Easy tomato gazpacho soup is a summer must! This refreshing, cold summer soup recipe is loaded with fresh veggies and there are lots of topping and serving ideas!
It’s our last week of summer before school starts back.
We’re going to try to live it up these last few days and check off some of our summer bucket list tasks. We may not fit them all in, but we’ve done well!
And a side list to our family summer bucket list is my summer food bucket list. Because of course it's all about the food with me!
My healthy blueberry cake is a must-make, as are my cheddar chicken burgers and cheesy fiesta grilled chicken for grilling out.
And today's recipe is also one of my summer must-haves every year.
A big bowl of tomato gazpacho soup just screams summertime to me!
So fresh and healthy and refreshing and slurp-able, spoonful after spoonful, this cold summer soup is one of my favorites!
One of the absolute best versions I've ever had is from a restaurant called The Mustard Seed near Charleston, S.C., where we go to the beach.
My mom introduced me to their delicious gazpacho years and years ago and I literally cannot go down there now without getting it at least once. I think the record was 4 times in a week. It's that good.
My mom has even brought back a cup of their gazpacho to me in a cooler in the car. She loves me 😉
Luckily, even when I can’t get down to the beacdh, I’ve got a killer recipe for easy gazpacho to make at home.
(We also make a homemade version of regular creamy tomato soup, the hot kind. Just not as much in the summertime when it's already so hot.)
My mom’s neighbor passed along this recipe to me years ago and it’s the closest I’ve ever had to my beach restaurant spot.
And the best part? I make a big batch of this gazpacho and I have enough to eat on for days and days! No additional orders necessary - it’s all mine and right there in my fridge.
Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to make (plus a couple of hours to chill in the fridge so all the flavors marry together).
So let’s get "cooking." Or assembling really.
Now, I’ve got some notes, tips and substitutions coming up below on how to make gazpacho. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Recipe Notes:
- Texture: I like the texture and taste of having some of the fresh chopped veggies reserved and mixed into the soup before serving. If you want it completely pureed, feel free to blend everything.
- Chopping: Similarly, chop the vegetables to your desired consistency. You can do a rough chop for a more chunky, rustic soup or a fine chop for a more elegant feel.
- Peeled tomatoes really help with the texture and consistency of the gazpacho. I just cut the tomatoes in quarters and use a pairing knife to peel back the outer skin from one end to the other.
- Tomato type: Local summer heirloom tomatoes of course are wonderful in this soup, but it's delicious with regular vine-ripe red tomatoes as well.
- Cucumber: I prefer to take out some of the inner seeds of the cucumber for the half of the cucumber that’s chopped and mixed into the soup.
- Spicy: Want it spicy? Add a jalapeño to the blender for some heat.
- Creamy: Want it a little creamy? Serve with a dollop of marscapone cheese or creme fraiche for an elegant topping.
Toppings and Serving Ideas:
- Grilled shrimp is a topping option at the Charleston restaurant I love to add onto your gazpacho. It could be fun to serve this for a party in shooter or martini glasses with a grilled or steamed shrimp hanging on the side.
- You can also serve it with croutons or toasted bread slices. Great for dipping!
- And since regular hot tomato soup goes well with grilled cheese, I like to pair cold gazpacho with a grilled cheese or panini sandwich for an easy and complete summer meal.
(Or with the recipe I'm bringing you on Wednesday. Update: Check out these homemade hot pockets for some fun snacking or easy meal ideas.)
Last thing, what to do with any leftovers.
Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It's best enjoyed within 4-5 days. (And be sure to stir well before serving.)
Here’s to vacation at home, especially in the waning days of summer.
I hope you give this homemade gazpacho recipe a try for a fresh take on summer flavors. I think you're going to love it.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Easy Tomato Gazpacho Soup
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes, peeled
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, halved
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and quartered (I use green)
- 24 oz. tomato juice, divided
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- a few dashes of hot sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Blend 1 tomato, ½ of the cucumber, ½ of the onion, ¼ of the bell pepper and ½ cup of the tomato juice in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl and add remaining tomato juice and the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and hot sauce.
- Cover and chill for 2 or more hours in the refrigerator.
- Dice the remaining veggies and refrigerate separate from the soup.
- Stir in garlic and chopped veggies before serving. Sprinkle with chives and serve cold.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food
I don't typically eat gazpacho, but your version looks SOOOO good! Packed with so many flavours! I would definitely add some jalapeno for extra heat and love the suggestion of adding grilled shrimp. Pinned, of course 🙂
I can't believe it's that time of year when kiddos go back to school. Where did the Summer go? Unreal. Seems like only yesterday Summer was starting. Your kiddos must be excited, though!
