Chilled Summer Soup
What makes this soup special? Well, it’s everything summer should be, simple, vibrant, and full of flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a lifesaver on those busy days when you need something quick but satisfying. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge, making it perfect for a spontaneous meal.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large bowl
- Serving bowls
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 4 ripe tomatoes chopped
- 1 cucumber peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 cups chilled vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano optional
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon crumbled feta optional
- A drizzle of olive oil optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Start by chopping all your vegetables: tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic as well. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on how fast you are with your knife!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a quick stir to mix it all together. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
- Now, transfer everything into your blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t be afraid to blend a little longer if you want a super silky texture.
- Pro Tip: If you prefer a slightly chunkier texture, blend for a shorter time, and pulse a few times instead of a full blend.
Step 4: Chill the Soup
- Once your soup is blended, pour it into a large container or return it to the bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the soup cool down. If you're short on time, you can even serve it after 30 minutes, but I highly recommend letting it chill longer for the best flavor!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, garnish the soup with fresh basil or cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and crumbled feta (if using). Serve chilled and enjoy immediately. This final step only takes about 2 minutes.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~130–160 kcal
- Protein: ~2–3g
- Fat: ~9g (mostly from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: ~13–15g
- Fiber: ~3–4g
- Sugars: ~7g (from natural veggies)
- Vitamin C & A: High!
- Sodium: Varies depending on the broth and added
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.