Watermelon gazpacho

Tips: Improve your watermelon gazpacho

Learn how to perfect your watermelon gazpacho with our straightforward tips for the recipe below.

Select a ripe watermelon 

A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size, which indicates that it is juicy. Check for a creamy yellow field spot, signifying it ripened on the vine, with a deep hollow sound when tapped. The sweeter the watermelon, the better it balances the savoury ingredients. Avoid watermelons with soft spots or blemishes, as they can affect the texture.

Blending smooth

Achieving a smooth texture in your gazpacho requires careful blending. Begin with soft ingredients like watermelon and tomatoes, which form a natural liquid base. Gradually add firmer vegetables like cucumber and celery for a balanced consistency. Blend in short pulses to avoid overheating the blender and turning the soup frothy. For an ultra-smooth result, strain the gazpacho through a sieve. Alternatively, if you prefer some texture, you can skip this step.

Let it chill

Let the watermelon gazpacho rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon while balancing the other flavours. A well-chilled gazpacho not only refreshes but also brings out the rich, subtle nuances of the ingredients. For the best result, serve it ice-cold, maybe even with an ice cube or two in the bowl.

Try a refreshing watermelon gazpacho

Experience the delightful contrast of flavours in our watermelon gazpacho with crisp cucumber and ripe tomatoes. Finished with a smooth white cheese sauce and fresh herbs, this gazpacho has everything you need. Whether served as a cooling starter or a light main dish, this chilled, fruity soup will quickly become a favourite, adding a touch of brightness to any occasion.

Explore other soups with our recipes for beetroot soup and chilled pea soup, or try other watermelon-based recipes like this  strawberry watermelon salad.

With crisp cucumber and celery, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of fresh jalapeño

The crisp cucumber and celery bring a nice crunch with subtle, clean flavours that complement the juiciness of watermelon and tomatoes. The tomatoes contribute a mild acidity and richness, adding depth without overpowering the watermelon and the other ingredients. To bring everything together, the jalapeño adds a gentle warmth, cutting through the sweetness and providing just enough spice to keep the flavours balanced and lively.

Garnished with fresh herbs and white cheese sauce

The garnish is just as important as the gazpacho itself. A spoonful of white cheese sauce made from creamy Greek yoghurt and tangy white cheese adds a luxurious, velvety richness. The smooth, slightly tangy sauce works wonderfully with the light, fruity base of the soup. Its tanginess cuts through the sweetness of the watermelon and tomatoes, yielding a balanced, savoury layer.

Fresh mint and coriander contribute an aromatic freshness that lifts the richness of the sauce. These herbs provide a lively, herbal note that complements the creamy sauce, making each bite more dynamic and refreshing.

A fruity take on a chilled classic

This watermelon gazpacho puts a fruity spin on the classic Spanish soup. While traditional gazpacho focuses on tomatoes as the primary base, this recipe introduces watermelon to yield a sweet, juicy dimension. The watermelon’s natural sugars add depth, while its high water content ensures the soup remains smooth, light, and delicate. For those deeper, bolder flavours, the tomatoes and red wine vinegar provide delightful, savoury undertones, while the olive oil adds richness. The result is a well-rounded soup that remains true to the gazpacho tradition but with a fresh and modern twist.

Pair the soup with grilled meats or Spanish tapas

Watermelon gazpacho is wonderfully versatile. Enjoy it on its own as a light, refreshing dish or turn it into a whole meal, pairing it with grilled meats or a selection of traditional Spanish tapas.

The sweet and savoury balance of the gazpacho provides an excellent contrast to the smoky flavours of grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp, and its coolness is delicious against the savouriness of the grilled accompaniments. For a more complete Spanish-inspired experience, serve the soup alongside a variety of tapas. Dishes like patatas bravas, chorizo, and Catalan-style chickpeas with spinach bring bold, savoury flavours that balance the coolness of the gazpacho.

Add your own flair to the recipe

Time to get even more creative with the recipe. For a smoky undertone, roast the tomatoes, garlic, or jalapeño before blending so they caramelise for a delicious, deep flavour. For a bit of heat, experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices balance the coolness of the soup, while crunchy toppings like toasted seeds or crumbled bacon add a savoury finish.

You can also introduce extra flavour through herbs. Try swapping mint and coriander for basil or dill, or even infuse your olive oil with rosemary or thyme for subtle herbal notes. Also, a squeeze of citrus, for example, lime or lemon, brightens the flavours, balancing the sweetness with a fresh, zesty twist, as does a garnish of freshly grated lime zest.