Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe – Basil, Jalapeno & Rind Cooler

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe – Basil, Jalapeno & Rind Cooler

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, summer means seeking out ways to beat the heat with fresh, vibrant flavors. And let me tell you, this Watermelon Gazpacho is it. I first stumbled upon a version of this a few years ago, and it’s become my go-to for hot days – it’s just so incredibly refreshing! It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally unexpected. Trust me, you’ll be making this all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical tomato-based gazpacho. We’re leaning into the sweetness of watermelon, balancing it with a kick of jalapeno and the herbaceousness of basil. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated dish that’s unbelievably easy to make. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up the whole watermelon – rind included! It’s a light, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a stunning appetizer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cool and refreshing gazpacho:

• 2 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cup chopped watermelon rind or cucumber
• 1 small red onion
• 1 large tomato (seeds removed)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and minced)
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Watermelon Varieties & Sweetness

The sweetness of your watermelon will impact the final flavor. I prefer using a really sweet variety like a Sugar Baby or a Jubilee. If your watermelon isn’t super sweet, don’t worry – we’ll cover how to adjust that later!

Watermelon Rind – A Zero-Waste Ingredient

Don’t toss that rind! It’s packed with nutrients and adds a lovely, subtle crunch. Just make sure to remove the tough green outer layer, leaving the pale green part. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and add extra goodness to your meal.

Avocado Oil vs. Olive Oil – Flavor Profiles

Both avocado oil and olive oil work beautifully here. Avocado oil has a very neutral flavor, letting the watermelon shine. Olive oil will add a bit of fruity complexity. I usually go with avocado oil for a cleaner taste, but a good quality extra virgin olive oil is lovely too.

Jalapeno Heat Level – Adjusting to Your Preference

Jalapenos can vary in heat. Start with half a jalapeno if you’re sensitive to spice, and taste as you go. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor. My family loves a good kick, so I usually leave a little of the membrane in!

Basil – Fresh vs. Dried

Fresh basil is always best here. The aroma and flavor are just unbeatable. If you absolutely have to use dried, use about 1 teaspoon, but it won’t be quite the same.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, roughly chop all your ingredients – watermelon, rind (or cucumber), red onion, tomato, and jalapeno. Don’t worry about being too precise, as everything is going into the blender.
2. Add all the chopped ingredients, basil leaves, garlic, apple cider vinegar, oil, salt, paprika, and pepper to your blender.
3. Now, blend it all up! Start on low and gradually increase the speed until everything is completely smooth. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
4. Once blended, pour the gazpacho into a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
5. Finally, serve cold, garnished with a few extra watermelon cubes and fresh basil leaves.

Expert Tips

• For a smoother texture: Strain the gazpacho through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, vinegar) to your liking.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: It really makes a difference in the flavor!

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your oil to ensure it’s plant-based.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Hot

As mentioned before, adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Summer Festival Adaptation – Picnic Perfect

Pack this in a thermos for a refreshing treat at your next picnic or outdoor event. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Blending Techniques for Smoothness

If you don’t have a high-powered blender, blend in batches to ensure everything gets fully incorporated.

Variations with Other Melons

Feel free to experiment with other melons! Cantaloupe or honeydew would be delicious additions.

Serving Suggestions

This gazpacho is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

• A swirl of coconut yogurt for extra creaminess.
• A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
• Serve with grilled shrimp or fish for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover gazpacho will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even develop further over time!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions.

Is this gazpacho best served immediately, or does it benefit from sitting?

Definitely benefits from sitting! Chilling for at least 2 hours (and ideally overnight) allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Can I use pre-cut watermelon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fresh and good quality.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar or lime juice would work well as substitutes.

How can I make this gazpacho sweeter if my watermelon isn’t very sweet?

Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. You can also add a few more sweet tomatoes.

Can I freeze leftover watermelon gazpacho?

While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

What is the purpose of adding watermelon rind?

The rind adds a subtle crunch and is packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and add extra goodness!

Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing Watermelon Gazpacho! I hope it becomes a summer staple for you too. Let me know in the comments what you think!