Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho

Serves 4.

Note: Blending the olive oil into the purée makes this very light soup a little more substantial. The garnishes make it a meal, and vegans can opt for avocado instead of feta. From Robin Asbell.

• 4 c. watermelon, seedless, diced

• 1 small cucumber, finely chopped

• 1/2 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp. finely chopped red onion

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

• 8 sprigs fresh spearmint

• 4 oz. feta cheese or 1 small avocado, cubed

Directions

Chop the watermelon in small pieces, and put it in a medium bowl. Save the juices as you chop, adding them to the bowl. Peel, seed and finely chop the cucumber, green bell pepper and red onion and add to the bowl.

Add the salt and lime juice. Stir to mix, then transfer about 2 1/2 cups to a blender and purée until smooth.

With the machine running, drizzle the olive oil in gradually. Stir the purée back into the bowl with the chopped watermelon.

Serve garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired, feta cubes or avocado, and spearmint leaves.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories190Fat13 gSodium560 mg

Carbohydrates16 gSaturated fat5 gTotal sugars12 g

Protein5 gCholesterol25 mgDietary fiber1 g

Exchanges per serving: 1 fruit, 1 high-fat protein, 1 fat.