Cucumber Gazpacho is a delightful dish that combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with the creaminess of Greek yogurt, creating a tangy, cool soup perfect for hot days. This no-cook recipe is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions—from summer cookouts to light lunches. Serve it chilled, and you’ll enjoy a refreshing treat that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and no cooking involved, you can whip this up in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cucumber, dill, and lemon juice offers a bright and zesty taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and yogurt, this gazpacho is low in calories while high in nutrients.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal. It pairs well with various dishes!
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or toppings according to your preference for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cucumber Gazpacho efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A high-quality blender ensures that your gazpacho is smooth and creamy without any chunks.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing cucumbers quick and easy, saving time during prep.
Ingredients
Easy Tangy, creamy, cool & refreshing. Fresh and delicious and no cooking required! Serve well chilled.
For the Gazpacho
- 4 medium English cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- salt and pepper
How to Make Cucumber Gazpacho
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
- Place the peeled cucumbers, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and fresh dill into the blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste your mixture before proceeding.
Step 2: Season to Taste
- Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Blend again briefly to mix in the seasonings.
Step 3: Chill the Gazpacho
- Transfer your mixture into a container.
- Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to chill thoroughly.
Step 4: Final Adjustments
- Once chilled, taste your gazpacho again.
- Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Step 5: Serve Your Gazpacho
- Ladle the gazpacho into bowls.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and drizzle with extra olive oil.
- If desired, sprinkle additional chopped cucumber on top for added texture.
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Gazpacho!
How to Serve Cucumber Gazpacho
Cucumber gazpacho is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its fresh and tangy flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Chilled Bowls
- Serve the cucumber gazpacho in chilled bowls to keep it refreshing. This adds an extra layer of coolness, perfect for hot summer days.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Top each serving with freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Accompany with Crusty Bread
- Pair the gazpacho with slices of crusty bread or baguette. The crunchy texture complements the smoothness of the soup beautifully.
Add Toppings
- Consider using toppings such as diced avocado, croutons, or even a dollop of extra Greek yogurt. These additions can provide varied textures and flavors.
Serve as an Appetizer
- Present cucumber gazpacho as a starter in small cups or shot glasses during dinner parties. It makes for a sophisticated touch that impresses guests.
Pair with Wine
- A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with cucumber gazpacho. The crisp notes enhance the freshness of the dish.
How to Perfect Cucumber Gazpacho
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your cucumber gazpacho, consider these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe cucumbers and fresh herbs. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow the gazpacho to chill for at least 2-3 hours. A well-chilled soup enhances its refreshing qualities.
Blend Until Smooth: Ensure you blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth. This creates a creamy texture that is essential for a good gazpacho.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary for the best balance.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick. This can elevate your gazpacho’s flavor profile.
Serve Cold: Make sure to serve cucumber gazpacho cold for maximum refreshment. Avoid letting it sit out too long at room temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Gazpacho
Cucumber gazpacho pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options to consider:
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection adds a savory protein that balances the cool soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light salad that aligns nicely with Mediterranean cuisine.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa and vegetables make a filling side that’s also nutritious.
Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips serve as a delightful dipper for your gazpacho while adding texture.
Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad brings together olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers, enhancing the freshness of your meal.
Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters offer a delicious contrast in texture while keeping things light and healthy.
Roasted Vegetable Platter: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies provides warmth and earthiness that complements the coolness of cucumber gazpacho.
Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses pairs beautifully, allowing guests to mix flavors according to their preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cucumber Gazpacho is easy, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.
- Skipping the chilling time – Chilling the gazpacho is essential for enhancing flavors and achieving a refreshing taste. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours.
- Not seasoning adequately – Underseasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste your gazpacho before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
- Using overripe cucumbers – Overripe cucumbers can alter the texture and flavor of your gazpacho. Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best results.
- Blending too long – Over-blending can make your gazpacho too watery. Blend just until smooth and creamy for the perfect consistency.
- Neglecting garnishes – Garnishes add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t forget to top with scallions, additional cucumber, or herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cucumber Gazpacho
- Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the gazpacho.
- If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cucumber Gazpacho
- Oven – Not recommended; gazpacho is best served cold.
- Microwave – Heat gently on low power if you prefer it warm; however, this alters its traditional cold serving style.
- Stovetop – Similar to microwave instructions; heat slowly if necessary. Remember that gazpacho is traditionally enjoyed chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cucumber Gazpacho.
What is Cucumber Gazpacho?
Cucumber Gazpacho is a cold soup made primarily from pureed cucumbers, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs, perfect for hot weather.
Can I customize my Cucumber Gazpacho?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like avocado or mint to give it a unique twist or adjust seasonings based on personal preference.
How do I serve Cucumber Gazpacho?
Serve chilled in bowls or cups, garnished with sliced scallions and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.
Is Cucumber Gazpacho healthy?
Yes! This refreshing soup is low in calories and full of nutrients from cucumbers and yogurt, making it a healthy choice.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Gazpacho is not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing and versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or garnishes. You’ll be surprised at how delightful this cold soup can be during warm days! Try it today!
Cucumber Gazpacho
Cucumber Gazpacho is the ultimate refreshing dish for hot summer days, combining crisp cucumbers with creamy Greek yogurt for a tangy, chilled soup that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 medium English cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a blender, combine peeled cucumbers, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and dill. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; blend briefly to mix.
- Pour the mixture into a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours.
- Once chilled, taste again and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve gazpacho in bowls garnished with scallions and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
