Cucumber Gazpacho

A cool and revitalizing chilled soup made primarily from cucumbers blended with herbs, garlic, yogurt or avocado, and a touch of acidity—perfect for hot summer days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Exceptionally refreshing and hydrating
No cooking required—just blend and chill
Creamy texture from yogurt, avocado, or herbs
Few ingredients needed, yet bursting with flavor
Light, healthy, and ideal as a starter or light meal
Vegan and dairy‑free options available
Excellent as make‑ahead or picnic-friendly dish
Versatile garnishes add texture and visual appeal
Gluten‑free and low‑calorie naturally
Great way to celebrate cucumber’s crisp freshness

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Core components:

3–4 large cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
2–3 tablespoons plain yogurt or coconut yogurt (or half avocado for richness)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil
A few fresh mint or parsley or basil leaves (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Water or ice cubes to thin, as needed

Optional additions & garnishes:

½ ripe avocado for creaminess
A few grapes or tomatoes for fruity brightness
Fresh herbs like basil, mint, parsley
A drizzle of olive oil or toasted pine nuts
Cucumber slices or edible flowers on top

Directions

Prep vegetables: Peel and roughly chop cucumbers (remove seeds if excessively watery).
Blend base: In a blender or food processor, combine cucumbers, garlic, yogurt or avocado, vinegar (or lemon), olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Adjust consistency: Blend until smooth. Add cold water or ice cubes to reach desired thickness.
Chill: Transfer soup to a container and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (best served very cold).
Serve: Stir before serving, garnish with chosen toppings like extra herbs, olive oil drizzle, or cucumber slices.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4 as a starter or light meal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 10–20 minutes

Variations

Use yogurt (dairy or vegan) or avocado for creaminess
Add grapes or tomato pieces to the blend for sweetness
Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint
Skip yogurt—use plant milk or soy milk with vinegar as a vegan alternative
Blend cucumber with peas or spinach for added green nutrient boost
Spice with jalapeño or black pepper for more heat
Serve garnished with toasted nuts or seeds
Use Greek yogurt and lemon juice for tangier profile
Top with chilled shrimp or diced vegetables for substance
Pair with seasonal fruits for colorful presentations

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days
Stir before serving again; add a splash of water or vinegar if it thickens
Not meant to be reheated—always serve chilled

Cucumber Gazpacho

FAQs

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

Peeling helps reduce bitterness, especially if skin is tough. It’s optional if cucumbers are mild and fresh.

Should I seed the cucumbers?

If they are very watery, removing seeds improves texture; otherwise, it’s not necessary.

Can I skip yogurt or avocado?

Yes—you can replace with plant milk, plain water, or skip creaminess entirely for a lighter soup.

How long should I chill it?

Minimum 1 hour in the fridge; 1–2 hours yields best flavor and refreshment.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes—use coconut yogurt or avocado and plant-based milk; skip any dairy yogurt to keep vegan.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Add herbs like mint, parsley, or basil and enhance with vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Absolutely—make in advance and keep chilled. Stir before serving and garnish fresh.

Will it thicken over time?

Yes. If it becomes too thick, thin with water or ice melt before serving.

Can I add toppings?

Yes—good options include cucumber slices, croutons, seeds, herbs, edible flowers, yogurt dollops.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve extremely cold in bowls or shot glasses, garnished with fresh herbs, olive oil drizzle, or chilled veggies.

Conclusion

Cucumber Gazpacho is a delightfully cool and creamy chilled soup that highlights the fresh, crisp flavor of cucumbers. With minimal prep and no cooking, it’s a light, healthful, and elegant choice for warm-weather refreshment. Easily adapted to vegan and dairy-free diets, it’s perfect for entertaining or simple everyday meals. Personalize with herbs, toppings, or protein for a soup that’s as versatile as it is delicious.