Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho

The Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho is a silky blend of fresh cucumbers, creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic herbs like dill and parsley. This no-cook recipe is a summer staple, perfect for those sweltering days when the idea of turning on the stove sounds unbearable.

Served cold and bursting with garden-fresh flavor, this dish offers a harmonious balance between cool, tangy, and savory elements. It’s a fantastic appetizer for dinner parties, an elegant starter for brunch, or a light, hydrating lunch. Plus, it’s low in calories and rich in probiotics, making it both refreshing and nourishing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint (optional)

• Cold water or vegetable broth to thin (if needed)

Directions:

1. Place chopped cucumbers, red onion, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a high-speed blender.

2. Add Greek yogurt and blend until smooth.

3. If the consistency is too thick, add cold water or vegetable broth, a tablespoon at a time, until desired texture is achieved.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Garnish with a swirl of olive oil, extra dill, or microgreens. Serve cold.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

All About Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho: A Summer Delight

When the summer sun reaches its peak and the days feel long and sweltering, nothing satisfies quite like a cool, crisp, and refreshing dish. Enter: Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho, a revitalizing soup that not only quenches your thirst but also nourishes your body with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Traditionally, gazpacho originates from Andalusia in southern Spain, where it’s made with ripe tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and bread blended into a refreshing cold soup. This variation, however, trades the tomato base for the cooling power of cucumbers, creamy Greek yogurt, and aromatic herbs, turning the classic concept into a modern, elegant twist perfect for health-conscious eaters and hot-weather menus.

The Origins and Modern Takes on Gazpacho

Gazpacho has a rich history dating back centuries, originally enjoyed by farmworkers in Spain as a way to stay hydrated and nourished while working under the blazing sun. With ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, stale bread, and whatever garden produce was available, it evolved over time into a chilled soup that remains an iconic dish of the Mediterranean diet.

As global palates expanded, so did the interpretations of gazpacho. Today, chefs and home cooks alike play with the base recipe, experimenting with different vegetables, fruits, herbs, and proteins. Cucumber gazpacho, in particular, stands out for its ability to cool the body while delivering refreshing notes of flavor and a smooth, creamy texture, without the need for cream.

This version of chilled cucumber gazpacho is light, simple, and nutrient-rich, making it a perfect dish for detox diets, gut health, and clean eating. The addition of Greek yogurt not only provides a creamy texture but also boosts the protein content and adds probiotics for digestive support.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with this dish, but here are a few standouts:

• No cooking required: All you need is a blender and a fridge. It’s perfect for those days when you can’t bear to turn on the stove or oven.

• Hydrating and cooling: Cucumbers are over 95% water, so this soup hydrates your body while keeping your meals light and refreshing.

• Full of fresh herbs: Dill and parsley bring a garden-fresh flavor to the dish, and you can switch things up by adding mint, basil, or cilantro based on your preferences.

• Creamy without cream: Thanks to Greek yogurt, you get a luscious, creamy texture without using any heavy cream or dairy substitutes loaded with additives.

• Perfect as an appetizer or light lunch: This dish works beautifully as a starter for a dinner party or a nourishing standalone meal.

• Customizable: Garnish it with microgreens, crushed pistachios, chopped radishes, or even diced avocado for extra texture and flavor.

• Ideal for meal prep: Make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, flavors actually improve as it chills!

Nutritional Benefits of Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho

Let’s talk about nutrition. This chilled cucumber soup may taste indulgent, but it’s anything but.

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in hydration. They’re also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help your body combat oxidative stress. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium.

Greek yogurt provides a good amount of protein while being rich in calcium and probiotics, which promote gut health and support immune function.

Dill and parsley, the featured herbs in this recipe, are more than just flavor boosters. Dill contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation, while parsley is a powerful detoxifier loaded with vitamin C and iron.

Garlic, though used sparingly here, adds depth of flavor and supports heart health and immune function. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties make it a small but mighty addition.

Together, these ingredients form a power-packed bowl of goodness that supports hydration, digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Tips to Elevate Your Gazpacho

Even though this recipe is simple and quick, there are some helpful tips that can make a big difference in the flavor and presentation:

1. Use chilled ingredients – Start with cold cucumbers and yogurt if you can. It helps keep the soup cold and prevents it from becoming warm during blending.

2. High-speed blender is key – The smoother, the better. A powerful blender helps you achieve that creamy, velvety consistency that makes this gazpacho feel luxurious.

3. Balance is everything – Taste before chilling. Add more salt, lemon juice, or herbs if needed. Chilling dulls some flavors, so adjust before serving.

4. Let it rest – While you can serve it right after blending, letting the soup chill for a couple of hours helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

5. Garnish wisely – Think color, texture, and flavor. Try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, crushed pink peppercorns, or cucumber ribbons for that restaurant-worthy finish.

Pairing Ideas

This dish shines on its own, but you can easily turn it into a complete meal with a few pairings:

• Crusty sourdough bread or seeded crackers for dipping.

• Grilled shrimp skewers with a squeeze of lemon for added protein.

• A simple salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette.

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the herbaceous and tangy profile.

When to Serve Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho

Chilled cucumber gazpacho isn’t just for lunch, it works for:

• Summer picnics and garden parties

• Appetizers at dinner gatherings

• Brunch menus for a light, elegant starter

• Detox days or plant-based eating plans

• Meal prep for a busy work week

It’s versatile, elegant, and surprisingly satisfying. Serve it in small shot glasses for a trendy appetizer at your next get-together or ladle it into bowls for a comforting, chilled lunch on a scorching day.

Who Is This Recipe For?

Whether you’re a plant-based eater, someone following the Mediterranean diet, or simply looking for creative ways to stay cool and healthy in the summer, this recipe fits your needs. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, vegetarian, and easily adaptable to be vegan (just swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or any plant-based alternative).

It’s ideal for:

• Busy professionals who want nutritious meals without the prep hassle

• Health enthusiasts looking for low-calorie, high-flavor dishes

• Foodies interested in Mediterranean, clean eating, or detox-friendly recipes

• Anyone looking to impress guests with a refined yet easy dish

Conclusion

Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho is more than just a seasonal trend, it’s a timeless, wholesome dish that blends ease, elegance, and health in a single bowl. With no cooking involved, just a few simple ingredients, and endless customization options, this refreshing soup deserves a place in your summer recipe rotation.

Whether you’re hosting a garden brunch, preparing a light appetizer for dinner guests, or just need something revitalizing after a long, hot day, this cucumber gazpacho has your back. Cool, creamy, and full of life, it’s the soup your summer table has been waiting for.