Nothing is more satisfying on a hot summer day than a bowl of refreshing cold cucumber soup. This creamy, chilled soup is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect way to cool down while enjoying the natural freshness of cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a healthy snack, this soup delivers a burst of coolness in every spoonful.
If you’ve never tried cold soups before, this is the perfect place to start. The blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, and zesty lemon creates a well-balanced dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this simple yet elegant recipe at home.
Why You’ll Love This Cold Cucumber Soup
- Cooling & Refreshing – Perfect for hot summer days.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
- Quick & Easy to Make – Requires just a few ingredients and a blender.
- Light & Low in Calories – A guilt-free dish that won’t weigh you down.
- Customizable – Adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for a Perfect Cold Cucumber Soup
To create this refreshing cold cucumber soup, you’ll need fresh, simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cucumbers | 2 large, diced (peeled if preferred) |
Plain yogurt | 1 cup |
Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
Green onion | 1, coarsely chopped |
Fresh dill | 2 tablespoons, coarsely chopped |
Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, coarsely chopped |
Water | As needed |
Salt | To taste |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Cucumber Soup
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dice the cucumbers (peel them if you prefer a smoother texture).
- Chop the green onion, dill, and parsley into coarse pieces.
2. Blend Everything Together
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cucumbers, plain yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, green onion, fresh dill, and parsley.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the Consistency
- Add water gradually to reach your preferred thickness. Start with ¼ cup of water and add more as needed.
4. Season and Chill
- Taste the soup and add salt to enhance the flavor.
- Blend briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
- Transfer the soup to a large bowl or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Before serving, give the soup a quick stir.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a swirl of yogurt for an elegant touch.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the cool, refreshing flavors!
Nutritional Benefits of Cold Cucumber Soup
This soup is not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits.
1. Hydrating and Refreshing
Cucumbers are 95% water, making this soup an excellent way to stay hydrated.
2. Supports Digestive Health
The yogurt provides probiotics that help maintain a healthy gut.
3. Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
- Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which supports bone health.
- Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity.
- Fresh herbs offer antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
4. Low in Calories, High in Nutrients
A single serving of this soup is low in calories but rich in fiber, making it a perfect light meal or appetizer.
Expert Tips for the Best Cold Cucumber Soup
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Since this soup is raw, fresh cucumbers, herbs, and yogurt will make all the difference in flavor.
2. Adjust the Creaminess
For a richer texture, use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
3. Make It Spicier
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or black pepper for a subtle kick.
4. Enhance the Flavor
For extra depth, add a small clove of garlic or a drizzle of olive oil before blending.
5. Let It Chill Properly
Refrigerating for at least an hour helps blend the flavors beautifully.
Delicious Variations of Cold Cucumber Soup
1. Avocado Cucumber Soup
Add ½ an avocado for a creamier, richer soup.
2. Mediterranean Twist
Include a handful of mint and swap the yogurt for Greek yogurt for a tangy, Mediterranean flavor.
3. Spicy Version
Blend in ½ teaspoon of jalapeño for a bit of heat.
4. Dairy-Free Option
Replace the yogurt with coconut milk or almond yogurt for a plant-based version.
How to Store and Serve Cold Cucumber Soup
1. Storing Leftovers
- Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Can You Freeze It?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture changes after thawing.
3. Best Way to Serve
- Serve chilled in a bowl or glass.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
2. Do I have to peel the cucumbers?
It’s optional! If you prefer a smoother texture, peeling is recommended. Keeping the skin adds more fiber and nutrients.
3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but if using dried, use ⅓ of the amount (e.g., 1 teaspoon dried dill instead of 1 tablespoon fresh).
4. What kind of yogurt works best?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is ideal. For a thicker soup, try Greek yogurt.
5. How do I make the soup less tangy?
Reduce the lemon juice slightly and add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the flavor.
6. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! Try blending in soft tofu or cottage cheese for extra protein.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This refreshing cold cucumber soup is the ultimate summer dish—light, hydrating, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter, a light lunch, or a cooling snack, it’s a dish that never disappoints.
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Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup: A Cool and Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This refreshing cold cucumber soup is a creamy, light, and cooling dish, perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh cucumbers, yogurt, herbs, and lemon juice, it’s a nutritious and hydrating meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy it as a chilled appetizer, a light lunch, or a healthy snack!
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, optionally peeled and diced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 green onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
- Water (as needed)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dice the cucumbers (peeling is optional for a smoother texture).
- Coarsely chop the green onion, fresh dill, and parsley.
-
Blend Everything Together
- In a blender or food processor, combine the diced cucumbers, plain yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, green onion, fresh dill, and parsley.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
-
Adjust the Consistency
- Add water gradually, starting with ¼ cup, until you reach your desired thickness.
-
Season and Chill
- Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Blend briefly to incorporate.
- Transfer to a large bowl or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Stir the soup before serving to ensure it is well mixed.
- Garnish with extra chopped herbs or a swirl of yogurt if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker texture, use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the lemon juice slightly.
- Add a spicy kick by blending in a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture.
- For a vegan version, replace the yogurt with unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean