Watermelon Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a cold Spanish tomato-based raw vegetable soup, originating in the southern region of Andalusia. Gazpacho is widely consumed throughout Spain, neighboring Portugal (where it is known as gaspacho) and parts of Latin America. Gazpacho is mostly consumed during the summer months, due to its cold temperature and acidic bite.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 8 cup(s) watermelon, seedless, (about 6 pounds with rind), finely diced
• 1 medium cucumber(s), peeled, seeded and finely diced
• 1/2 medium pepper(s), red, bell, finely diced
• 1/4 cup(s) basil, fresh, chopped
• 1/4 cup(s) parsley, flat-leaf, chopped
• 3 tablespoon vinegar, red wine
• 2 tablespoon shallot(s), minced
• 2 tablespoon oil, olive, extra virgin
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Mix watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, basil, parsley, vinegar, shallot, oil and salt in a large bowl.

2. Puree 3 cups of the mixture in a blender or food processor to the desired smoothness; transfer to another large bowl. Puree another 3 cups and add to the bowl.

3. Stir in the remaining diced mixture. Serve at room temperature or chilled. 

Nutritional Info (Per serving):

Calories: 116, 

Saturated Fat: 1g, 

Sodium: 296mg, 

Dietary Fiber: 2g, 

Total Fat: 5g, 

Carbs: 18g, 

Cholesterol: 0mg, 

Protein: 2g

Carb Choices: 1

Melon Cooler

Total Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cup(s) watermelon, seedless, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ice cubes
• melon or lime wedges

Preparation

1. In a food processor or blender, combine melon cubes and lime juice. Cover and process or blend until smooth. Press mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard pulp. (You should have about 1 cup juice.) Serve over ice or chill mixture and serve in chilled martini or wine glasses. If desired, garnish with melon or lime wedges.

Nutritional Info (Per serving):

Calories: 48, 

Saturated Fat: 0g, 

Sodium: 2mg, 

Dietary Fiber: 1g, 

Total Fat: 0g, 

Carbs: 12g, 

Cholesterol: 0mg, 

Protein: 1g

Exchanges: Fruit: 1

Carb Choices: 1

WATERMELON & CRESS SALAD W/ GRILLED SHRIMP & HEARTS OF PALM

Watermelon and Cress Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Hearts of Palm

Watermelon’s crunch and subtle sweetness provide a nice contrast to the savory, tender shrimp and hearts of palm. Ricotta salata (salted, pressed fresh ricotta) is similar to feta in texture but not as salty.  

Serves 2

5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled and deveined, tails left intact
3 canned hearts of palm, drained and patted dry (about half a 14-oz. can)
1 Tbs. Champagne vinegar
1 tsp. minced shallot
6 oz. watercress or upland cress, separated into small sprigs, thicker stems trimmed
1/2 cup packed fresh basil, thinly sliced
12 oz. watermelon, thinly sliced into narrow wedges, rind removed, seeded if necessary
3 oz. ricotta salata, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)

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Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk 1-1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the mustard, the lemon zest, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for about 10 minutes.

Thread the shrimp onto metal skewers. Toss the hearts of palm with 1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp and hearts of palm, flipping once, until they have nice grill marks and the shrimp are just cooked through, about 4 minutes total. When cool enough to handle, halve the hearts of palm lengthwise, and then cut crosswise into thirds. Remove the shrimp from the skewers.

In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tsp. mustard with the vinegar, shallot, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Whisk in the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil in a thin stream. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

In a large bowl, toss the cress and basil with just enough of the dressing to lightly coat. Season to taste with salt. Divide the greens between 2 plates. Top with the watermelon wedges and drizzle lightly with the remaining dressing. Top with the hearts of palm, shrimp, and crumbled ricotta salata.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Bruschetta with Fig & Walnut Anchoiade.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 550; 

Fat (g): 44; 

Fat Calories (kcal): 390; 

Saturated Fat (g): 10; 

Protein (g): 28; 

Monounsaturated Fat (g): 27; 

Carbohydrates (g): 14; 

Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 4; 

Sodium (mg): 1780; 

Cholesterol (mg): 160; 

Fiber (g): 3;

Watermelon-Yogurt Ice Recipe

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Rest Time: 6 h 5 mins

Total Time: 6 h 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup(s) water
• 1/4 cup(s) sugar(id try a substitute of your choice to lower the carb ratio)
• 4 cup(s) watermelon, seedless, diced
• 1 cup(s) yogurt, low-fat vanilla
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Preparation

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, over high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a glass measuring cup and let cool slightly.


2. Puree watermelon in a food processor or blender, in 2 batches, pulsing until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in the cooled sugar syrup, yogurt and lime juice until combined. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another large bowl, whisking to release all juice. Discard pulp.

3. Pour the extracted juices into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. (Alternatively, pour into a shallow metal pan and freeze until solid, about 6 hours or overnight.

4. Remove from freezer to defrost slightly, 5 minutes. Break into small chunks and process in a food processor, in batches, until smooth and creamy.) Serve immediately or transfer to a storage container and freeze for up to 2 hours. 

Nutritional Info (Per serving):

Calories: 74, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 21mg, Dietary Fiber: 0g, Total Fat: 1g, Carbs: 16g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Protein: 2g

Carb Choices: 1