Cold cucumber soup has been my go-to for beating the summer heat ever since I was a kid. My mom used to make this unbelievably delicious and cooling soup that tasted like pure refreshment in a bowl. The aroma of fresh dill and cucumber always signaled the start of a perfect, lazy afternoon. If you’re wondering how to make cold cucumber soup that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe delivers a truly refreshing cucumber soup experience that will have you coming back for more. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cold Cucumber Soup

The taste is unbelievably bright and refreshing, like a cool breeze on a hot day.
It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or appetizer.
This easy cold cucumber soup is packed with healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
It’s a fantastic way to stay hydrated and get your veggies in during warmer months.
Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can enjoy this delightful soup without breaking the bank.
It’s surprisingly family-friendly, even for picky eaters who might shy away from other cold dishes.
This easy cold cucumber soup is so versatile, you can customize it with your favorite herbs.
You’ll find it’s one of the most satisfying ways to beat the heat.

Ingredients for Cold Cucumber Soup

Here’s everything you need to create this delightful cold cucumber and dill soup. Using fresh, quality ingredients is key to its vibrant flavor.

2 large English cucumbers, peeled and chopped (about 3 cups) – English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, making them perfect for blending into a smooth soup.
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt – This gives the soup its wonderfully creamy texture and a subtle tang.
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped – Fresh dill is essential for that bright, herbaceous flavor that makes this soup so refreshing.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – For a touch of acidity to balance the richness and enhance the cucumber flavor.
1 small garlic clove, minced – Just a hint of garlic adds depth without overpowering the other fresh ingredients.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – A good quality olive oil adds a smooth mouthfeel and a hint of peppery flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of gentle spice.
1/4 cup cold water (to thin, as needed) – You might need a little extra liquid to reach your desired consistency.

How to Make Cold Cucumber Soup

This recipe is a fantastic example of a no-cook cucumber soup recipe that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Get ready for a burst of fresh flavor!

Step 1: Start by prepping your cucumbers. Peel them thoroughly, then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. If you want to reserve some for garnish, set aside a few thin slices now. This initial prep is crucial for a smooth blend.
Step 2: Gather your blender and add all the main ingredients. This includes the chopped cucumbers, creamy Greek yogurt, fragrant fresh dill, bright lemon juice, minced garlic, smooth extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. It’s like packing a flavor punch into one bowl!
Step 3: Blend everything until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. You’re aiming for a consistency that’s thick but pourable. If it seems a bit too thick for your liking, don’t worry! Add the 1/4 cup cold water gradually, blending after each addition, until you reach your desired texture. This is where you really get to customize your chilled cucumber soup.
Step 4: Now comes the waiting game, but it’s worth it! Transfer the soup to an airtight container and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together and for the soup to reach that perfect cool temperature. It truly transforms it into a delightful no-cook cucumber soup recipe.
Step 5: Once chilled, give your soup a good stir. Serve your refreshing soup cold, garnished with those reserved cucumber slices and a sprinkle of extra dill, if you like. Enjoy this wonderfully cooling dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Cold Cucumber Soup Recipe

Want to elevate your chilled soup game? These tips will ensure your soup is incredibly refreshing and delicious every time.

Always use seedless English cucumbers; they have a milder flavor and fewer watery seeds, which helps prevent a “wet” soup.
Don’t skip the chilling time! Allowing the soup to rest in the fridge for at least an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more complex taste.
For an extra creamy cold cucumber soup, try adding a tablespoon of tahini or a quarter of an avocado during blending.
Taste and adjust seasonings before chilling. The flavors will mellow slightly as the soup cools, so a little extra salt or lemon juice now can make a big difference.

What’s the secret to perfect cold cucumber soup?

The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and proper chilling. Using fresh, crisp cucumbers and good quality Greek yogurt creates a wonderfully creamy base. Letting it rest in the fridge allows the flavors to marry, resulting in a truly delicious and refreshing dish.

Can I make this cucumber soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving, as a little natural separation might occur. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these quick dinner recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cold cucumber soup?

A common pitfall is using cucumbers with too many seeds, which can make the soup watery. Always opt for English cucumbers. Another mistake is not chilling it long enough, which prevents the flavors from fully developing. Make sure to use quality ingredients for a truly healthy cold cucumber soup.

