1 cup thinly sliced peeled and seeded cucumber, 2 1/2 oz.
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
6 cups cubed and seeded watermelon, from about 2 1/4 pounds melon
1/2 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1 4 1/2-ounce red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 4-ounce red onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, 2 oz., diced
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
2 to 3 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. sherry or white wine vinegar
6 fresh mint leaves

In a small bowl, combine the cucumber and salt. Set aside. In a food processor or blender, combine the watermelon and cranberry juice cocktail. Pulse briefly, until just blended. Do not overprocess 3/4 the soup will be frothy and pale. Pour through a sieve, set over a bowl, and press on the pulp to extract all of the juice. Discard the pulp. Stir the bell pepper, onion, celery, parsley, lime juice, and vinegar into the watermelon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to blend. Rinse the cucumber slices and pat dry with paper towels. Ladle the soup into chilled bowls and garnish with the cucumber slices and sprigs of mint.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 79
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 2g