This Easy Chilled Cucumber Soup is a refreshing treat! It combines cool cucumbers, creamy yogurt, and a splash of lemon for a light and tasty soup, perfect for hot days.
Pair it with a colorful salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only pretty but also healthy. I love making this on warm afternoons—easy to whip up and so cooling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers are the star of this dish! If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini can also work well in this recipe while giving a slightly different flavor.
Greek Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt for its thickness and tang. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or a plant-based option like almond or coconut yogurt if needed.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice kick! If you’re not a fan of raw garlic, skip it or replace it with garlic powder for a milder flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill offers a lovely herbaceous note. If you can’t find it, fresh parsley or mint can be great alternatives that still taste fresh and vibrant.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Soup?
A key part of making this chilled cucumber soup is achieving that smooth texture. Here are my tips:
- First, ensure your cucumbers are peeled and chopped into smaller pieces for easier blending.
- Start blending on a lower speed, then gradually increase. This helps create a creamy consistency without lumps.
- If the soup is too thick, don’t hesitate to add the optional vegetable broth or water a little at a time until it reaches a consistency you love.
- For a super smooth experience, you can strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
Chilling the soup for at least an hour is crucial; it lets the flavors meld together beautifully while enhancing that refreshing taste!
Easy Chilled Cucumber Soup with Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water (optional for thinning)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad Garnish:
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or substitute with fresh parsley or mint)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Reserved cucumber for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cucumber soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to enhance all those lovely flavors. In no time, you’ll have a delicious, cool dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend Your Base:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped cucumbers (save a little bit for later garnish) in a blender. Add the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If you find the mixture too thick, pour in a little vegetable broth or water until you reach the consistency you like.
2. Taste and Adjust:
Once blended, take a moment to taste the soup. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference. For a little zing, mix in some apple cider vinegar if you’re feeling adventurous!
3. Pour and Prepare:
Pour the creamy soup into serving bowls, making sure it looks inviting. Now, let’s prepare the fresh salad topping!
4. Make the Garnish:
Finely dice the reserved cucumber and the red onion. In a small bowl, combine these with the fresh dill. This fresh salad will add a nice crunch on top of your soup!
5. Serve with Style:
Spoon the cucumber salad mixture right over each bowl of soup. To finish, drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and any extra herbs you desire for a touch of elegance.
6. Chill:
For the best experience, cover your bowls and chill the soup in the fridge for at least an hour. This will make it beautifully refreshing when you serve it up!
Enjoy your cool, creamy cucumber soup, all dressed with a delightful salad garnish! It’s a perfect dish for hot days or when you just want something light and delicious.
FAQ for Easy Chilled Cucumber Soup with Salad
Can I Use Non-Dairy Yogurt in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Plant-based yogurts, such as almond or coconut yogurt, can work just as well as Greek yogurt. Just make sure to choose a plain variety for the best flavor balance!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Dill?
If you don’t have dill on hand, you can easily substitute it with fresh parsley or mint. Both will provide a nice fresh taste that complements the soup beautifully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may separate slightly when chilled.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance! Just blend it up, store it in the fridge, and add the salad garnish right before serving for optimal freshness.
