Easy Gazpacho Soup
A vibrant, chilled tomato-based soup with fresh herbs and vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches, offering bold flavors and refreshing taste.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ripe tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large Vidalia onion ⓘ
- 2 medium cucumbers ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 3 slices white or French bread ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups canned tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Seed, peel, and chop the tomatoes.
- Chop Vidalia onion, green pepper, and cucumbers.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Remove crusts from the bread and tear into pieces.
- Combine tomatoes, onion, green pepper, cucumbers, garlic, bread, and basil in a large bowl.
- Mix well and let stand for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer mixture in batches to an electric blender or food processor fitted with a steel chopping blade.
- Process until no large pieces remain, but do not puree; mixture should have texture.
- Return mixture to the bowl and stir in olive oil, wine vinegar, salt, hot sauce, and ground pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for flavors to blend.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can adjust the blending time, but be careful not to puree the mixture completely. If fresh tomatoes aren't in season, consider using canned tomatoes for a consistent flavor. You can add a touch of sweetness with a pinch of sugar or some diced bell pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls and garnish with additional chopped basil or diced cucumbers for freshness. It pairs beautifully with Shredded Beet Salad With Orange-Cranberry Dressing or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider offering Mediterranean recipes like Tabbuli as a side dish to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve chilled, simply stir gently before serving. If the soup thickens, you can thin it out with a little cold water or extra tomato juice. Avoid reheating, as gazpacho is meant to be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Gazpacho Soup contains roughly 1757 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1914mg per serving (83% 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 gazpacho ahead of time?
Yes, making gazpacho a day ahead is ideal. Allowing it to chill overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dish. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to reintegrate any separation that might occur.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the spiciness of your gazpacho, start with less hot sauce and gradually add it to taste. You can also use milder peppers or omit hot sauce altogether for a completely mild version. Adding a dash of paprika can provide flavor without adding heat.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this gazpacho recipe is naturally vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. You can enhance its flavor further with vegan-friendly toppings like avocado or croutons made from whole-grain bread. It's a refreshing option for those seeking vegan recipes.
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).