Summer is a perfect time to try new and refreshing soup recipes, breaking away from traditional hearty soups. The season’s vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients come together in a variety of delicious summer soups that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
From light and chilled soups like gazpacho and avocado soup to heartier minestrone and cream-based soups, there’s something for everyone.These summer soups showcase the best of what the season has to offer – sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and much more.
Cantaloupe Yogurt Soup
This refreshing vegetarian summer soup recipe for cantaloupe yogurt soup is a perfect blend of flavors from mint, lime, and ginger, providing a cool and satisfying treat when the sun beats down and rain is scarce. The sweetness of fresh cantaloupes combines with creamy yogurt and savory seasonings to create a delightful experience for the senses. With just a few simple ingredients including cubed melon, Greek yogurt, powdered ginger, lime, agage nectar or honey, mint leaves, basil leaves, kosher salt, and water, this recipe is an easy addition to any summer menu.
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Summer’s sweetness is perfectly captured in a bowl of creamy asparagus soup, a refreshing departure from the canned, processed versions that dominate the market. This delightful recipe eschews artificial additives for a rich, savory flavor profile that showcases the star ingredient – tender, vibrant asparagus – in all its glory. And the best part? This velvety concoction can be frozen for up to three months, making it a quick and satisfying meal option whenever the mood strikes. The ingredients at play include aromatic garlic cloves, buttery richness, fresh asparagus stalks, chicken broth’s depth, a pinch of black pepper, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a dollop of heavy cream, all harmonizing beautifully with the brightness of fresh dill and tanginess of sour cream.
Summer White Bean Ragout
Savor the flavors of summer with this delectable White Bean Ragout recipe, where sweet tomatoes and creamy white beans come together in perfect harmony. As you take a bite, the tender tomatoes explode with juicy sweetness, followed by the rich, savory notes of herbs and legumes.To create this mouthwatering dish, start by preparing your cannellini beans – either soak and cook dried beans or drain and rinse canned ones. Then, heat up some extra virgin olive oil in a large pot and sauté chopped yellow onions until they’re translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic for an added depth of flavor, followed by halved grape or cherry tomatoes that will burst with sweetness. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth to add moisture, then stir in tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, pepper, salt, and a sprinkle of fresh mint and basil. Let the flavors meld together as you simmer this hearty soup, perfect for a satisfying summer meal.
Zucchini Tomato Soup
Indulge in the delightful fusion of garden flavors with this zucchini tomato soup, a nutritious meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Pair it with your favorite fruit, such as juicy summer peaches, for a satisfying combination. This recipe serves two and can be prepared and cooked in just 20 minutes, making it an excellent option for a quick yet flavorful meal.
To elevate the dish, consider adding some creamy Parmesan cheese or a spicy kick from diced jalapeños.
The simplicity of this summer soup recipe is reflected in its short list of ingredients: small zucchinis, small tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, shredded cheddar cheese (optional), salt, crumbled cooked bacon (optional), and spicy Hot V8 juice. With a nod to winemag.com for the inspiration, this soup is sure to become a summer staple.
Chilled Avocado Soup
Chilled avocado soup is a quintessential summer delight that evokes the carefree essence of California’s coastal regions. Its creamy texture and subtle flavor profile are reminiscent of a warm day spent lounging on a sun-kissed beach. When it comes to pairing this refreshing soup with wine, look for a white varietal with bright acidity to cut through the richness of the avocado and complement the nuances of the togarashi and red onion. The harmonious marriage of flavors is further enhanced by the sweet notes of white balsamic vinegar. To create this delectable summer soup recipe, combine ripe avocados, fragrant sweet basil, crunchy red onion, tangy white balsamic vinegar, drizzles of honey, a pinch of kosher salt, a sprinkle of togarashi, and a few grinds of black pepper. Garnish with delicate basil blossoms and minced shallots for a pop of color and added texture.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Indulge in the sweetness of summer with this refreshing gazpacho recipe that combines the essence of watermelon with a medley of vegetables. This chilled soup is a symphony of flavors, balancing sweet, earthy, and spicy notes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Not only does it delight your taste buds, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamin C and fiber. Its vibrant colors and rich flavor profile make it the perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering. To create this delightful dish, combine diced watermelon, cucumber, red onion, jalapenos, apple cider vinegar, and kosher salt for a truly unique soupsperience.
