Simple Green Gazpacho
I was browsing my favorite blogs yesterday when the BF Groomzilla (yeah he gets the “zilla” in this relationship), looked over my shoulder.
“Ooooo, did you make that?!” he asked, salivating over my MacBook.
“No!” I snapped, offended that he dare lust after someone else’s recipe.
“Sorry, ” he offered. “Your recipes look really good too!”
The picture in question was of an admittedly, delicious-looking basil and cucumber gazpacho from the site, Amuse My Bouche. I too was captivated by it’s cucumber-cool appearance.
Determined to prove to him that I could make a refreshing summer soup that he’d find just as eye-tantalizing, I hit the fridge for inspiration.
I grabbed everything out that I deemed “gazpacho-worthy.”
I’ve made gazpacho in the past and from what I gather, you pretty much just throw a bunch of veggies in the blender with a bit of olive oil and spices, and go to town.
So that’s what I did. With no real rhyme or reason, I blended this bunch of fresh organic produce into one of the easiest, tastiest soups I’ve ever made.
I think I showed GZ that his eyes need not wander any longer.
Simple Green Gazpacho
Ingredients:
(Serves 4 – 6)
1 Large English Cucumber
1/2 a Squash
2 Tomatoes
1/2 an Onion
1 Handful of Basil
2 T. Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 T. White Vinegar
1 Clove of Garlic
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Toss all the ingredients in a high-powered blender and puree till smooth.
2. Chill the soup if necessary.
3. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, basil for garnish, and a side of whole wheat crackers for dipping.
4. Enjoy!
This recipe is so great because you can really adapt it however you like.
Add veggies or ditch veggies, depending on your palate. Keep in mind that the tomato and cucumber add much-needed liquid to the consistency though, so you couldn’t really leave them out without replacing another liquidly base.
If you have a Vitamix, you only need to roughly chop the veggies. I threw the tomatoes in whole. If you have a less powerful blender though, be sure to cut them in nice little chunks.
This is perfect for summer parties. Pretty, impressive and refreshing — but oh so easy.
In search of some other recipes to cool off with this summer? Why not try… Zucchini Carpaccio
Skinny Basil Chicken Salad Bites
Cat says:
I’ve never made gazpacho before, I had assumed there was more to it than basically a savoury smoothie! This looks like it might be accompanying today’s lunch…
PS shhh don’t tell Amuse My Bouche but I’ think yours is prettier ;)
Whitney English says:
Haha a savory vegetable smoothie! I never thought of it that way, but you’re right!
Let me know what you think if you end up making it, and thanks for the compliment :)
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says:
LOL @ ‘groomzilla’ and wandering eyes.
I’ve never had cold soup before but summer’s a good time to start right? I’ve got most of these ingredients on hand so I think I’ll experiment after my workout tonight :D
Also, I love experimenting with different smoothie combos in the summer. So many fruits and veggies to choose from!
Ellen says:
I have a weird love of buying soups that are supposed to be eaten hot and keeping them in the fridge. Minestrone is great like this. I also like Amy’s Split Pea soup cold. I swear it’s good!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:
mmm gazpacho is easy and yum! Thanks for reminding me I haven’t made it in a while
Dale Janee says:
This looks SO good and I love Gazpacho but definitely have no idea how to make it!! It’s so refreshing for summer and lol about the Groomzilla. I remember restaurants in SF sometimes would serve little shooters of Gazpacho as a starter and they were so good because it was just the right amount for a refreshing appetizer.
xoDale
Sammy @ Peace, Love and Ice Cream! says:
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever even HAD gazpacho…so I’ve certainly never made it! But it looks super easy, and super delicious!! Thanks for the recipe – pinning! :)
Arman @ thebigmansworld says:
I’ve always wanted to try gazpacho after Lisa Simpson made one and got abused for it….Promise I’ll make this in Summer. I’ll call it a savoury smoothie bowl.
Purelytwins says:
looks sooo freshing, we love cucumbers this time of year! and lately we’ve been all about fresh juices!!!
Kim says:
That gazpacho looks like the perfect summer lunch/snack!!! Actually all the recipes you linked look so great for summer!!!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Kim!!
Peter says:
Thank you! That ended up being great so easy to cook.