Imagine a hot summer day, the sun beaming down, and you’re looking for something light, cool, and refreshing to enjoy. This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup is the perfect way to beat the heat while indulging in a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous dish.
This recipe combines crisp cucumber, creamy yogurt, crunchy walnuts, and sweet golden raisins, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of sumac provides a subtle citrusy tang, while fresh herbs bring a burst of garden freshness. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no cooking—just a little chopping, mixing, and chilling.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish, this chilled soup is a delightful way to enjoy wholesome, nutritious ingredients in a cool and refreshing form.
Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup
✔️ Cooling & Hydrating – Perfect for hot weather, this soup is filled with water-rich cucumbers and yogurt.
✔️ No Cooking Required – Just mix, chill, and serve!
✔️ Nutrient-Rich – Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and probiotics.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
✔️ Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegetarian – A healthy dish that fits a variety of diets.
Ingredients for Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup
This simple yet flavorful soup requires just a handful of fresh ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Walnuts | ½ cup |
| Persian or English cucumber | 1 |
| Plain whole milk yogurt (avoid Greek yogurt) | 2 cups |
| Ice water | 1 ½ cups |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill, or mint) | 1 cup (finely chopped) |
| Golden raisins | ½ cup |
| Sumac | ¾ teaspoon (plus extra for serving) |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
How to Make Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup
1. Toast the Walnuts
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once fragrant and golden, remove from heat and let them cool.
- Roughly chop the walnuts and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cucumber
- Peel and finely dice the cucumber.
- If using an English cucumber, you can leave the peel on for added texture and color.
3. Blend the Yogurt Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and ice water until smooth.
- This will create a light, creamy base for your soup.
4. Mix in the Ingredients
- Stir in the diced cucumber, chopped herbs, golden raisins, and toasted walnuts.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Season the Soup
- Add the sumac and kosher salt to taste.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well combined.
6. Chill the Soup
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to fully chill.
7. Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the cold cucumber soup into bowls.
- Sprinkle extra sumac on top for a burst of color and citrusy flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, healthy dish!
The Health Benefits of Cold Cucumber Soup
This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly nutritious!
| Nutrient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cucumber | Hydrating, rich in antioxidants, supports digestion. |
| Yogurt | Contains probiotics that promote gut health and digestion. |
| Walnuts | Provide healthy fats, protein, and brain-boosting nutrients. |
| Golden Raisins | Naturally sweet, packed with iron and fiber. |
| Sumac | Anti-inflammatory properties, adds a tangy flavor. |
This soup is low in calories, high in hydration, and filled with good-for-you ingredients—making it a perfect addition to any balanced diet.
Serving Suggestions
This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup is versatile and pairs well with:
- Warm Pita Bread – A perfect contrast to the cool soup.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish – A light, protein-packed meal.
- Fresh Garden Salad – Enhances the freshness of the dish.
- Quinoa or Bulgur Pilaf – Adds heartiness for a complete meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: This soup contains yogurt, which does not freeze well.
- Re-Mix Before Serving: The ingredients may settle, so stir well before enjoying.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Cold Cucumber Soup
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of whole milk yogurt?
It’s best to use regular plain yogurt rather than Greek yogurt, as Greek yogurt is too thick and may alter the texture.
2. What other nuts can I use instead of walnuts?
You can substitute almonds, pistachios, or pecans for a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
4. Is sumac necessary for this recipe?
Sumac adds a tangy, citrusy flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a small amount of lemon zest.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chilling it for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors.
6. How do I adjust the consistency if the soup is too thick?
Simply add more ice water and whisk until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts: Try This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup Today!
This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup is an easy, no-cook recipe that’s perfect for warm weather. Whether you’re looking for a cool appetizer, a light summer meal, or a hydrating snack, this dish is an excellent choice.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy a bowl of creamy, tangy, and refreshing cucumber soup today!
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Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup: A Cool and Healthy Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup is the perfect dish to cool down on a hot day. Light, creamy, and packed with fresh herbs, crunchy walnuts, and tangy sumac, this soup is a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors. Best of all, it requires no cooking—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 Persian or English cucumber
- 2 cups plain whole milk yogurt (avoid Greek yogurt)
- 1 ½ cups ice water
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill, or mint)
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ¾ teaspoon sumac, plus extra for serving
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Peel and finely dice the cucumber. If using an English cucumber, you can leave the peel on for extra texture.
- Make the Yogurt Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt and ice water until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced cucumber, chopped herbs, golden raisins, and toasted walnuts. Mix well.
- Season the Soup: Add sumac and kosher salt to taste. Stir to combine.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with extra sumac, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut or almond-based yogurt.
- Customize the herbs—try cilantro, chives, or tarragon for a unique twist.
- Adjust the texture by adding more ice water if the soup is too thick.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—just stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean