When the summer heat becomes overwhelming, chilled soups can be a perfect way to stay cool and refreshed. Not only do these soups offer relief from high temperatures, but they can also help you stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Chilled soups come in various flavors and styles, showcasing creativity and versatility in the kitchen. From smooth and creamy blends to those packed with crunchy vegetables, you’ll find many options to match your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for something savory or slightly sweet, there’s a chilled soup recipe that can bring joy to your summer meals.
Table of Contents
- 1) Classic Gazpacho
- 2) Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
- 3) Potato and Leek Soup
- 4) Cold Borscht
- 5) Chilled Pea and Mint Soup
- 6) Chilled Carrot Ginger Soup
- 7) Chilled Almond and Garlic Soup
- 8) Avocado and Coconut Soup
- 9) Mango, Coconut and Lime Soup
- 10) Creamy Green Gazpacho with Avocados
- Health Benefits of Chilled Soups
- Tips for Making Perfect Chilled Soups
- Frequently Asked Questions
1) Classic Gazpacho
Classic Gazpacho is a refreshing, chilled soup perfect for hot summer days. It’s a blend of fresh vegetables like ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. These are mixed with extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of vinegar to create a smooth, vibrant soup.
To make the soup, chop and blend the vegetables together until smooth. Then, let the soup chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
You can serve gazpacho with a side of crusty bread or top it with herbs like basil or chives. This soup is not just delicious but also healthy, making it a great choice for cooling down.
Want to try making Classic Gazpacho at home? Check out the full recipe!
2) Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
This Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup is perfect for hot summer days. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make.
You will need cucumbers, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Blend all ingredients until smooth, then chill the soup for a few hours before serving. Garnish with extra cucumber slices and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Check out the full recipe!
3) Potato and Leek Soup
Potato and leek soup is a classic French dish, often enjoyed chilled. Known as Vichyssoise, this creamy, smooth soup becomes a summer favorite for its refreshing qualities.
To start, melt butter in a large pot and sauté chopped leeks, onions, and garlic until soft. Then, add peeled, chopped potatoes and your choice of vegetable or chicken broth, and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Next, blend the soup until smooth, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Fry some bacon until crispy, chop it into bits, and use it along with fresh chives as a garnish.
Serve this chilled soup on hot days to cool down while enjoying a rich, flavorful meal.
Check out the full recipe!
4) Cold Borscht
Cold borscht is a refreshing beet soup, perfect for hot summer days. It’s made with beets, which give it a beautiful red color and earthy flavor.
To make this soup, cook and cool the beets, then blend them with broth, vinegar, and sugar. Chill the soup for a few hours to let the flavors meld, and serve it cold with a dollop of sour cream, fresh dill, and chopped green onions.
The tangy, sweet, and savory notes make it a delightful, cooling dish. This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins from the beets and other fresh ingredients. To try making cold borscht at home, check out the full recipe!
5) Chilled Pea and Mint Soup
Chilled pea and mint soup is a refreshing dish, perfect for summer. The combination of sweet peas and fresh mint creates a light and vibrant flavor.
To prepare it, blend peas with fresh mint leaves, garlic, and buttermilk until smooth. You can add lettuce to enhance the texture if you like. Then, cool the soup quickly to preserve its bright green color and sweet taste.
Stir continuously while cooling for best results, then serve in bowls and enjoy this cool, delicious soup on a hot day. Check out the full recipe for detailed instructions!
6) Chilled Carrot Ginger Soup
Chilled Carrot Ginger Soup is perfect for hot summer days. The sweetness of carrots paired with the zest of ginger makes for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
To make this soup, start by simmering carrots until tender, usually about 20 minutes. Then, puree them with ginger in a blender until smooth and add yogurt to give it a creamy texture. Chill the soup for a few hours before serving.
This soup is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce. Check out the full recipe for exact measurements and detailed steps!
7) Chilled Almond and Garlic Soup
A classic Spanish dish, Chilled Almond and Garlic Soup, also known as Ajo Blanco, is perfect for hot summer days.
This soup blends almonds, garlic, and stale bread to create a creamy and refreshing treat. The almonds give a nutty base, while the garlic adds a spicy kick.
Vinegar and olive oil are added to balance the flavors. Once everything is blended, the soup is chilled until it is icy cold.
Serve with some fresh fruit, like apple cubes or grapes, to add a hint of sweetness. This soup is light and refreshing, making it a great appetizer or light meal. Want to try making it? Check out the full recipe for detailed instructions.
8) Avocado and Coconut Soup
Avocado and coconut soup is a delicious way to stay cool in the summer. It combines the rich creaminess of avocados with the tropical taste of coconut milk.
To make this soup, start by halving avocados and removing the pulp. Then, blend the avocado pulp with lemon juice, diced onion, and chicken stock.
Add coconut milk, salt, pepper, and a bit of chili powder. Blend until smooth and chill the soup in the fridge before serving. For the full recipe, check it out here.
9) Mango, Coconut and Lime Soup
This Mango, Coconut, and Lime Soup is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. You start by slicing mangos around the seed and cross-hatching the flesh. Then, scoop it out and blend with coconut water until smooth.
Add lime juice for a refreshing tang, then mix in some yogurt for creaminess and a bit of agave syrup for sweetness.
Serve the soup chilled, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a lime wedge. This soup is both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a hot summer day. Check out the full recipe for detailed instructions!
10) Creamy Green Gazpacho with Avocados
Creamy Green Gazpacho with Avocados is perfect for hot summer days.
