It’s pretty hot and humid right now in San Diego.
Feels like my Atlanta hometown!
We’ve had hot soup since Vegas has had a cold, but in the middle of the day there’s no way I could stomach it. I thought of making tomato gazpacho, but I had half a watermelon in the fridge that needed to be used. My gazpacho took a strange (but REALLY good) twist and went tropical.
This was one of the sweetest watermelons I’d ever tasted. The first half was eaten plain and in one sitting.
Ok, I didn’t actually bother to sit down. I ate it with my fingers standing over the counter.
For the second half I decided to exercise some restraint and get a little creative.
I pureed the watermelon and added some more savory ingredients to balance the sweetness. Red bell pepper, jalapeño, and apple cider vinegar gave it some depth, and a bit of salt complimented both the sweet and the spicy.
The cucumber and basil* lightened it up, ensuring that this chilled soup remained a refreshing meal on a warm summer day.
(*Note: Cilantro would be good here too, but Vegas has that genetic thing where it tastes like soap to her.)
We ate this for breakfast one morning with a dollop of Greek yogurt, but this would be great at anytime of day. Make it a patio happy hour dish by adding shrimp and pairing it with a dry Riesling!
[Tweet “Cool off with this Watermelon Basil Gazpacho #recipe!”]
Watermelon Basil Gazpacho
- 8 C seedless watermelon
- 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 C fresh basil
- 1 T yellow onion
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 2 T apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Greek yogurt, to garnish
Roughly chop watermelon and veggies. Place watermelon into a blender (FYI – 8 C is a full Vitamix) and blend until liquified.
Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. You may leave some bits depending on your texture preference (I did).
Spoon into soup bowls and garnish as desired. I used more chopped red pepper, watermelon, basil, and Greek yogurt. Serve chilled.
Makes 4 servings.
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This makes me want to do my Peach Gazpacho again. Hope I didn’t wait too late in the season!
Do you like gazpacho?
What is your favorite summer cool down meal?
I love how much this screams summer! I am not a huge fan of soup but I like gazpacho on a hot day. I can’t imagine how cucumber and watermelon go thogether but I am tempted to find out 🙂
It so refreshing! I’d love to hear what you think if you try it!
Now this is my kind of summer soup. May even qualify as a savory smoothie. Good concoction!
its freakin 105F! Gimme dat. Come feed me! Will vegas care? LOL!
Nah – Vegas just wants to be fed too. 😉
I don’t like gazpacho. I would make this. Stamp of approval.
Well then. My work here is done.
I love all things watermelon! And I think having this for breakfast would definitely be strange but good!
Yummy! I love watermelon. I’ve never made gazpacho but it has been so hot here I think I need to try..
This looks delicious!
I still just can’t get on the soup train. I haven’t had soup in over a year! Crazy maybe….
I bought the best watermelon ever the other day! I could make it into soup or I could just eat it all 🙂
This looks sooo yummy! Watermelon and basil sound so good together!
OMG this is a genius idea! I’ve been eating so much watermelon lately. Now, if only I had a Vitamix.
You mean you didn’t pack your blender?!
dude we’re twins. I JUST made gazpacho Wednesday!! Haha.
Great minds! So perfect in this heat!
This is actually right up my alley, and I have a watermelon at home right now, waiting patiently for just such a recipe…well that and mojitos.
I had a Blueberry Gazpacho on Friday and it was phenomenal. I believe this will be the same.
Maybe you should make watermelon mojitos.