Great Gazpacho
Great Gazpacho is a refreshing, chilled Spanish soup bursting with ripe tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a hint of lemon and herbs. Perfect for hot days, it offers vibrant flavors and a smooth texture, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal for those seeking a cool, savory delight.
Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 cups diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber ⓘ
- 2 scallions ⓘ
- juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup yellow squash ⓘ
- 1/2 cup zucchini
- dash of cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon honey ⓘ
Instructions
- Dice the onion, tomatoes, green pepper, and cucumber.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or bowl and blend until smooth, if desired.
- Chill the soup for 2 hours before serving.
- Top with chopped scallions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the gazpacho longer, but if you prefer some chunkiness, pulse the blender a few times. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones if desired, or add a splash of vinegar for extra tang. For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before blending or incorporating a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls and garnish with chopped scallions and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Susan'S Summer Salad for a refreshing meal. For a more filling option, consider serving it with a scoop of quinoa or alongside Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. If you wish to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the integrity of the ingredients. Gazpacho is typically served cold, so consider serving it chilled instead.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Gazpacho contains roughly 727 calories, with 35g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), and calcium (121% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% 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, gazpacho can be made up to a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
What if I don't have all the ingredients?
You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have. Substitute different vegetables like carrots or celery for the cucumber or peppers. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste, and feel free to experiment with herbs like basil or cilantro.
Is gazpacho gluten-free?
Yes, this gazpacho recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just ensure that any added ingredients, such as condiments or bread served alongside, are also gluten-free.
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).