Authentic Gazpacho Recipe – Refreshing Summer Soup

Gazpacho is Spain’s answer to a heat wave — a chilled, no-cook soup built from the ripest summer tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and a good glug of olive oil. This authentic gazpacho recipe blends together in about 15 minutes, then just needs time in the fridge to let the flavors deepen before serving ice cold.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No stove required — just a blender
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• Gets better as it chills, so it’s perfect made a day ahead

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar
• 1 slice stale bread, torn (optional, for body)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Gazpacho

1. Combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and bread (if using) in a blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust the vinegar or salt to balance the acidity.
4. Pass through a fine-mesh strainer for an ultra-smooth texture, if desired.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, and ideally overnight.
6. Serve cold, drizzled with olive oil and diced vegetables for garnish.

Tips for Success

• Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find — this soup only has a few ingredients, so quality matters.
• The torn bread adds body and a classic Spanish texture, but it can be left out for a lighter, gluten-free version.
• Gazpacho tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead.

FAQ

Can gazpacho be made ahead of time?
Yes, gazpacho is traditionally made ahead — the flavors meld and improve after a day in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 4 days.

Is gazpacho served hot or cold?
Gazpacho is always served chilled; it’s a cold soup designed to be refreshing in hot summer weather.

Keep a pitcher of this in the fridge all summer for an instant appetizer or light lunch that requires zero cooking.