Name: Summer Vegetable Soup Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped celery hearts; 1 cup chopped cucumber; ½ cup chopped red bell pepper; ½ cup chopped avocado; ¼ cup lemon juice; ¼ cup chopped tomato; 1 cup spinach; ¼ cup water; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a quick, cooling dish to enjoy during the hot summer months? This Summer Vegetable Soup is exactly what you need! It’s a simple, no-cook recipe that blends together a refreshing mix of veggies, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and spinach provides a balance of hydration, healthy fats, and vitamins, while the lemon juice adds a bright tanginess that makes each spoonful more refreshing. This is a great option for meal prepping, light lunches, or even as a side dish. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of fresh, wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup chopped celery hearts
1 cup chopped cucumber
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped avocado
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup chopped tomato
1 cup spinach
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Blend the chopped celery, cucumber, red bell pepper, avocado, lemon juice, and tomato in a high-speed blender for about 30 seconds or until smooth.
Add the spinach, water, salt, and cayenne pepper to the blender, and continue blending until everything is well combined and smooth.
Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro to enhance the flavor profile.
More veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the variety and nutritional value.
Spicy kick: If you love a little heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
Creamier texture: To make the soup creamier, you can blend in a bit of coconut milk or a scoop of plain Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This soup is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Since this soup is served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I use other greens besides spinach?

Yes, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this soup?

Fresh vegetables will give you the best flavor and texture for this recipe, but you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch if you don’t have access to fresh ones.

How do I make the soup smoother?

For a smoother texture, blend the soup for a little longer, or use a strainer to remove any remaining chunks after blending.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes, you can add protein by including ingredients like tofu, chickpeas, or a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the soup.

Is this soup suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this soup is low in carbs and is a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking or use a milder spice if you prefer less heat.

Can I add a sweetener to this soup?

If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, you can add a small amount of honey or agave syrup to balance the savory ingredients.

Can I make this soup in a food processor instead of a blender?

Yes, a food processor can also work for this recipe. Just blend the ingredients in batches if needed, and ensure everything is smooth and well-mixed.

Can I serve this soup with anything else?

This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, whole-grain crackers, or a slice of toast for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Summer Vegetable Soup is a delightful, no-cook recipe that brings the flavors of summer into a refreshing and healthy dish. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and light texture, it’s perfect for hot days when you need something cool and nourishing. Plus, it’s highly customizable, making it easy to adapt to your personal tastes. Enjoy this easy-to-make soup for a nutritious meal that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energized.