Cold Cucumber Soup
In this refreshing summer recipe, the simplicity of cold cucumber soup is elevated by a harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of honey and tartness of lemon juice, infused with the subtle freshness of dill, come together to create a culinary masterpiece that showcases the versatility of cucumbers. This unique soup combines the smoothness of Persian cucumbers with the creaminess of plain whole-milk Greek yogurt, while a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt add depth and complexity. To complete this symphony of flavors, feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like basil, chives, or mint. Inspired by the culinary experts at Whole Foods Market, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire.
Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup
Summer’s warmth is infused into every spoonful of this delectable chicken and vegetable soup, a vibrant celebration of the season’s bounty. Red pepper, okra, corn, squash, and fragrant basil mingle with tender rotisserie chicken and a pinch of seasoning to create a culinary masterpiece. The symphony of flavors is orchestrated by the harmonious blend of garlic, olive oil, oregano, and black pepper, while the addition of low-sodium broth, tomato sauce, and fine sea salt adds depth and richness. Fresh or frozen corn, chopped red bell pepper, sliced okra, zucchini, and pita rounds provide a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
Cold Greek Yogurt Soup
Indulge in a refreshing and delectable Greek yogurt soup that combines the flavors of garlic, herbs, and creaminess. This chilled delight boasts a thick consistency, making it perfect to enjoy with crusty whole-grain toast. The best part? It’s ready in just one hour, serving six people. To prepare this summer recipe, you’ll need 2 percent or whole Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, low-fat milk, crunchy Persian cucumbers, a pungent punch of crushed garlic, chopped fresh dill for added zest, salt to balance the flavors, white pepper to round out the taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional) and chopped walnuts (optional) for added texture. Finish off your creation with a sprig of fresh mint or some chopped mint leaves as garnish, courtesy of theendlessmeal.com.
Gazpacho
The Andalucian-style gazpacho recipe boasts a medley of fresh veggies and spices, but what sets it apart is the innovative step of salting and freezing the vegetables before blending. This process allows for optimal flavor extraction, resulting in an incredibly flavorful summer soup.
To make this mouthwatering gazpacho, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, English cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic cloves, jalapeno pepper, kosher salt, extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, black pepper, minced chives, and halloumi cheese. Inspired by the culinary experts at lemontreedwelling.com.
Blueberry Yogurt Soup
With just a handful of ingredients, this refreshing chilled blueberry yogurt soup packs a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist. Its simplicity belies its complexity, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings or casual get-togethers. As the sweetness of the blueberries and warmth of cinnamon mingle with the tanginess of yogurt and spicy kick of ginger, this summer soup recipe becomes a true showstopper. To bring this delightful dish to life, you’ll need only water, fresh blueberries, cinnamon, Truva baking blend, ginger, and plain nonfat yogurt.
Sweet Corn Gazpacho
Indulge in the sweet and creamy delights of summer with this dairy-free gazpacho recipe that showcases the star of the show: fresh summer corn. This chilled and velvety soup is the perfect antidote to scorching hot days and balmy nights, offering a refreshing respite from the sun’s warmth.
To craft this summer soup masterpiece, you’ll need a medley of colorful ingredients, including yellow tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, whole ears of corn, white onion, garlic cloves, and a dash of jalapeno pepper (optional) for added depth. Don’t forget to add a pinch of sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of sherry vinegar, and a squeeze of lime juice to bring all the flavors together.
To finish this gazpacho with flair, garnish with a sprinkle of corn, a sprinkle of cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and a few grinds of fresh ground pepper. A delightful addition to any meal, this sweet corn gazpacho is sure to become a summer staple.
