Make the Most of Summer Produce With These Cold Soup Recipes

Gazpacho
Photo by Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash

When we think of the most iconic summer foods, soup isn’t exactly the first thing to come to mind. In fact, it feels more like the opposite of summer—a warm and cozy dish meant for chilly fall days and snowy winter nights. That said, the season brings so much incredible produce, and some food bloggers have found seriously creative ways to make use of it by developing fresh and delicious cold soup recipes. If you love soup and summer veggies as much as we do, read on for a few of our favorites.

Summer Watermelon Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a Spanish cold soup traditionally made with raw vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and most often, ripe tomatoes. This recipe by Elissa Goodman puts a sweet and spicy twist on the dish by incorporating seedless watermelon and jalapeño pepper. The result is a refreshing, nutrient-packed soup that’s sure to hit the spot all season long.

Cold Cucumber Soup

This recipe by Love and Lemons gives new meaning to the expression “cool as a cucumber,” by combining cold and crispy cukes with Greek yogurt and lemon. Garlic and olive oil add a rich, savory quality, while plenty of fresh herbs make the whole thing pop. Serve this one with your favorite salad and some grilled bread on the side.

Creamy Zucchini Soup

If you like butternut or acorn squash soups when it’s cold, you’ll love this creamy summer squash soup recipe by Once Upon a Chef. Made with seasonal zucchini and walnuts, it’s a great option for those who prefer to avoid dairy but still enjoy their soups on the heartier side. Serve it chilled as a refreshing appetizer on a hot day, or enjoy it hot once the temperature starts to drop.