Have a great week! xo
Kathryn
You should definitely try it again!! I know there's lots of recipes and ways to make it, but I love, love, love this version! (And I knew you'd be with me on the jalapeno and shrimp variations!!) Have a wonderful week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've seen so many lovely gazpacho recipes this summer...I must make one before summer's end!
Kathryn
It's really a summer must! There are so many variations and types of gazpacho, but this is the original, the traditional, the ultimate in my book 😉
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
School starts back up next week here too... although our furry daughter doesn't attend. 😉 Pre school and kindergarten huh? They are getting BIG!! So glad you have enjoyed this summer, girlfriend! And I hope this last week of it treats you guys well!!! So this soup - all sorts of YES! Gazpacho is quintessential summer and I can't believe the whole season has almost gone by and I haven't had ANY! Shame on me!! I need to fix that pronto, so thanks for sharing this one! It looks absolutely perfect! And if it tastes identical to your restaurant fav, it must be killer! Pinned! Cheers!
Kathryn
Get on the gazpacho making girl! Seriously a summer must-have 😉 And yes, they are getting BIG for sure - I'm just trying to play catch up! XO
Sara @ sarahaasrdn.com
This sounds so delicious! Love the freshness of it too!
Kathryn
Thanks Sara! It's got really fresh, bright flavors!
Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian
A food summer bucket list...what a fantastic idea!!
My daughter starts the 3 year old preschool class tomorrow and I still can't believe it!
This soup looks amazing, definitely going to make it, since we have like 100 tomatoes to use from our garden.
Great post!
Kathryn
Thanks Brynn! The 3-year-old preschool is a big year! My daughter grew a lot and I'm excited to see how my son does in that class. Eeek though - how are we already here?! And yes - you should definitely make a summer food bucket list (with maybe a few cocktails for good measure) - so much fun 😉
JEssy @
Looks like a delicious way to use all the amazing produce at the farmer's market!
Kathryn
Yes - absolutely!!
Angie
I don’t have any tomato juice. Can I use tomato sauce?
Kathryn
Hi Angie! I don't think tomato sauce will work here, as it doesn't have the same flavor/seasoning as tomato juice. However, I did find this recipe for a homemade tomato juice that you could try if you don't want to buy it: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/homemade_tomato_juice/ Hope that helps!
Kelsey
This recipe is amazing!! I recently became a caretaker to my 61 year old father who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. This is the perfect dish for him! He calls it his “yummy stuff”. As swallowing has become more of a challenge, he really enjoys how easy this recipe is to eat and loves the overall flavor! I’m currently whipping up another batch for him. Food is a big struggle to figure out what to have him eat so thank you so much for posting this recipe!
Kathryn Doherty
Aww, that makes me so happy to hear this gazpacho is such a hit with your dad! Thank you so much for sharing! Wishing both of you the best of luck. (Also, smoothies and smoothie bowls may be another good way to get in some fruits and vegetables for him in an easier-to-eat way.) XO
Suzanne
This looks so good! What a great way to use a lot of tomatoes!
Kathryn Doherty
I hope you try it and love it! 😊
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you have some good pairing options! Does it keep long?
Kathryn Doherty
Hi Vanessa! Yes, leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. (If it lasts that long!)
Suzanne
This looks so good! What a perfect way to use up a bunch of garden tomatoes!
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Kathryn Doherty
Yes! As noted, leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Hope that helps!
Cathie
Love this recipe make it once or twice a summer. Love to serve it for company. Used the jalapeno and red onion. Thanks.
Kathryn Doherty
I'm so happy to hear you love this recipe Cathie! And I love the sound of the jalapeno and red onion - yum! Thanks so much for sharing!
Michele C
This was fantastic!! Beats my old gazpacho recipe. I added 2 stalks of celery and used spring onions for my onions. I love it!! Good for getting in my veggies
Kathryn Doherty
I'm so glad you loved this gazpacho Michele! Thanks so much for sharing!
Laine
When living in NZ, I had my first taste of Gazpacho soup..The first thing they did was to marinate chopped cucumber, peppers, green onions in Italian dressing overnight..The next day you added the marinated veggies (Drained) and added these to tomato juice, minced garlic and Worcester sauce..then chilled before serving..so good!
Kathryn Doherty
Yum! That sounds good!
Laura
Any recommendations for a brand of tomato juice?
Kathryn Doherty
I've used and liked Campbell's, but I've also just used my store's brand before and it was great, too. Hope that helps!