Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe

Refreshing Summer Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe for Hot Days

Sweltering summer days call for a refreshing summer watermelon gazpacho that dances on your palate with vibrant, cool flavors.

This elegant soup bursts with sweet and tangy notes that capture the essence of sunny afternoons.

Ripe watermelon blends seamlessly with crisp vegetables, creating a chilled symphony of taste and texture.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients mingle in a silky, smooth puree that promises instant relief from the heat.

Juicy watermelon provides a natural sweetness, balanced by hints of zesty herbs and a touch of garlic.

Each spoonful offers a delightful escape from scorching temperatures, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that will become your summer signature dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins

Calories: 55 kcal

Servings: 3

Summer Watermelon Gazpacho Ingredient List

For Base of Soup:
  • Watermelon: Sweet summer star that provides smooth, refreshing foundation with natural liquid base for gazpacho.
  • Tomatoes: Adds rich depth and classic gazpacho flavor with bright acidic undertones.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Contributes sweet crunch and vibrant color to enhance overall texture.
  • Cucumber: Brings cool, crisp element that elevates the soup's refreshing character.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent kick that balances sweet watermelon notes.
  • Shallot: Offers delicate, subtle onion essence without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Lime Juice: Provides zingy brightness and helps balance the soup's sweetness.
  • Vinegar: Adds tangy complexity and helps deepen overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and harmonize all other ingredients.
For Garnish and Finishing:
  • Green Pepper: Introduces gentle pepper crunch and fresh green accent.
  • Red Onion: Delivers sharp, crisp bite that contrasts with smooth soup base.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds aromatic freshness and elevates visual appeal.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brings silky richness and rounded flavor to final presentation.

Equipment Checklist for Making Gazpacho

  • High-powered Blender: Essential for smoothly processing watermelon, tomatoes, and other vegetables into a silky gazpacho.
  • Large Bowl or Pitcher: Perfect for chilling the blended soup and storing it in the refrigerator.
  • Small Bowl: Great for mixing and preparing the fresh garnish ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping watermelon, cucumber, green pepper, and red onion.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise dicing of garnish ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
  • Serving Bowls: Used for presenting the chilled gazpacho with its vibrant garnish.

Prep Steps for Watermelon Gazpacho

  • Watermelon Symphony

A magical blend of summer’s sweetest fruit transforms into a chilled liquid delight that dances with vibrant garden flavors. This cool soup captures the essence of sunny days and relaxed gatherings.

  • Blending Magic

Toss all primary ingredients into a blender, transforming them into a smooth crimson elixir. Pulse until the mixture becomes a silky liquid that promises refreshment with every spoonful.

  • Flavor Resting

Allow the gazpacho to relax in the refrigerator, letting its flavors mingle and deepen. The longer it chills, the more intense and harmonious the taste becomes.

  • Colorful Garnish

Create a zesty topping by chopping fresh garden vegetables and herbs. This bright mix will add texture and spark to the smooth soup base, creating a delightful contrast.

  • Serving Elegance

Pour the chilled gazpacho into beautiful bowls. Sprinkle the colorful garnish on top, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and finish with a whisper of black pepper. Ready to transport your taste buds to a summer paradise.

Adjustments to Flavor Your Gazpacho

  • Toss in diced cooked shrimp, crab meat, or crumbled feta cheese for a more substantial and filling summer meal.
  • Prepare the soup and garnish separately up to 2 days in advance, keeping them refrigerated in sealed containers to save time and preserve fresh flavors.
  • Replace cilantro with fresh mint, basil, or parsley to create unique flavor combinations that complement the watermelon's natural sweetness.
  • For a smoother consistency, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve, removing any remaining pulp and creating an ultra-silky gazpacho texture.

Serving Advice for Chilled Watermelon Soup

  • Summer Refreshment Station: Create a vibrant serving area with chilled glasses, colorful garnishes, and fresh herbs to make the gazpacho experience feel like a mini summer celebration.
  • Cool Pairing Partners: Serve alongside crisp white wine, sparkling water with mint, or light grilled shrimp skewers to complement the soup's bright, refreshing flavors.
  • Textural Crunch Boost: Add toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, or thin sourdough croutons on top for an extra layer of texture that contrasts with the smooth soup base.
  • Presentation Elegance: Use clear glass bowls or wide-rimmed white plates to showcase the vibrant red-pink color and beautiful green garnish, making the dish visually stunning and Instagram-worthy.

Chilling and Storing Watermelon Gazpacho

  • Fridge Fresh Zone: Store the gazpacho in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled and away from stronger-smelling foods to maintain its delicate watermelon flavor.
  • Smart Batch Strategy: Prepare larger quantities and freeze in individual portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick summer meal solution.
  • Garnish Genius: Keep the fresh garnish ingredients separate from the soup until serving. Chop them just before eating to maintain maximum crunch and vibrant colors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This gazpacho tastes even better after 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Prepare it a day in advance for a more complex taste profile.
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Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe

Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Chilled summer watermelon gazpacho delivers refreshing Mediterranean flavors perfect for hot days. Cool ingredients blend smoothly, offering a delightful balance between sweet watermelon and tangy herbs that will satisfy your palate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (118 ml) watermelon, diced
  • ¼ (60 g) cucumber, English, diced
  • ½ green pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
  • ½ small red onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) mint or basil leaves, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously wash and roughly chop watermelon, tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, garlic, and shallot into blender-friendly pieces.
  2. Blending: Combine chopped ingredients in a high-powered blender, adding lime juice, vinegar, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.
  3. Processing: Pulse and blend the mixture for 20-30 seconds until achieving a completely smooth, uniform consistency, processing in batches if necessary.
  4. Chilling: Transfer the gazpacho to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify.
  5. Garnishing: Finely dice watermelon, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and selected herbs to create a vibrant, textural topping.
  6. Serving: Ladle the chilled gazpacho into individual bowls, distribute the prepared garnish evenly, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate gazpacho for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow ingredients to blend and intensify their taste profile.
  • Blending Technique: Use a high-powered blender and pulse in short bursts to achieve a smooth, chunk-free consistency without over-processing.
  • Garnish with Precision: Finely dice fresh ingredients for the topping to create a vibrant, textural contrast that elevates the soup’s visual and flavor appeal.
  • Serve Immediately: Present the chilled gazpacho right after adding garnishes to maintain the crisp, fresh summer essence and optimal temperature.
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 55
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 4.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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