Watermelon Gazpacho

Have you ever tried watermelon gazpacho? 

It’s a delicious and refreshing way to utilize some of the best summer produce. 

If you aren’t familiar with gazpacho, it is essentially a cold soup made of raw blended vegetables. Previously, we shared our chilled cucumber and avocado soup with you. 

This watermelon version is even more refreshing. Because it uses chipotle puree, it has a wonderful balance of sweet and spice. 

On a warm day, it makes a delicious lunch when paired with a prosciutto and burrata salad or a fig and prosciutto sandwich.

When it’s too hot to cook dinner, it makes a great no-cook appetizer. We like serving it with a side of garlic bread made in the air fryer, cactus salad, or smoked corn on the cob.

Ingredients

• Watermelon – Roughly chop a watermelon yourself, or purchase already packed and chopped for a shortcut. 
• Cherry Tomatoes -I used multi-colored cherry tomatoes, but you can sub any tomato you’d prefer. Even a large heirloom. 
• Cucumber – I used an English cucumber, but any kind will do. 
• Onion – I used a medium size white onion. Yellow onion or a few shallots would also work. 
• Pepper – A fresh Fresno or jalapeno pepper brings mild heat and extra flavor.
• Chipotle – I use chipotle puree, which is simply canned chipotle peppers in adobe sauce that has been blended. You can puree it yourself with an immersion blender or purchase chipotle puree in the jar. 
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves bring the ideal flavor. Jarred garlic can be used in a pinch. 
• Lime Juice – It’s really important to use fresh squeezed lime juice as bottled has preservatives that negatively alter the flavor.
• Cumin – A little bit of cumin adds extra southwest flavor. You can leave it out if you’d prefer. 
• Cilantro – I use fresh cilantro in the soup itself and as a garnish. 

How To Make

1. Add all of the ingredients into a large food processor or blender.
2. Pulse until smooth, but still a little chunky.
3. Place in soup bowls and garnish as desired with chopped fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

Tips

1. Experiment adding other fresh produce and subtracting or substituting others. Like using roasted Hatch Chiles in place of the chipotle peppers.
2. Want a crunchy garnish? Add fresh nuts or seeds like roasted pepitas. 
3. Hold back a little of each fresh ingredient to chop or slice and use as a garnish. 
4. Looking to add some protein? Top with shredded crab meat. 

Looking for a refreshing beverage to serve with this gazpacho? Try a cantarito or White Claw slushy.