California Gazpacho
California Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup bursting with fresh tomato, cucumber, and green pepper flavors. Perfect for hot days, it offers a vibrant blend of tangy vinegar, herbs, and crisp vegetables, making it a delightful starter or light meal for those who enjoy healthy, chilled cuisine.
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 3 c. no-salt-added tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium size green pepper, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- dash of hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well.
- Cover and chill for 8 hours or overnight.
- Ladle into soup bowls to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the gazpacho in batches until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the garlic or omit the hot sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can be great substitutes for parsley and cilantro. For added depth, consider including diced avocado or a splash of lemon juice. This dish is perfect for hot summer days, making it a refreshing choice in Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls for a refreshing appetizer or light meal. Garnish with additional diced vegetables or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Barracuda or a light salad like Lemony Green Beans. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a simple tomato-pasta salad for added heartiness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. It can be served cold directly from the fridge, or if you prefer a room temperature dish, allow it to sit for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating, as gazpacho is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Gazpacho contains roughly 77 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gazpacho ahead of time?
Yes, making the gazpacho a day in advance is ideal as it allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Just ensure you store it in the refrigerator and cover it well to preserve freshness. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
What if I want to make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Begin with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference. Just remember to balance the flavors so it doesn’t overpower the freshness of the vegetables.
Is there a gluten-free option for this gazpacho?
Absolutely! This gazpacho is naturally gluten-free as it contains no grains or gluten-based ingredients. It’s also a great option for those following vegan recipes. Enjoy it as is, or serve it with gluten-free crackers for a delicious pairing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).