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Fresh Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho

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A refreshing and light summer treat combining sweet watermelon with crisp cucumber, subtle spice, and fresh herbs, perfect for hot days and quick preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (560g) seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 10–12 fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 5–6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: crumbled feta cheese or toasted pepitas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the produce: Cube the watermelon, peel and chop the cucumber, seed and chop the red bell pepper, finely dice the red onion, and if using, seed and finely chop the jalapeño. This takes about 10 minutes.
  2. Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid over-blending.
  3. Add herbs and season: Add chopped mint and basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse a few times to combine evenly.
  4. Chill thoroughly: Pour the gazpacho into a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to meld flavors and chill.
  5. Final taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Thin with a splash of cold water or more lime juice if too thick.
  6. Serve: Ladle chilled gazpacho into bowls and garnish with crumbled feta cheese or toasted pepitas if desired.

Notes

For a smoother texture, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve before chilling. Keep the gazpacho cold until serving for best flavor. Adjust jalapeño amount to control heat. Can substitute lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar. Skip feta for dairy-free or vegan version. Do not freeze as watermelon texture changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon gazpacho, chilled soup, summer recipe, light soup, vegan gazpacho, gluten-free soup, refreshing summer dish

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/fresh-chilled-watermelon-gazpacho-recipe-easy-light-summer-treat/