Description
This easy gazpacho recipe is a refreshing, cold Spanish tomato soup perfect for warm weather. Made with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and aromatic seasonings, it blends fresh vegetables into a smooth and vibrant dish that requires no cooking. Chilled and garnished with herbs, it offers a light, healthy, and flavorful start or complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 6 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dressings & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Roughly chop the tomatoes, peel and chop the cucumber, seed and chop the red bell pepper, chop the red onion, and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they are ready for blending.
- Blend the Base: Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth, forming the base of the gazpacho.
- Add Seasonings and Water: Pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cold water into the blender with the vegetable mixture. Blend again until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gazpacho and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to optimize flavor balance.
- Chill the Soup: Transfer the soup to a container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and to serve it cold.
- Serve: Stir the gazpacho well before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve cold, perfect as a light appetizer or summer meal accompaniment.
Notes
- For a chunkier texture, blend only half the vegetables and finely dice the rest before mixing together.
- This soup is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld fully.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying light meal.
