When I get a watermelon that’s as perfectly ripe and sweet as the one that came in our Abundant Harvest Organics box today, I have a really hard time not eating the entire thing in one sitting. I like to slice the melon in half and just eat with a spoon. If I can stop myself, I like to save the center for last, because it’s the best.

But, if you can resist, here’s a fun way to eat watermelon… in soup!

It’s a cold soup though, don’t worry. It’s called a Gazpacho. Traditional gazpachos often consist of raw veggies and have a tomato base. But, there are many variations, including this simple watermelon one.

Since everything will be blended up, you don’t have to be too careful about how the watermelon is cut. I figured large chunks would work just fine. The seeds of a watermelon are edible (and some say they’re even good for you), but I don’t like to eat them. They ruin the texture for me. I don’t even like chunks in my ice cream. Tim says that’s weird, but I’m fine with my choices. If you want to leave the seeds in and blend them up, that’s fine with me.

Watermelon pairs well with things like orange juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar, so I added a little bit of each.

It also tastes great with some refreshing mint. I added about 15 smallish leaves. You could add way more or way less, depending on how minty you want it. Basil would be another great addition (along with or in place of the mint). If you don’t want to add the herbs that’s fine. But, they add a cool, fresh burst of flavor.

If the melon is already chilled, you can consume immediately. If not, pop it into the fridge for an hour or so before serving. You could serve it as a gazpacho, just on its own. You could add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream. You could freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it in place of ice or frozen fruit in smoothies or summer drinks, or just pour it into a glass and drink it.

If you have cantaloup or honeydew melon on hand, they’d be a great addition, or could be used in place of the watermelon.

I don’t really like change, especially when it comes to my favorites. That’s why I prefer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, I love to re-watch Gilmore Girls, and I think watermelon is best served super freezing cold, halved and eaten with a spoon. But, with change comes learning new things and growth, so I’m ok with it (ahem, in moderation). I will bravely taste a new dish at Thanksgiving, try watching a new show, and I will, for the first time ever, branch out and do something different with watermelon. And I will enjoy it.

Happy Eating!