Garden Gazpacho
A refreshing and vibrant cold soup with ripe tomatoes, garden vegetables, and a hint of spice, perfect for summer gatherings and light, healthy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 15 oz. container Contadina refrigerated light garden vegetable sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped cucumber ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. commercial croutons ⓘ
Instructions
- Position the knife blade in the food processor bowl; add tomatoes and pulse 10 to 15 times or until finely chopped.
- Combine the chopped tomatoes, garden vegetable sauce, water, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and hot sauce in a large glass container.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve the gazpacho chilled, topping each serving with finely chopped cucumber, green pepper, and croutons immediately before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the gazpacho longer or use a high-speed blender. If fresh tomatoes are not in season, you can substitute with canned tomatoes for convenience. Adding a pinch of sugar can enhance sweetness if your tomatoes are slightly tart. Consider adding ingredients like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor, or serve with a side of *Spinach With Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls to enhance its refreshing quality. Garnish each serving with additional chopped cucumber, green pepper, and a sprinkle of croutons for texture. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, making it a perfect starter for a summer meal or a light lunch alongside a crisp salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gazpacho is best served chilled, so if it warms up, simply give it a good stir and return it to the fridge for a bit before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may be affected upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Gazpacho contains roughly 330 calories, with 11g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (167% of the Daily Value), and calcium (132% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 537mg per serving (23% 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, this gazpacho is ideal for making ahead! The flavors meld beautifully after sitting in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
What can I use instead of croutons?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. Alternatively, serve the gazpacho with pita chips or homemade baked tortilla chips for a different texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This garden gazpacho is naturally vegan, featuring only plant-based ingredients. It's a refreshing option for anyone following a vegan diet, and perfect for warm weather gatherings.
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).