This Watermelon Gazpacho recipe originally appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of Tracy Anderson Magazine, available now for digital download and print orders.
The Reinvention Issue of Tracy Anderson Magazine features 46 original recipes to rejuvenate our diets for a new season. Tracy collaborated closely with Chef Alexander Browne and Director of Higher Nutrition Sandra Rojo to put creative twists on traditional flavor combinations. Every recipe is designed with a unique nutrient profile, customized to elevate your whole-body wellness one dish at a time.
This week, we’re spotlighting the Watermelon Gazpacho. Our refreshing take on a traditional Spanish dish, this Watermelon Gazpacho captures that fresh tomato and rich olive oil flavor, with an added summertime sweetness, perfect for a day in the sun.
Here’s the breakdown for this Watermelon Gazpacho:
- It’s 100% vegan and gluten-free.
- It’s an antioxidant-rich soup.
- All of the ingredients are raw—the ideal way to enjoy fresh summer flavors.
Antioxidants for Longetivity
Did you know that this Watermelon Gazpacho’s ingredients optimize your body’s intake of antioxidants? TA’s in-house Functional Nutritionist Olivia Peláez, MS, FMCHC, breaks this down as she explains, “Tomatoes and olive oil are the winning combination. Olive oil allows for the fat-soluble carotenoids found in tomato to be optimally absorbed by the body.” It’s important to remember that the quality of ingredients goes a long way, especially when it comes to olive oil. Olivia gave us her tips: “When shopping for heart-healthy olive oil, be sure to look for ‘extra virgin’, ‘cold-pressed’ or ‘unrefined’.”
Carotenoids are super healthful antioxidants that are known to prevent chronic disease and boost your immune system. Tomatoes are provitamin A carotenoids, meaning that they can be converted into vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, immune function, and growth.
Stay Hydrated All Summer
One of the biggest health concerns we should all be weary of in the summer months is dehydration. Some major effects of sustained dehydration include reduced skin elasticity, low blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and kidney failure. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to keep daily energy levels up, brighten your complexion, and boost your digestion. Many of us forget to drink as much as we should—that’s why incorporating ingredients with high water contents is ideal, especially in the hotter times of the year. Both watermelon and tomatoes are more than 90% water, making them the perfect summertime foods to stay hydrated.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups watermelon, diced
- 1⁄2 lb red tomatoes, cored and
seeded - 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 1 large Persian cucumber, chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tsp salt
2 tsp sherry vinegar - 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp watermelon, small diced (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp cucumber, small diced (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp basil, chiffonade (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for garnish)
PREPARATION
Add tomato, onion,cucumber, garlic, and pepper to a blender, and run on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce speed to medium, and add salt and sherry vinegar. Slowly add in olive oil.
- Strain soup through a strainer, and place in the fridge. Let cool overnight or for at least 4 hours. Garnish with watermelon, cucumber, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.