The Best Gazpacho
When the summer heats up, cool off with this refreshingly Easy Gazpacho! So simple to make with fresh ingredients, you can have this one ready to go in a flash. A great make ahead dinner for busy weeknights, this actually tastes even better the next day.
Gazpacho
How can we possibly be almost through summer already? I know, officially, it’s not over until the end of September but with kids starting back to school next week I feel like the days are fleeting. I’m trying to squeeze everything in before the days start to get even shorter and you know what it’s doing to me? It’s making me exhausted.
But I’m coming up with super creative ways to get dinner on the table in a hurry and without slaving over a steaming pot of braised short ribs…..because the air outside actually feels like you climbed into a steaming pot of braised short ribs. It’s time to turn off the stove and whip up things like this Easy Gazpacho. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s totally flavorful.
I’ve been making this tomato gazpacho for years now. It’s always my solution to a no cook dinner on busy weeknights. And it’s the perfect recipe to make when you don’t want to turn on the oven in the middle of summer.
How To Make Gazpacho
This Easy Gazpacho soup recipe is so simple to make. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lime and tomato juice.
- Chop up all the vegetables into a fine dice and toss them into a bowl.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the vegetables and add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Toss everything together and stir in tomato juice.
- To keep sodium levels in check (because who wants to be bloated on a hot and humid day?), I like to use a low sodium tomato juice. If you can’t find it, then regular tomato juice is just fine but add a little less Worcestershire sauce or skip the salt. Even better, if you want to be a total overachiever: make your own tomato juice!
- If you want a more traditional Spanish Gazpacho, you can put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
What is Gazpacho?
Gazpacho is simply a chilled tomato soup. I’ve had both chunky varieties like this one and smooth….like a restaurant style salsa.
What I love the most about every gazpacho recipe I’ve ever tried is that you can literally throw in just about any chopped vegetable you love. I try to find whatever is in season at the moment for maximum flavor. For this recipe I used bell pepper, cucumbers, plum tomatoes, garlic and jalapeño- for a little kick.
I also like to add a healthy splash of hot sauce to spice things up a little bit more. You can skip it if you want but at least throw a teensy bit in there if you can.
If you stick with in-season produce, you’ll end up with the best gazpacho recipe you’ve ever made. The summer fresh flavors will be at their peak.
I have a little secret to pump up the flavor a bit more. I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to add a little more oomph to the soup. It just adds a good bang of flavor to this vegetable- based soup.
Why is Gazpacho served cold?
Traditional Gazpacho originates in Spain, and is usually served in the summer months. It’s, basically a mix of raw vegetables in a tomato base (so like a soupy salad, if you will) and is completely refreshing on a super swelteringly hot summer day.
Can you eat Gazpacho warm?
Hot Gazpacho is actually a thing and it’s just a cooked version of gazpacho that’s served in a cazuela. It’s not refreshing because….well, it’s hot so it’s more of a winter time dish. This classic Gazpacho we’re talking about today is most definitely NOT served hot. We’ll get to that one in a few months.
How to Make in Advance
This easy recipe is even better when you make it in advance. The flavors just get better with time so I totally recommend making this even up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
This chunky Gazpacho is great for weeknight dinners, but it’s also AMAZING for summer parties! I serve it to my guests in little shot glasses so they can each just serve themselves. It’s such a refreshing first course or appetizer for your next gathering.
Nutrition Information
This summer soup is not only simple to make but the fact that it’s made with fresh ingredients means it’s so totally healthy. Fiber filled and rich in minerals, antioxidants, fiber and in vitamins C, A and E. And because red tomatoes are high in carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene, it also possibly aids in the prevention of prostate cancer, high blood pressure and eye health issues.
If you’re looking for a few more no cook summer recipes, you might enjoy this Blueberry Feta Quinoa Salad or Watermelon Gazpacho. This Watermelon Salad and Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh Salad are also great choices.
More Easy Summer Soup Recipes
- Chilled Strawberry Soup
- Chilled Cranberry Soup
- Easy Lobster Corn Chowder
- Easy Seafood Cioppino
- Lighter New England Clam Chowder
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Get the Recipe: The Best Gazpacho Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped English cucumber
- 1 cup finely chopped orange bell pepper
- 6 whole Roma tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 whole lime, zest and juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, onion, jalapeño, garlic and cilantro.
- Add the lime juice, zest, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and tomato juice to the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the hot sauce.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
43 Comments on “The Best Gazpacho”
I chopped all the veggies by hand because I just enjoy doing it that way while sipping a nice Chardonnay. It falls together with ease and is SO filled with flavor. I’ve made it for two appetizer parties served in small pedestal cups and was asked several times for the recipe.
Thank you so much for your comment! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Cold chunky gazpacho tastes like summer in a bowl. I usually use a Bloody Mary mix for the added kick. I also love corn (frozen or fresh off the cob) and shredded carot, both adding sweetness. Extra salsa can be added to personalize spice level. My final addition, just before serving, stir in fresh ripe avocado, slices or chopped.
Love the addition of Bloody Mary mix!
I modified by deleting the jalapenos, cilantro and hot sauce because I can’t tolerate hot and spicy anything. I also substituted Balsamic vinegar for the apple cider vinegar, for a more subtle tang. And, finally, in place of the 4 C. of tomato juice, I used a can of diced tomatoes and 2 C. of V-8 Vegetable juice. Came out wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your version! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Great recipe. But we like our gazpacho chunky. I purée all the ingredients , mixed with V-8, then we reserve copped veggies to add at serving. We also add 1/2 can of cannellini beans for a bit more body.
Love the addition of beans! We’re definitely going to try that.
Ya know? I don’t care what nationality this soup is…it’s just good!
Thank you!!! So many people splitting hairs about where it’s from. 🙂 It’s just a good summer recipe. I’m happy you liked it!
This recipe was absolutely delicious! I made it as written and added avocado chunks into each bowl! Definitely a keeper!
thank you for your comment! I love that you added avocado, great idea!
Excellent! Wouldn’t change anything about it.
Thank you! I’m so happy you liked it!
Yummy & fresh, perfect for summer veggies! Very flavorful without being too spicy.
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.