Print

Summer Gazpacho

Summer Gazpacho

Summer Gazpacho is a vibrant, refreshing chilled Spanish soup packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of spice. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer on hot days, it combines ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and more into a colorful, healthy delight that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 12 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings & Garnishes

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into chunks. The size doesn’t need to be perfect since everything will be blended smooth later.
  2. Blend Until Smooth: Place all vegetables in a blender along with garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant soup. For a chunkier texture, pulse less or stir in some diced veggies.
  3. Chill the Soup: Pour the Gazpacho into a bowl or pitcher and refrigerate for at least two hours. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the flavors meld together and gives that wonderfully cool experience.
  4. Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar levels to your liking. You want a perfect balance of acidity and freshness that wakes up your palate.
  5. Serve with Garnishes: Ladle the cold Summer Gazpacho into bowls and sprinkle fresh herbs on top. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or small diced veggies for texture and color contrast.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh produce: The quality of ingredients directly impacts the taste and vibrancy.
  • Chill thoroughly: The soup tastes best when thoroughly cold, enhancing its refreshing nature.
  • Balance the acidity: Adjust vinegar carefully to avoid overpowering the natural sweetness.
  • Don’t skip olive oil: It creates a silky texture and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
  • Make ahead advantage: Summer Gazpacho often tastes even better the next day when flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer gazpacho, chilled soup, Spanish soup, vegan, gluten free, cold appetizer, refreshing dish, healthy soup