There’s nothing quite like a bowl of cucumber gazpacho on a hot summer day! This refreshing cold soup is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant green hue, but it’s also a delightful way to cool down and hydrate. I remember the first time I tried gazpacho at a little Spanish café, and I was instantly hooked by its crisp, fresh flavor. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and a splash of olive oil is irresistible. Trust me, once you whip up this easy cucumber gazpacho, you’ll want it in your fridge all summer long for a quick and healthy snack or light lunch!
Ingredients for Cucumber Gazpacho
To make the most refreshing cucumber gazpacho, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your cucumbers are nice and firm for the best texture, and go for ripe tomatoes to really elevate the flavor. Trust me, it makes a huge difference! And don’t forget to have your vegetable broth ready—it adds that perfect depth to the soup. Happy prepping!
How to Prepare Cucumber Gazpacho
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to whip up this delightful cucumber gazpacho! Trust me, the process is as easy as it gets, and soon you’ll have a chilled bowl of goodness ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Blend the Vegetables
First things first, let’s get those veggies in the blender! Start by tossing in the peeled and diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic. You want to blend these together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Don’t rush this step—take your time to ensure everything is well combined. I usually give it about 30 seconds, and then I stop to scrape down the sides just to make sure nothing gets left behind. Trust me, you want every bit of that freshness!
Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients
Next, it’s time for the magic liquid ingredients! Pour in your vegetable broth, drizzle in the olive oil, and add the red wine vinegar. Blend this mixture again until everything is fully combined. This step is crucial because the broth helps to create that perfect soup texture you’re after. If the mixture seems a bit thick, feel free to add a splash more broth until it’s just right. You’ll love how vibrant and smooth it turns out!
Step 3: Season and Chill
Now, let’s talk seasoning! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it until it’s just how you like it. Once seasoned, transfer your gazpacho to a bowl or container and pop it into the refrigerator. You’ll want to chill it for at least 2 hours—this allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it sits, the better it gets! When you’re ready to serve, garnish with a few diced cucumbers or fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy this chilled delight on a hot summer day—it’s pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly refreshing—perfect for those hot summer days when you need to cool off!
- Super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients; you’ll whip it up in no time.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, this vegan-friendly soup is guilt-free and satisfying.
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or snacks.
- Customizable! You can add your favorite herbs or spices to really make it your own.
- It’s a visually stunning dish, with that vibrant green color that looks gorgeous on any table.
- Perfectly paired with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete and delightful summer meal.
Tips for Success with Cucumber Gazpacho
Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your cucumber gazpacho to the next level! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: When it comes to tomatoes, go for the ripest ones you can find! They add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that really shines through in the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t be shy about adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. They bring a burst of freshness that complements the cooler flavors of the cucumbers beautifully. Just a handful can elevate your dish!
- Chill Time: Allow your gazpacho to chill for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight. This extra time lets the flavors mingle and develop, making every spoonful even more delicious.
- Texture Matters: If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some diced cucumbers and tomatoes to stir in after blending. It adds a nice contrast and makes each bite more interesting!
- Storage: Store your gazpacho in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as some separation may occur. It’s still just as tasty!
- Serve Cold: This soup is best enjoyed ice-cold. If it’s not chilly enough for your liking, throw in a few ice cubes just before serving for an instant refresh!
These tips will help you create the best cucumber gazpacho that’ll impress everyone at your next gathering or simply make your summer days a little brighter!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each serving of this delightful cucumber gazpacho. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
This cucumber gazpacho is not just a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a light and healthy option packed with nutrients! Perfect for those hot summer days when you want something refreshing without the guilt.
FAQ About Cucumber Gazpacho
Got questions about making cucumber gazpacho? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my trusty tips to help you out.
Can I use other vegetables in my gazpacho?
Absolutely! While cucumbers are the star of this show, feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. Just chop them up and toss them in the blender with the rest!
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water or even chicken broth if you’re not keeping it vegan. Just keep in mind that using broth adds a richer flavor, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mix before blending. It’ll give your cucumber gazpacho a nice, spicy twist that’s sure to impress!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, yes, yes! Cucumber gazpacho actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you are!
What should I serve with cucumber gazpacho?
This chilled soup pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette or a light salad. You can also serve it as a refreshing starter before a heavier meal. Trust me, it’s a delightful way to start any summer gathering!
Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Gazpacho
When it comes to serving cucumber gazpacho, the possibilities are delightful! Here are some tasty ideas to elevate your summer meal:
- Crusty Bread: A fresh, crusty baguette or some artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the gazpacho. It adds a lovely texture that complements the smooth soup.
- Light Salads: Pair your gazpacho with a refreshing mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bright flavors will balance beautifully!
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The smokiness of the veggies adds a wonderful contrast to the chilled soup.
- Avocado Toast: For a trendy twist, enjoy your gazpacho with a slice of avocado toast topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. So good!
- Seafood Appetizers: Think shrimp cocktails or calamari for a light starter that pairs wonderfully with the cool, crisp flavors of the gazpacho.
These serving suggestions will not only enhance your cucumber gazpacho experience but also make for a beautifully balanced summer meal. Enjoy every refreshing bite!
For more information on the health benefits of cucumbers, check out this Healthline article.
To explore more delicious soup recipes, visit this page for a delightful carrot cream soup recipe!
If you’re interested in learning how to make a refreshing summer salad, check out this watermelon and feta salad recipe.
Z nadrukami
Cucumber Gazpacho: 7 Refreshing Secrets for Summer Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing cold soup made with cucumbers and other vegetables.
Składniki
- 4 cups cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Blend cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a blender until smooth.
- Add vegetable broth, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Blend until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve cold, garnished with diced cucumber and herbs if desired.
Uwagi
- Use ripe tomatoes for better flavor.
- Add herbs like basil for extra taste.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Blending
- Kuchnia: Spanish
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 120
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 9g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 8g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: cucumber gazpacho, cold soup, summer soup, vegan soup
