Summer’s Coolest Soup: Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho

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

Gazpacho hits the spot during hot humid days. Nothing is easier than tossing some juicy vegetables into the blender for this delicious soup. 

This time, I added some watermelon to my basic recipe. Hydration is the name of the game and nothing is more hydrating than watermelon. It's interesting how the flavors mingle so nicely. It wasn't my idea- I saw it during my vacation in Spain.

During this excessive heat wave with temps rising to almost 100 degrees F.  I thought this was a good time to share a cooling recipe. 

It's a fun twist on 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. 

I'm always on the lookout for something different. While in Spain a few weeks ago, I came across this interesting gazpacho.

 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. 

Some interesting tidbits: 

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

 

• Glow: The Dermatologists Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet (by Dr. Rajani Katta) reviews the benefits of the antioxidants in plant foods for skin protection.

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

• Ever notice how abundant and popular watermelon is in the summer? There is good reason nature provides this. Watermelon (and tomatoes) contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene- a natural protector of harmful sun rays!

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. The gazpacho will still be delicious 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 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

    Perfect for hot humid days. It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of flavor!

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.

I love this watermelon refreshing drink: Watermelon Limeade Recipe

                              Watermelon Limeade Recipe link

More watermelon ideas?

 🥗 Watermelon + mint + lime = instant summer salad

🍦 Freeze it into pops (just blend & pour)

🥤 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: 

Sour Cream or Greek yogurt is sometimes added as a topping for traditional gazpacho. I use a plant-based Greek yogurt and sometimes use a tablespoon of it to top for each bowl.