Gazpacho is a classic Spanish cold soup that captures the very essence of summer in every spoonful. Made primarily with fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp garden vegetables, this dish is all about highlighting the natural flavors of peak-season produce. Whether you prefer it smooth and creamy or rustic and chunky, this recipe offers versatility while keeping the preparation refreshingly simple and no-cook. Featuring a clever twist of celery juice to enhance flavor, it’s perfect for hot days when you crave something light, cooling, and nourishing. This gazpacho is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a healthy choice for nearly any diet.
Full Recipe
2 lbs ripe tomatoes (e.g. cherry, heirloom, Roma)
1 red or yellow bell pepper
8 oz thin-skinned cucumbers (English or Persian), peeled in stripes
1/3 cup red onion
2 garlic cloves
1 cup celery juice (blend 2 stalks celery + 1 cup water, strained)
2–3 tsp red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt, more to taste
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp coriander
1/8–1/4 tsp piment d’espelette or cayenne
Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste (for extra sweetness)
Optional: 1–2 slices soaked day-old bread (for added texture)
1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, or dill)
Directions
To Make Celery Juice:
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Blend 2 stalks of celery with 1 cup of water.
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Strain the mixture.
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Set juice aside.
For Smooth Gazpacho:
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Cut and prepare all vegetables:
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Tomatoes
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Cucumbers
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Bell pepper
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Onion
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Garlic
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In a blender, combine:
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Prepared vegetables
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Celery juice
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Blend until smooth.
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While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified and creamy.
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Add to taste:
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Vinegar
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Salt
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Pepper
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Cumin
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Coriander
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Piment d’Espelette
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(Optional) Tomato paste for sweetness
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Pulse in fresh herbs at the end, or stir in chopped herbs to maintain color.
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Chill before serving.
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Garnish with:
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Diced cucumbers
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Diced tomatoes
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Microgreens
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Swirl of yogurt (optional)
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For Chunky Gazpacho:
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Blend half the vegetables with celery juice to keep a chunky texture.
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Dice the remaining vegetables by hand.
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Stir diced vegetables into the blended mix.
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Add:
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Olive oil
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Vinegar
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Spices
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Herbs
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Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Chill before serving.
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Garnish as desired.
Nutrients
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 13.1 g
Sugars: 7.6 g
Fiber: 3.9 g
Protein: 2.8 g
Fat: 6.3 g
Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 498.9 mg
The Versatility of Gazpacho
One of the reasons gazpacho has remained so popular for centuries is its versatility. The basic recipe calls for a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, but there is no one “right” way to make gazpacho. You can adapt the recipe to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, and the ingredients you have on hand.
Gazpacho can be made smooth and creamy, or chunky, depending on your preference. Some people prefer to blend all of the ingredients into a silky, velvety soup, while others prefer the texture of finely chopped vegetables for added crunch. In this recipe, the option to make the gazpacho chunky or smooth allows for customization, ensuring that you can enjoy the soup in the way that’s most satisfying to you.
Additionally, gazpacho can be made with a variety of vegetables, depending on what’s in season. Some people like to add fruit, such as watermelon or peaches, to give the soup a hint of sweetness. Herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro can be used to add freshness and elevate the flavor profile. For a spicy kick, a bit of cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or smoked paprika can be added. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different vinegars—red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar—all of which will give the gazpacho its signature tangy bite.
How to Serve Gazpacho
Gazpacho is incredibly versatile not only in terms of its ingredients but also in how it’s served. Traditionally, gazpacho is enjoyed as a starter before a main meal, but it can easily be served as a light lunch or dinner on its own. For a more elegant presentation, consider serving it in small shot glasses or cups as an appetizer at a dinner party or event. This allows guests to enjoy the refreshing soup in a bite-sized portion, paired with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Gazpacho can also be paired with various garnishes to enhance both its flavor and visual appeal. Chopped fresh vegetables, such as diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, can be sprinkled on top, adding texture and color. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—such as parsley, basil, or cilantro—can elevate the soup and bring out the natural flavors. For an extra touch of luxury, you can top the gazpacho with diced avocado or a few shrimp for added richness.
Gazpacho is often enjoyed with crusty bread, making it the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer evening meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled seafood or a light salad, like a Nicoise or Mediterranean-inspired salad, to round out the meal. The beauty of gazpacho is that it can be served in many different ways, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Making Gazpacho Ahead of Time
One of the best things about gazpacho is that it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen. In fact, the soup often tastes better after sitting for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator, as the vegetables and herbs have time to meld together. This makes gazpacho an excellent choice for meal prep or for entertaining guests.
Simply prepare the soup according to the recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and serve it when ready. Just be sure to stir the soup well before serving, as the ingredients may settle during storage. If you prefer your gazpacho to be extra smooth, feel free to blend it again right before serving to achieve the desired texture.
Conclusion
Gazpacho is a wonderfully refreshing, flavorful soup that captures the essence of summer. With its simple ingredients, vibrant colors, and versatility, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, gazpacho offers a light and healthy option that can be served as a starter, side dish, or even a main meal. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something refreshing and nourishing, and it’s just as delicious when made with peak-season tomatoes or enjoyed in the cooler months.
The addition of celery juice in this recipe adds an unexpected depth and richness, elevating the dish beyond the traditional gazpacho. The versatility of gazpacho, along with its ability to be made ahead of time and served in various ways, makes it an excellent choice for any meal or occasion. If you haven’t yet tried gazpacho, this recipe is the perfect introduction to this classic Spanish dish—refreshing, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying.