Watermelon Gazpacho with Mint

Short Description

A vibrant, ultra-refreshing twist on classic gazpacho, this chilled soup blends sweet watermelon with crisp vegetables, bright lime, and cooling mint. It is the perfect make-ahead dish for sultry summer days when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally hydrating. Watermelon’s high water content delivers instant refreshment.

• No stove required. Everything happens in a blender—ideal for hot weather or small kitchens.

• Balanced flavor profile. The sweetness of fruit meets savory tomato, tangy vinegar, and herbal mint.

• Fast meal prep. Active work is about 15 minutes, yet the soup tastes like it simmered for hours once chilled.

• Diet-friendly. Vegan, gluten-free, and low in fat without sacrificing taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Seedless watermelon, diced

• Ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered

• English cucumber, peeled and chopped

• Red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

• Small red onion, roughly diced

• Fresh mint leaves, loosely packed

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Freshly squeezed lime juice

• Red wine vinegar

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: minced jalapeño for heat, crumbled feta for garnish

directions

1. Purée the base. In a high-speed blender combine watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Blend until smooth.

2. Season. Add mint leaves, olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Blend again until the mint is finely incorporated.

3. Adjust and strain. Taste; add more salt, pepper, or lime as needed. For an ultra-silky texture, pass the gazpacho through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher.

4. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) so the flavors meld and the soup is thoroughly cold.

5. Serve. Ladle into chilled bowls or glasses. Garnish with chiffonade of mint, a drizzle of olive oil, and, if desired, crumbled feta or diced jalapeño.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 6 cups (4 generous servings)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Herbal swap: Substitute basil, cilantro, or parsley for the mint—or use a mix.

• Spicy kick: Blend in ½–1 small jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.

• Tropical twist: Replace 1 cup of watermelon with diced pineapple or mango.

• Creamy texture: Stir in ¼ cup coconut milk just before serving.

• Protein boost: Top with grilled shrimp, lump crab, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

storage/reheating

Store the gazpacho in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to reincorporate any separated liquid. This soup is meant to be enjoyed cold; reheating is not recommended as heat will dull the fresh flavors and alter the texture.

FAQs

What type of watermelon works best?

Seedless watermelon is ideal because it streamlines preparation and yields a smoother purée.

Can I make the soup more savory?

Yes—add an extra tomato, a splash more vinegar, or a little Worcestershire sauce (check for vegan versions if needed).

How do I thicken a watery gazpacho?

Blend in extra cucumber or tomato, or refrigerate the soup longer; chilling helps it naturally thicken.

Is straining necessary?

Straining is optional. It removes pulp for a silky finish but sacrifices some fiber and body.

Can I freeze watermelon gazpacho?

Freezing is not advised; the high water content forms ice crystals and compromises texture once thawed.

How far ahead can I prepare it?

Up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually deepen overnight—just stir before serving.

What if I do not have a high-speed blender?

A standard blender works; you may need to blend in batches and strain for a smoother result.

Could I use white balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Absolutely. White balsamic adds gentle sweetness while keeping the color bright.

How do I keep mint from browning?

Add mint during the final blending step and minimize air exposure; store the soup covered.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes. Omit spicy elements and consider serving it in small glasses with fun garnishes like melon balls.

Conclusion

Watermelon Gazpacho with Mint offers a light yet satisfying answer to summer’s heat—bursting with color, nutrients, and garden-fresh taste, all without turning on the stove. Keep a pitcher ready in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a sophisticated appetizer, light lunch, or palate-cleansing starter ready whenever warm weather calls.