Main Dish Soup

Gazpacho – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Gazpacho – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 h
Total time: 12 h 15 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil leaves; 1½ tbsp sherry vinegar; 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; ¾ tsp kosher or cooking salt; 1 / 2 kg lb juicy ripe tomatoes; ¼ cup finely minced red onion; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1.5 cm chunks; ⅛ tsp smoked paprika; Crusty artisan bread, for dipping or serving on the side.

Barbara Brito August 8, 2025

Servings: 3 Total Time: 12 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the details of making gazpacho, let’s talk about what might complete your meal. Pairing gazpacho with the right things can elevate your culinary experience. A few options come to mind.

Crusty Artisan Bread: This classic side brings texture that complements the smooth soup beautifully. Tear off a piece and dip it into your bowl. Ah, a match made in foodie heaven!
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: If you want a protein boost, skewers with garlic and lemon-seasoned shrimp can enhance the freshness of the dish without overwhelming it.
Stuffed Avocados: Imagine half an avocado filled with a citrusy shrimp salad or a quinoa mix. It contrasts the cold soup while giving it a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Cheese Platter: A light cheese platter with goat cheese, feta, or even a sharp cheddar can add a creativity to your dining setup. Pair it with some olives, cured meats, or pickled vegetables.
Asian-style Spring Rolls: These can introduce a delightful crunch and fill the meal with color. Opt for vegetable spring rolls with a sweet dipping sauce for balance.

Having enjoyed several summers spent in Spain, gazpacho became a favorite of mine. Why? It’s light, refreshing, and often prepared from ingredients right in your garden. Plus, it brings a colorful vibrancy to the table. Gazpacho calls for fresh, ripe vegetables, combined to create a chilled soup that enlivens the palate. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light meal, this dish packs a flavor punch.

Let’s explore the origins and details of this iconic dish, dive into why you’ll absolutely love making it, and present a detailed recipe that makes techniques straightforward.

What is Gazpacho?

Gazpacho originated in Andalusia, a region in southern Spain. Traditionally enjoyed in summertime, it’s a cold soup primarily made from tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, garlic, onions, and stale bread, all blended together.

The texture varies; some prefer a smooth puree, while others enjoy a chunky consistency showing off the freshness of the ingredients. This dish was born from necessity—farmers created it to make use of excess summer produce, avoiding waste.

Why You’ll Love This Gazpacho

Here’s the beauty: gazpacho is incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on what’s available in your kitchen. The result is a bright, refreshing soup loaded with vitamins. Making this dish doesn’t feel like a chore.

A Health Champion: Gazpacho boasts an array of colorful veggies, delivering a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. Depending on the ingredients, it can be low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
No Cooking Required: Yes, you read that right! Don’t spend time standing by the stove. You chop, blend, and chill.
Perfect for Summer Gatherings: It’s an appealing addition to BBQs and picnics. Guests enjoy something cool when temperatures rise, and gazpacho fits the bill.
Flexible Ingredients: Got extra veggies in your fridge? Toss them in! The beauty lies in its adaptability.
Vibrant Presentation: The colors alone make this dish appealing. Eating with your eyes first is a real thing.

The Ingredients You Will Need

To craft a fantastic gazpacho, you’ll need the following ingredients:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus a drizzle for serving)
1 cucumber (peeled and diced into 1 cm pieces)
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1½ tbsp sherry vinegar (you can substitute with white wine or champagne vinegar)
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
¾ tsp kosher or cooking salt
1 kg / 2 lb juicy ripe tomatoes (about 7, cored and cut into 8 wedges)
¼ cup finely minced red onion
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1.5 cm chunks
⅛ tsp smoked paprika

To Serve:

Crusty artisan bread, for dipping or serving on the side.

Directions to Make Gazpacho

With the ingredients ready to roll, it’s time to create your refreshing gazpacho.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your vegetables thoroughly. Ensure you remove any dirt or grit. Dice your tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell pepper. Having everything chopped makes the blending process smoother.