You’ll need cucumbers, avocados, jalapeños, and fresh herbs. Blend these with lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of garlic to make a smooth, refreshing soup. It’s delicious and easy to make, so try this cool treat to beat the heat. Want to try it yourself? Check out the full recipe!
Health Benefits of Chilled Soups
Chilled soups offer multiple health benefits, making them a great choice when the weather gets hot. They often contain fresh vegetables and fruits, keeping you hydrated and providing low-calorie options.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Chilled soups are usually packed with fresh produce, giving you a boost of vitamins and minerals. Ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are common.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that’s good for your heart.
Cucumbers provide vitamin K and help with hydration.
Bell peppers offer a good amount of vitamin A and C.
Blending these ingredients helps retain their nutrients, making chilled soups a healthy choice.
Hydration During Summer
Keeping hydrated is crucial during summer, and chilled soups can help with this. Many vegetables have high water content.
For example:
- Cucumbers: Approximately 95% water.
- Tomatoes: Around 94% water.
- Watermelons: Nearly 92% water.
By consuming these water-rich soups, you aid your body in staying hydrated, which is essential to maintaining energy levels and helping with temperature regulation.
Low-Calorie Options
Chilled soups can be an ideal low-calorie meal or snack. They usually contain fewer calories because they are made of vegetables and fruits.
Recipes might include a variety of low-calorie ingredients:
- Celery: About 6 calories per stalk.
- Tomatoes: Roughly 22 calories in a medium-sized tomato.
- Cucumbers: Only 8 calories per half-cup serving.
Opting for these soups can help you manage your weight while still enjoying delicious, satisfying food. By avoiding heavy creams and oils, you can keep the calorie count to a minimum without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Tips for Making Perfect Chilled Soups
Creating the perfect chilled soup involves selecting the best ingredients, balancing flavors carefully, and ensuring proper chilling and serving techniques. By following these tips, you can elevate your summer soups to be both refreshing and delicious.
Choosing Fresh Ingredients
Fresh and seasonal produce is key to making a tasty chilled soup. Seasonal vegetables and fruits picked at their peak offer the best flavor and nutrition. During summer, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and avocados are ideal choices.
Selecting the best vegetables and fruits:
- Look for firm, unblemished produce.
- For tomatoes, choose ones that are deep red and aromatic.
- Cucumbers should be crisp and free of yellow spots.
- Bell peppers should be shiny with smooth skin.
Using seasonal ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also ensures maximum freshness and nutritional value.
Balancing Flavors
Balancing flavors with herbs and spices is essential to making a delightful chilled soup. Start with a base of fresh vegetables and build layers of flavor with additional ingredients.
Steps for balancing flavors:
- Use acidic components like lemon juice or vinegar to add brightness.
- Add a small amount of sweetness with honey or ripe fruits.
- Herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint can give a refreshing taste.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Taste as you go and adjust until you reach a harmonious blend. Remember to balance sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Proper Chilling and Serving
Proper chilling and serving techniques are crucial for making chilled soups truly refreshing. Once your soup is made, you need to ensure it's cooled properly.
Chilling methods:
- Place the soup in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
- For quicker chilling, use an ice bath by placing the soup bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice and water.
Storage and serving tips:
- Store the soup in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Serve cold in chilled bowls to maintain its coolness.
- Garnish with herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the presentation.
Pair your chilled soups with complementary dishes like a crisp salad or crusty bread to create a refreshing summer meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold soups are refreshing and versatile. They’re easy to make and can be a great way to use up fresh produce. Let’s address some common questions you might have about making and storing chilled soups.
What are the classic types of cold soups?
Classic cold soups include gazpacho, chilled cucumber and yogurt soup, potato and leek soup, cold borscht, and chilled pea and mint soup. These soups highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients and are simple to prepare.
Are there any chilled soups that can also be served hot?
Yes, many chilled soups can also be served hot. For example, potato and leek soup (vichyssoise) is delicious both hot and cold. It’s a matter of personal preference and can depend on the weather.
What are the best ingredients for making chilled soups?
Fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices are essential. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are common in cold soups. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and dill add flavor. Yogurt, buttermilk, and olive oil often provide creaminess.
Can I use leftover vegetables to make summer soups?
Yes, leftover vegetables can be a great addition to summer soups. They add flavor and reduce waste. Just make sure the vegetables are fresh and free of spoilage to ensure the best taste and texture.
What else can I use if I don’t have sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar to make gazpacho?
If you don’t have sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as substitutes. Lemon juice can also add the tangy acidity needed in gazpacho.
How do I adjust the seasoning in cold soups?
Taste your cold soup before serving. If it needs more flavor, adjust with salt, pepper, or additional herbs. Since cold soups can mellow in flavor when chilled, don’t be afraid to add seasoning to enhance the taste.
What are some tips for blending soups to a smooth consistency?
Use a high-powered blender for smooth results. Blend in batches to avoid overfilling. If the soup is too thick, add more liquid gradually. Straining the soup through a fine mesh sieve can also help achieve a velvety texture.
What are the best kitchen tools for preparing summer soups?
A high-powered blender is essential. A food processor can also be useful. Other helpful tools include cutting boards, sharp knives, a fine mesh sieve, and measuring cups and spoons.
Can I freeze summer soups for later use?
Yes, many summer soups can be frozen. Store them in airtight containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. Some ingredients, like dairy, may change texture after freezing.
How long can I store chilled soups in the refrigerator?
Chilled soups can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of other odors from the fridge. Shake or stir well before serving.
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