This Summer Melon Gazpacho is an incredibly refreshing appetizer to serve when the weather is hot. The sweet, juicy melon and fresh mint are hydrating and cooling, making this a perfect dish for an outdoor barbecue or picnic. Melon gazpacho is both casual and classy, equally at home at a relaxed gathering of friends, or at an elegant tea party.

This Summer Melon Gazpacho was inspired by a dish I had a brewery in central Oregon a few years ago. I’ve never been much into gazpacho, because I’m particular about how I like to consume tomatoes. I don’t like tomato juice, so traditional tomato-based gazpacho doesn’t really appeal to me. But melon on the other hand? Give me all the melon! I devoured my first bowl of melon gazpacho, and immediately set out to recreate it when I got home.

I did in fact serve this at a tea party a few years ago. It was a beautiful late spring/early summer afternoon gathering. Knowing the weather was forecasted to be warm, I didn’t think the traditional soup course would be very enjoyable, so I decided to bring this chilled melon gazpacho instead. It was a smashing success, as it went beautifully with the other cold sandwiches and salads, and was a nice, light course in the meal.

Serve this Summer Melon Gazpacho at your next barbecue, served up in small glasses for guests to sip on. Or pour it into jars to easily pack on a picnic lunch! It’s an easy, fun, and unexpected dish that your friends will ask for again!

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Original publication date: May 20, 2021