Best Ways to Serve Refreshing Cucumber Soup

This vibrant soup is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. For a light starter or appetizer, serve small bowls of this refreshing cucumber soup chilled, perhaps with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprig of dill. It’s also fantastic as a part of a larger meal, like a summer picnic or a light lunch. Consider pairing it with a crusty baguette for dipping, or as a cool counterpoint to grilled chicken or fish. If you’re looking for a taste of Spain, a small serving can even stand in for a chilled gazpacho de pepino frio, offering a lighter, herb-infused alternative. For more summer meal inspiration, explore these summer solstice recipes.

Amazing Cold Cucumber Soup: So Refreshing - Cold Cucumber Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Low-Calorie Cucumber Soup

This delightful soup is a fantastic choice for those watching their intake, offering a refreshing flavor without the heavy calories often found in creamy dishes. It’s a perfect example of a healthy cold cucumber soup that’s both satisfying and light.

Calories: 110
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy eating tips, consider these food-related articles.

How to Store and Reheat Summer Cucumber Soup Chilled

Keeping this delightful soup fresh is super simple, ensuring you can enjoy its cooling goodness for several days. Once you’ve finished enjoying your delicious bowl, let the soup cool down completely at room temperature before storing. This is important for food safety and maintaining the best texture. Then, transfer the soup into an airtight container. Glass containers are my favorite because they don’t absorb odors, but any good airtight container will work perfectly. You can confidently store your cold cucumber soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While it’s ideal to enjoy it fresh, it doesn’t freeze well due to the yogurt base, which can separate and become grainy. So, plan to make smaller batches if you can’t finish it within a few days. Reheating isn’t really necessary since it’s meant to be served cold, but if you need to revive it, give it a good stir and serve chilled. This makes it the perfect make-ahead dish for any warm weather gathering. For more tips on preserving food, see this guide on food preservation techniques.

Variations of Cold Cucumber Soup You Can Try

This basic recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for creativity. If you’re looking for a delightful vegan cold cucumber soup, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a creamy plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or a silken tofu blend. For a richer, more decadent experience, consider adding half an avocado during blending to create a luxurious cucumber avocado soup cold. Another tasty twist is to add a pinch of cumin or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a bit of warmth. You can also experiment with different herbs like mint or chives to change the flavor profile. These simple adjustments can transform your soup into something entirely new! For more creative recipe ideas, explore these recipe variations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Chilled Cucumber Soup

What is cold cucumber soup?

Cold cucumber soup is a refreshing, chilled soup made primarily from blended cucumbers, often combined with yogurt, herbs, and other seasonings. Unlike hot soups, it’s served cold, making it incredibly popular during warm weather. It’s a light, hydrating, and flavorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

Why is cucumber soup chilled?

Cucumber soup is typically served chilled because cucumbers themselves are known for their cooling properties. Serving it cold enhances its refreshing qualities, making it a perfect antidote to hot weather. The cold temperature also allows the subtle, fresh flavors of the cucumber and herbs to really shine through without being masked by heat.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

While English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, you can use regular cucumbers. However, you’ll want to peel them thoroughly and scoop out the seeds before blending. This is crucial to avoid a watery texture and a slightly bitter taste that can sometimes come from the seeds and thicker skin of regular cucumbers.

Is this a gazpacho?

While it shares some similarities with gazpacho, this recipe is more of a creamy, herb-forward chilled soup than a traditional Spanish gazpacho. Traditional gazpacho often includes tomatoes, bell peppers, and bread, giving it a heartier, more robust flavor profile. This version focuses on the clean, crisp taste of cucumber and the creaminess of yogurt, making it a lighter, more delicate option.

Amazing Cold Cucumber Soup: So Refreshing

Author: Ennas Lopez
Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and light cold cucumber soup perfect for hot days. This easy recipe blends crisp cucumbers with yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic for a cooling appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large English cucumbers, peeled and chopped (about 3 cups)
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cold water (to thin, as needed)

Instructions

Peel and chop the cucumbers. Reserve a few slices for garnish if desired.
In a blender, combine chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve cold, garnished with reserved cucumber slices and extra dill if desired.

Notes

For best results, use seedless English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
If you prefer a tangier soup, increase the lemon juice or stir in a splash of white wine vinegar.
To make it vegan, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt.
Store your cold cucumber soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir well before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Not suitable for freezing due to the yogurt base.
Chill your serving bowls in the fridge for an ultra-cool presentation.
Use high-quality olive oil for a fruity, peppery finish.
Let the soup rest in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Category: Soup
Method: Blended
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 110
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

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