If you’re searching for a refreshing, vibrant dish that screams summer in every spoonful, the Cucumber Gazpacho with Greek Yogurt, Mint, and Jalapeno Recipe is your new best friend. This chilled soup combines the crispness of cucumber with the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, while fresh mint and a kick of jalapeno bring a perfect balance of cool and heat. It’s light yet satisfying, simple yet impressively flavorful, and makes for a beautiful starter or a light meal on warm days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these fresh and straightforward ingredients is the first step toward creating an unforgettable bowl of goodness. Each item plays a vital role, contributing to the smooth texture, bright flavors, and refreshing color that define this dish.
- Cucumber (1, skin on, seeds removed): Provides crispness and a naturally hydrating base with subtle sweetness.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup, plain): Adds creaminess and a slight tang, boosting the soup’s richness without heaviness.
- Green onions (cut into 2-inch chunks): Bring a mild onion flavor that complements the cucumber’s freshness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers a gentle aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances the dish with fruity richness and smoothness.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and highlights the other flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice.
- Mint leaves (1 tablespoon): Offers a refreshing herbal lift, making the soup invigorating.
- Dill fresh (2 tablespoons): Contributes a fragrant, slightly tangy flavor that complements cucumber and yogurt.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and acidity, elevating the overall taste.
- Jalapeno (1, chopped): Injects a pleasant heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy yogurt and cooling cucumber.
How to Make Cucumber Gazpacho with Greek Yogurt, Mint, and Jalapeno Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by rinsing the cucumber well. Keep the skin on for its lovely color and nutrients, but carefully scoop out the seeds using a sharp spoon or the edge of a peeler to avoid excess wateriness. This step ensures your gazpacho remains creamy and not watery.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender
Add the prepared cucumber, green onions, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, olive oil, salt, black pepper, fresh mint, dill, lime juice, and chopped jalapeno into a high-powered blender. This one-bowl magic creates a smooth, vibrant mixture that’s packed with flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Pulse the blender a few times and then blend on high speed until the mixture reaches a silky consistency. Depending on your blender, this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. If the soup feels too thick, you can add a splash of cold water or ice cubes to loosen the texture.
Step 4: Chill the Gazpacho
Transfer the gazpacho to a bowl or container and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and brings out the signature coolness this dish is famous for.
How to Serve Cucumber Gazpacho with Greek Yogurt, Mint, and Jalapeno Recipe
Garnishes
Top your gazpacho with a few fresh mint leaves or a small drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. A sprinkling of finely chopped jalapeno or a dollop of extra Greek yogurt can also add color contrast and amplify the flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup shines alongside crusty artisan bread, garlic crostini, or a light summer salad with fresh tomatoes and feta. These sides provide complementary textures and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this gazpacho in chilled glass cups or petite bowls for a party appetizer vibe. You can also pipe the soup into clear shot glasses for a fun and stylish buffet option. For a heartier presentation, swirl in a little pesto or sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for unexpected texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cucumber gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often become even more harmonious after resting, so leftovers can be just as delightful as when freshly made.
Freezing
This gazpacho contains fresh herbs and yogurt, so freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor negatively. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled soup, reheating is not necessary or advised. If you prefer it a little less cold, bring it to room temperature by leaving it out for about 15 minutes before serving, but keep it cool to maintain freshness.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Regular yogurt can work, but Greek yogurt’s creaminess and thickness give the best texture and tang. If you use regular yogurt, drain some of the whey to avoid a runnier soup.
How spicy is the jalapeno in this recipe?
The jalapeno adds a gentle but noticeable kick. If you prefer mild, remove the seeds and membrane before chopping. For more heat, keep them intact or even add an extra jalapeno.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?
Keeping the skin adds a beautiful green hue and nutrients, but if you prefer a milder taste or a smoother texture, peeling is an option. Just be sure to remove the seeds either way.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute Greek yogurt with a coconut or almond-based yogurt alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delightfully refreshing.
What’s the best way to serve this soup on a hot day?
Always serve it well chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Add ice cubes if you want it extra cold, and pair it with crisp, cool side dishes for the ultimate summer meal.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together crisp cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, bright herbs, and spicy jalapeno, this Cucumber Gazpacho with Greek Yogurt, Mint, and Jalapeno Recipe is truly a summer superstar. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but impressive enough to share with guests. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love with this vibrant, nourishing bowl of sunshine.
PrintCucumber Gazpacho with Greek Yogurt, Mint, and Jalapeno Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Gazpacho is a chilled Spanish-inspired soup that combines crisp cucumbers, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of jalapeno spice. Perfect as a light appetizer or a cooling summer dish, it is quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cucumber, skin on and seeds removed
- 1 green onion, cut into 2 inch chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 jalapeno, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Start by removing the seeds from the cucumber using a sharp spoon or the edge of a peeler, then keep the skin on for texture and nutrients.
- Combine ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add the peeled and seeded cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped green onion, minced garlic, mint leaves, fresh dill, chopped jalapeno, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Blend until smooth: Puree all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that all the flavors are well combined.
- Chill the gazpacho: Transfer the gazpacho to a bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to become nicely chilled.
- Serve: Once chilled, stir the gazpacho and ladle it into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- This gazpacho is best served cold to enjoy its refreshing qualities.
- You can adjust the jalapeno amount to control the heat level.
- For a thinner consistency, add a little cold water or cucumber juice while blending.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