Step 2: Blend the Vegetables

In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, garlic, basil, vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This step is crucial as it combines all the robust flavors.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

You may prefer a smooth consistency or a chunkier version. Blend according to your preference. A minute or two should do. Don’t forget to pause and give it a taste. Adjust salt or vinegar as needed.

Step 4: Chill the Soup

Once blended, transfer your gazpacho to a large bowl or container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally longer) to let those flavors meld beautifully. This step is vital; the longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready to eat, fetch your gazpacho from the fridge. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds that finishing touch. Serve it in chilled bowls—what’s better than chilled soup on a hot day?

Step 6: Pair with Bread

Don’t forget the crusty artisan bread for dipping!

Notes: Tips for Perfect Gazpacho

Here are five tips to help you nail this dish:

Choose Ripe Produce: The fresher and riper your ingredients, the better the flavors. Tomatoes are key here; go for seasonal if possible.
Experiment with Texture: If you’re apprehensive about a completely smooth texture, hold back some of the chopped vegetables before blending. Stir them in after for added crunch.
Make Ahead: Gazpacho is a perfect make-ahead dish. It lasts for several days, so don’t shy from preparing extra.
Adjust Flavors: Like your soup spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer it tangy? A little more vinegar can awaken the flavors.
Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs, diced veggies, or croutons make great garnishes. They not only taste great— they look beautiful too.

Storage Tips

Gazpacho is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can last several days in the fridge. Just remember:

Store in Airtight Containers: This keeps your gazpacho from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Avoid Freezing: The texture doesn’t hold well when frozen, so it’s not advisable to store it this way.
Shake Before Serving: A quick stir helps if ingredients have settled.

Nutrition Information

A typical serving of gazpacho (about 1 cup) contains:

Calories: Approximately 120
Protein: 2 grams
Fat: 9 grams (primarily from olive oil)
Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamins A & C: Significant source.

These figures can vary based on the specific ingredients used—feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs!

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways to serve your gazpacho creatively:

As a Starter: Serve in small cups as a refreshing beginning to a meal. Add tiny skewers with olives for an extra touch.
With Grilled Fish: The fresh acidity pairs nicely with a lemon-herb grilled fish.
As Part of a Dip Platter: Make it interactive by serving it with pita chips or vegetable crudités for dipping.
Garnished with Croutons: Add texture with homemade or store-bought croutons right before serving.
In Shot Glasses for Parties: This stylish presentation will impress your guests and keep things light and fun.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Gazpacho?

If you need alternatives, here are five noteworthy substitutes:

Tomatoes: Use ripe peaches or watermelon if tomatoes aren’t accessible. They add sweetness and can create a unique flavor profile.
Cucumber: Zucchini works well if you’re aiming for a different taste. Just peel and chop.
Olive Oil: For a lighter option, avocado oil can be a great substitute. It offers a different flavor and boosts healthy fats.
Vinegar: If vinegar isn’t on hand, citrus juice, such as lime or lemon, provides acidity.
Bell Peppers: Any color of pepper works; yellow or green can give different flavor notes. You could also use roasted peppers for a smoky taste.

Conclusion

Making gazpacho is a journey where fresh ingredients and creativity combine effortlessly. This vibrant, chilled soup embodies the spirit of summer, showcasing nature’s bounty in a way that’s simple and enjoyable.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a quiet meal, or adding a culinary twist to a traditional recipe, gazpacho shines through. So fire up your blender, gather your friends, and dive into a bowl of refreshing goodness. Trust me, it’s a decision you won’t regret!

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Print Recipe

Gazpacho – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: Spanish Courses: Main Dish, Soup

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 12 hrs Total Time 12 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 3 Calories: 120

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Having enjoyed several summers spent in Spain, gazpacho became a favorite of mine. Why? It’s light, refreshing, and often prepared from ingredients right in your garden. Plus, it brings a colorful vibrancy to the table. Gazpacho calls for fresh, ripe vegetables, combined to create a chilled soup that enlivens the palate. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer or a light meal, this dish packs a flavor punch.

Let’s explore the origins and details of this iconic dish, dive into why you'll absolutely love making it, and present a detailed recipe that makes techniques straightforward.