Chilled Cucumber-Watermelon Gazpacho
Escape the heat with this refreshing Chilled Cucumber-Watermelon Gazpacho! An innovative twist on traditional gazpacho, this recipe features the delightful combination of juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber, blended to creamy perfection. Enhanced with a zesty kick from lime juice, it’s an ideal appetizer for summer gatherings, a light lunch paired with your favorite sandwich, or even a sophisticated dessert soup. This light and hydrating dish will leave your guests feeling revitalized as they savor each delicious spoonful, making it the perfect seasonal showcase for fresh produce.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/4 cup (none)
Splenda sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
seedless watermelon
7 cups (peeled and cut into ½ inch chunks)
English cucumber
2 cups (finely diced (about one long cucumber))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar substitute. Heat over medium-high, stirring until the mixture boils and the sweetener is dissolved.
2
Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lime juice. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator.
3
In batches, combine the watermelon in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. If desired, spoon off any foam that forms on the surface.
4
In a large mixing bowl, stir the finely diced cucumber and the chilled lime mixture into the watermelon purée, blending thoroughly.
5
Cover the gazpacho and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very cold.
6
Before serving, taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar substitute or lime juice as needed. Serve chilled, garnishing each bowl with additional diced cucumber or mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Cucumber-Watermelon Gazpacho?
It is a refreshing and innovative twist on traditional gazpacho that combines juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber for a hydrating summer dish.
What are the main ingredients in this gazpacho?
The main ingredients include seedless watermelon, English cucumber, fresh lime juice, water, and Splenda sugar substitute.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Chilled Cucumber-Watermelon Gazpacho is entirely vegan.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients and is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use regular sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar substitute with regular sugar, though it may change the caloric content.
How long does the soup need to chill?
The gazpacho should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or until it is very cold.
What is the best way to prepare the watermelon?
The watermelon should be peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks before being blended until smooth.
Do I need to peel the English cucumber?
English cucumbers have thin skin and are typically not peeled for this recipe, but they should be finely diced.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used to purée the watermelon chunks until they are smooth.
What should I do if the watermelon purée is foamy?
If foam forms on the surface after blending, you can simply spoon it off before mixing with other ingredients.
Can I serve this soup as a dessert?
Yes, due to its sweet profile, it works beautifully as a sophisticated dessert soup or a light appetizer.
What are some recommended garnishes?
You can garnish each bowl with additional finely diced cucumber or fresh mint leaves.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the soup?
Before serving, taste the soup and add more sugar substitute if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
How do I adjust the acidity?
You can add more freshly squeezed lime juice if you want a tangier or more acidic profile.
What category of soup is this?
This is classified as a Clear Soup.
Is the lime juice cooked?
The lime juice is stirred into the hot sugar-water mixture after it has been removed from the heat.
Can I use a regular cucumber if I don't have an English cucumber?
Yes, but you may want to peel it and remove the seeds first as regular cucumber skins can be tough and bitter.
What makes this gazpacho different from traditional versions?
Traditional gazpacho is usually tomato-based and savory, while this version uses watermelon for a fruit-forward, refreshing profile.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is actually better when made ahead because it requires at least 2 hours of chilling time.
What is a good lunch pairing for this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a light sandwich or a fresh summer salad.
Why do I need to boil the water and sweetener?
Boiling ensures that the sugar substitute is completely dissolved, creating a smooth syrup base.
Is this recipe suitable for hot summer days?
Absolutely, its high water content and chilled temperature make it an ideal hydrating dish for heatwaves.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best zesty flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
How should I store leftover gazpacho?
Keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Does this recipe contain any fat or cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list of fruits and water, this recipe is naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
Can I use watermelon with seeds?
It is best to use seedless watermelon; if using a seeded variety, ensure all black seeds are removed before blending.
What texture should the watermelon purée have?
The watermelon should be blended until it is completely smooth.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
No salt is included in the provided ingredient list, keeping the focus on sweet and zesty flavors.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is served strictly chilled and is meant to be very cold when consumed.