Basil Zucchini Soup
A refreshing twist on traditional soups, Basil Zucchini soup unites the sweetness of zucchini with the aromatic essence of fresh basil. This creamy concoction is surprisingly dairy-free, relying instead on the natural richness of its ingredients to deliver a satisfying flavor experience. Its low fat content and robust taste make it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Despite being a veggie-lover’s dream come true, this summer soup recipe has broad appeal, even among those who don’t typically gravitate towards plant-based dishes. The key to its mass appeal lies in the harmonious balance of flavors and textures it achieves through the combination of white onions, diced zucchini, vegetable broth, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Source: carolinescooking.com
Spanish Almond Garlic Soup
Summer’s sweetest surprise, Spanish almond garlic soup is a visually stunning yet unexpectedly delightful dish that effortlessly blends sophistication and flavor. Its unassuming appearance belies the complex culinary experience it offers. This classic Spanish recipe is deceptively simple in its ingredient list, which includes humble bread, cold water, sherry vinegar, blanched almonds, pungent garlic clove, crunchy green apple, rich extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of salt. When served with an added drizzle of olive oil and sweet green grapes, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
Cold Watercress Yogurt Soup
Indulge in a refreshing summer treat with cold watercress yogurt soup, where the subtle flavors of cucumbers meld with creamy yogurt, peppery watercress, and a hint of cucumber’s cooling essence. To achieve the desired silky texture, simply thin out the soup with a dash of water. This unique recipe combines an array of ingredients, including vibrant watercress leaves, succulent seedless cucumber, ripe avocados, chopped scallions, fresh flat-leaf parsley, dill, chicken broth, sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh chives. Inspired by thecookierookie.com.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi soup is a personal favorite of mine, and this copycat recipe perfectly replicates the distinct flavor that makes it so beloved. In my opinion, the homemade version surpasses even the restaurant’s rendition! The key to this summer soup lies in its blend of potato gnocchi, chicken broth, sautéed yellow onion, tender chicken breast, shredded carrot, and an assortment of spices and herbs. These include half-and-half, minced garlic, chopped spinach, heavy cream, flour, butter, nutmeg, parmesan cheese, paprika, and dried thyme. With such a rich array of flavors, it’s no wonder this soup has become a staple in many households, including mine.
Chilled Tomato Basil Soup
Returning to the essence of cooking, this straightforward tomato basil soup recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, yielding a richly flavored broth that celebrates the sweetness of tomatoes and the freshness of basil. The addition of cucumber and shallot adds a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making this summer soup a true standout. While some may think it’s simple, this recipe’s beauty lies in its unpretentiousness, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine through.
Cold Beet Soup with Yogurt
Savor the sweet and tangy essence of summer with a bowl of cold beet soup infused with creamy yogurt. This vibrant purple delight is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing and invigorating treat that’s perfect as a starter or light lunch. Pair it with some crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience.The recipe combines the natural sweetness of beets with the pungency of garlic, the freshness of celery, and the zing of lemon juice. To add depth and dimension, we’ve also included black pepper and parsley. With just a few simple ingredients like beets, Greek yogurt, water, garlic cloves, celery, black pepper, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, you can create this delightful summer soup.
Summer Corn Soup with Fresh Herbs
This easy-to-make corn soup recipe offers a convenient shortcut by utilizing frozen corn, which yields the same flavor profile as using whole corn. If you prefer, you can also opt for fresh corn, just ensure it’s cooked beforehand. What’s more, this recipe showcases corn’s often-overlooked nutritional benefits and debunks common myths surrounding its digestibility. The addition of coconut milk requires blending about half the soup to achieve a rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor. To prepare this summer-inspired soup, you’ll need garlic cloves, olive oil, chopped onion, frozen or fresh corn kernels, diced squash, zucchini, canned light coconut milk, honey, vegetable broth, cumin powder, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and dill.
Summer Minestrone
Summer’s bounty is the perfect inspiration for a vibrant minestrone that bursts with flavor and color. The recipe celebrates the season’s freshest produce, including an array of vegetables, herbs, and citrusy notes from ginger and lemongrass. It’s a true celebration of summer’s harvest, with ingredients like cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and more. In fact, it’s hard to resist the allure of the local farmer’s market’s colorful offerings – I often find myself tempted by every vegetable in sight! The result is a hearty, warming bowl that’s perfect for a cozy evening or as a refreshing pick-me-up during a summer day. This mouthwatering medley of flavors and textures requires just a few simple ingredients: butter, olive oil, onion, leek, carrot, garlic, celery, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, ginger paste, lemongrass paste, corn, zucchini, yellow summer squash, dried parsley, haricot verts, miso, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and fresh cilantro.
Creamy Yellow Squash Soup
The essence of summer is perfectly captured in this vibrant and flavorful squash soup recipe. The coconut milk swirls evoke the soft, puffy clouds that dot the bright blue sky on a sunny day. This refreshing soup is ideal for serving at family picnics or outdoor brunches, where its warm, comforting nature can bring people together.
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need olive oil, diced yellow summer squash, minced yellow onion, Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced), diced carrot, minced garlic clove, cumin powder, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, mustard powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (optional). If you don’t have all the spices on hand, a few teaspoons of curry powder can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, you can add a splash of dry white wine and low-sodium vegetable broth to enhance the flavors. The soup is finished with coconut milk, salt, and a sprinkle of cilantro for added freshness.
Final Words
Gather around with your loved ones and indulge in this delightful soup. Its simplicity is what makes it a crowd-pleaser, so be sure to share your thoughts with us!