Watermelon Gazpacho Mermaid Style

Gazpacho is such a healthy and tasty summer treat for lunch, or as a dinner appetizer. This watermelon variation is the perfect combination of savory and sweet and it’s full of all-natural fresh ingredients. This is based on more traditional Spanish-style, with the olive oil, sherry vinegar and a little bread for thickening. So tasty, so healthy, so fresh!

Ingredients
(Makes 4 to 6 servings depending on size of bowl you use)

• 1.5 pounds fresh watermelon (seedless)
• 3 large Roma tomatoes, halved and cored*
  (*Scoop out and discard the seeds and any tough white core)
• 1 small (1/2 pound) cucumber, peeled and seeded
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored
• 1/2 small red onion, peeled
• 2 small garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/3 cup basil leaves (or you can substitute fresh mint leaves)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Land & SEAsoning spice mix
• 1 thick slice of white bread, soaked, crusts removed*
  (*Cut away the crust and then run the slice of bread under flowing water in the sink for a second to soak with water, ring it out and add to the other ingredients)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients together in a blender or food processor.  Puree for 1 minute, or until the soup reaches your desired consistency. 
2. Taste and season with extra salt, pepper and/or Land & SEAsoning if needed.
3. Refrigerate in a sealed container for 4 hours, or until completely chilled (can be kept for two days).
4. Serve cold, topped with your desired garnishes which might include a drizzle of olive oil, and a basil or mint leaf. 
5. Some optional other toppings could also include:
   • Chopped green pepper, red onion, and cucumber
   • A small watermelon ball or small wedge on side of bowl
   • Chopped crabmeat, avocado, and roasted corn
   • Shrimp
   • Capers, and red onion
   • A pinch of Nori Flakes
   • Plain Greek yogurt (or tzatziki sauce)
   • A small wedge of lime
   • Lemon zest

P.S. Read about the top 9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon.