Beat the Heat with Refreshing Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup

  

When the summer sun is blazing, the last thing you want is a steaming bowl of soup. Enter the hero of hot days: chilled soup! Today, we're diving into a vibrant and incredibly refreshing Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup. This creamy, flavorful soup requires absolutely no cooking and is packed with hydrating and nutritious ingredients. It's the perfect light lunch, appetizer, or even a healthy snack to keep you cool and energized all summer long.

 

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Chilled Soup:

 

No Cooking Required: That's right, no slaving over a hot stove! Just blend and chill.

Incredibly Refreshing: The coolness and hydrating properties of cucumber and avocado are a summer dream.

Creamy and Velvety Texture: Despite being dairy-free, this soup boasts a luxurious, smooth consistency thanks to the avocado.

Packed with Nutrients: Cucumber hydrates, avocado provides healthy fats, and lime adds a boost of Vitamin C.

Quick and Easy to Make: From prep to chilling, you can have this soup ready in under 30 minutes.

Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: A perfect option for various dietary needs.

The Star Ingredients:

 

Cucumber: The base of our refreshing soup, cucumbers are high in water content, making this soup incredibly hydrating. We recommend peeling them for a smoother texture, but leaving some peel on can add a bit more color and nutrients.

Avocado: This creamy fruit is the secret to the soup's velvety texture and provides healthy monounsaturated fats. Make sure your avocado is ripe but not overly soft.

Vegetable Broth: A good quality vegetable broth adds depth of flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.

Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a tangy kick. Freshly squeezed is always best!

Fresh Mint and/or Cilantro: These fresh herbs add a wonderful aromatic dimension and a touch of coolness. Choose your favorite or use a combination.

Garlic: Just a small clove adds a subtle savory note.

Optional Add-ins: Jalapeño (for a touch of heat), a dollop of plain vegan yogurt (for extra creaminess), or a drizzle of olive oil for richness.

Let's Get Blending!

 

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Chill time: at least 15 minutes

 

Ingredients:

 

2 large cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped

1 ripe avocado, pitted and roughly chopped

2 cups chilled vegetable broth

Juice of 1-2 limes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

1 small clove garlic, roughly chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional garnish: diced cucumber, chopped scallions, a swirl of vegan yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

Instructions:

 

Combine Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine the chopped cucumbers, avocado, vegetable broth, lime juice, fresh mint and/or cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the soup is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Taste and Adjust: Pour the soup into a bowl and taste it. Adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more lime juice for tanginess, salt and pepper to taste, or a touch more herbs for flavor. If you like a smoother consistency, you can blend it for a bit longer.

Chill: Cover the bowl or transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill thoroughly. For the best flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Serve and Garnish: Once chilled, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as diced cucumber, chopped scallions, a swirl of vegan yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.

Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor the refreshing coolness.

Tips and Variations:

 

For Extra Heat: Add a small piece of jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the blender. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

Herb Power: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or chives.

Make it Spicy: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a delightful kick.

Thicker Soup: Use slightly less vegetable broth for a thicker consistency. You can always add more liquid if needed.

Make it Ahead: This soup can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to stir it before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this chilled soup with a light salad, grilled shrimp, or a crusty piece of bread for a complete meal.

This Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup is a summer essential. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. So grab your blender and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure refreshment!