Strawberry Gazpacho: Our Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to use fresh strawberries, this strawberry gazpacho is the dish for you! 

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a slight kick of heat, and it’s all blended into a chilled, silky soup that’s ideal for warm weather.

Whether you’re serving it as a light appetizer, a refreshing side, or even a palate-cleansing course at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details and get started!

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

The beauty of this dish lies in its fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create your strawberry gazpacho:

• 4 pints fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced

These simple, vibrant ingredients come together to create a soup that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

How to Make Strawberry Gazpacho

Making strawberry gazpacho is as easy as it gets—no cooking required! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a high-speed blender, combine 3 pints of strawberries, ½ the cucumber, ½ the onion, ¼ cup cilantro, and ¼ cup parsley. Blend until smooth (about 30 seconds) and pour the purée into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Stir the purée together with the remaining strawberries, cucumber, onion, green onions, jalapeño, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, garlic, tarragon, basil, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper. Gently fold in the avocado cubes.

Step 3: Chill the Soup

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

That’s it! Once it’s chilled, your gazpacho is ready to serve.

Creative Ways to Serve Strawberry Gazpacho

This vibrant, refreshing soup can be presented in so many creative and elegant ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or a formal dinner, these ideas will help you make the most of this summery dish:

1. As a Starter

Serve small portions of gazpacho in chilled bowls or shot glasses for an elegant appetizer. This is perfect for dinner parties or events where you want to set a light, sophisticated tone. Add a small skewer of fresh strawberries or cucumber as a garnish for a fun twist.

2. Topped with Garnishes

Dress up your gazpacho with toppings that add both flavor and texture:

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley brings a burst of freshness.
• Avocado cubes: These add creaminess and a beautiful color contrast.
• Toasted nuts or seeds: Crushed pistachios or sunflower seeds give a satisfying crunch.
• Drizzle of balsamic glaze: This adds depth and a touch of sweetness.

3. With Crusty Bread

Pair your gazpacho with slices of toasted baguette, sourdough, or vegan garlic bread. For a Mediterranean vibe, serve with olive oil-brushed crostini topped with a dollop of vegan cream cheese.

4. As Part of a Tasting Menu

Incorporate gazpacho into a larger summer menu. Pair it with other light dishes like:

• Grilled vegetable skewers: Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
• Stuffed bell peppers: Try filling them with quinoa or couscous for a hearty yet refreshing side.
• Corn and black bean salad: A zesty salad complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

5. In a Picnic Spread

Pour the gazpacho into a thermos or portable jars and enjoy it outdoors! Serve with fresh wraps, vegan cheese boards, and seasonal fruits for a delightful picnic feast.

For a polished presentation, chill your serving bowls or glasses beforehand and garnish with an edible flower for a stunning final touch.

Strawberry Gazpacho Variations to Try

This strawberry gazpacho recipe is fantastic as is, but one of the joys of this dish is how customizable it is. Here are some variations to inspire you:

1. Strawberry Watermelon Gazpacho

Add chunks of juicy watermelon to the mix and blend with a handful of fresh mint leaves. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the strawberries, creating a lighter, fruitier soup.

2. Spicy Strawberry Gazpacho

Turn up the heat by adding more jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. This spicy version is perfect for those who love bold flavors with a touch of sweetness.

3. Tropical Twist

Blend strawberries with ripe mango, pineapple, or even papaya. Add a splash of coconut water or lime juice to enhance the tropical vibes. This version is especially delicious as a poolside appetizer.

4. Simpler Option

For a quick and easy variation, skip the avocado and stick to the core ingredients like strawberries, cucumber, herbs, and vinegar. This creates a lighter version that’s just as refreshing and takes even less time to prepare.

5. Herbal Infusion

Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or even a touch of rosemary for an aromatic twist. Add them during blending or as a garnish for a pop of herbal flavor.

6. Nutty Strawberry Gazpacho

Add a small handful of soaked almonds or cashews during blending to create a richer, creamier texture. This variation is excellent for a heartier version of the soup.

7. Berry Medley Gazpacho

Mix in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries alongside the strawberries for a colorful and tangy variation. This is a great way to use whatever berries you have on hand.

Feel free to get creative and let the seasons inspire you! Strawberry gazpacho is wonderfully versatile and can be tailored to fit your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry gazpacho is the ultimate summer soup—cool, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. 

It’s a fantastic way to use seasonal produce and is sure to impress your family or guests. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can pull it off with confidence.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t forget to pair it with some delicious sides or fresh bread for a complete meal. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you—happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions