, only to find out you picked a lemon.

How to pick a good watermelon

✅ Look for the Field Spot

That creamy yellow patch on the outside? That’s where the melon sat on the ground ripening in the sun. The darker and more golden the spot, the sweeter the watermelon.

✅ Knock, Knock!

Tap it. A ripe watermelon sounds deep and hollow—like a drum. If it sounds dull or flat, it might be overripe or mushy inside.

✅ Check the Shape & Weight

Go for a symmetrical shape with no weird lumps or soft spots. And pick up a few of the same size—the heaviest one for its size is your winner. That means it’s packed with juicy goodness.

Some interesting tidbits: 

• Did you know that eating summer fruits such as watermelon can help protect our skin from the harmful rays of the summer sun? 

• Glow: The Dermatologists Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet (by Dr. Rajani Katta) reviews the role and benefits of the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables for skin protection from the sun.

•   “There are definitely foods that we eat that can boost our ability to protect our skin from the sun” (source).

  More watermelon ideas?

I love this watermelon refreshing drink: Watermelon Limeade Recipe

 🥗 Watermelon + mint + lime = instant summer salad

🍦 Blend watermelon in the blender then freeze it in popsicle holders. 

🥤 Smoothie: watermelon + frozen banana + coconut 

Watermelon season doesn’t last forever, so make the most of it while it’s here. Your skin, your taste buds, and your cooler kitchen will thank you.

My Notes: 

Like a creamy gazpacho? Sour Cream or Greek yogurt is sometimes added as a topping for traditional gazpacho. Try a tablespoon or two of plant-based Greek yogurt to top for each bowl.