Gazpacho: A Refreshing, Healthy Summer Soup
When the weather heats up, there’s nothing more refreshing than a chilled bowl of gazpacho—a classic Spanish soup that is light, flavorful, and packed with fresh vegetables. This no-cook dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something cool and nourishing without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, an appetizer, or a quick dinner, this vibrant, vegetable-packed soup is the answer.
At Kathryn Cooks, we love recipes that are simple, seasonal, and full of flavor, and this gazpacho is a perfect example. Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and a tangy splash of vinegar, this soup is a celebration of fresh ingredients—and it’s just as delicious as it is healthy.
What is Gazpacho?
Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that originated in the Andalusian region. It’s known for its refreshing, crisp flavor and vibrant red color, thanks to its base of tomatoes and cucumbers. The soup is typically made with raw vegetables, blended together to create a smooth, chilled dish that’s perfect for summer. In fact, gazpacho is often served on hot days to help cool off and hydrate.
While the basic ingredients of gazpacho remain the same—tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, garlic, and olive oil—the beauty of this soup is that it’s easily customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more of one vegetable or experimenting with extra spices or herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Gazpacho Recipe
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No Cooking Required: One of the best things about gazpacho is that it's a completely no-cook dish. All you need to do is chop up your vegetables, blend them together, and chill. It’s as easy as it gets!
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Packed with Fresh, Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories while being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—especially from the tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s a great way to nourish your body with nutrient-dense, whole foods.
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Refreshing and Hydrating: With a high water content, gazpacho is hydrating and light, making it a perfect summer dish to keep you feeling cool and refreshed during the hot months. Plus, the mix of tangy and savory flavors is incredibly satisfying without weighing you down.
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Customizable: While this recipe offers a delicious base, gazpacho is a versatile dish that allows you to add your own flair. Want a spicier version? Add a bit of jalapeño. Love avocado? Blend it in for a creamy twist. Want to experiment with different herbs? Fresh basil or parsley work wonderfully!
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Gazpacho keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy it as a refreshing snack, light lunch, or appetizer throughout the week.
How to Serve Gazpacho
Gazpacho is typically served chilled, which is part of its charm. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
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As a starter: Serve gazpacho in small bowls as a cool and flavorful first course to any meal.
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As a light lunch: Pair your gazpacho with a slice of whole-grain bread or a fresh green salad for a simple, nourishing meal.
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Topped with garnishes: While gazpacho is delicious on its own, it’s also wonderful when topped with fresh garnishes like crumbled feta, fresh herbs, diced avocado, or crispy croutons.
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As a snack: Gazpacho is a great option for a refreshing snack on a hot day. You can even enjoy it in a mason jar for an on-the-go treat!
Gazpacho
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine
Spanish
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
A Spanish-style soup made from fresh tomatoes and other veggies served cold. Perfect for summer! Don’t forget to add my homemade croutons! (recipe here)
Gazpacho is a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of summer in a light, refreshing, and healthy way. Packed with fresh vegetables and a burst of vibrant flavors, it’s a meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Whether you’re new to gazpacho or a long-time fan, this simple recipe is sure to become a summer staple in your kitchen.
Give this gazpacho recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any creative twists you add to make it your own! We’d love to hear how you enjoy this chilled summer classic.
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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2 lbs ripe roma tomatoes halved and cored
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½ large English cucumber peeled
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1 green pepper cored
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3-4 large garlic cloves peeled, more or less to taste
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2 tsp sea salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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2 tsp ground cumin
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⅓ cup olive oil
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¼ cup red wine vinegar
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3 tbsp tomato paste
Directions
Combine all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Puree for 1-2 minutes, or until soup reaches desired consistency.
Taste and season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours prior to serving.
Serve chilled topped with crutons, freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe Note
Kick it up a notch with my homemade croutons! Get the recipehere.
Tips for the Best Gazpacho
Use ripe tomatoes: Since tomatoes are the base of the soup, it’s important to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are great choices.
Chill the soup: Gazpacho is meant to be served cold, so be sure to give it enough time to chill in the fridge. If you're in a rush, you can also chill individual servings with ice cubes, but for the best texture, allow the entire batch to chill for at least an hour.
Make it ahead: Gazpacho tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you’re meal prepping for the week, make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week.