Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Dill Soup with Citrus Burst
Beat the heat this summer with our refreshing Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Dill Soup, a no-cook delight that simply requires blending for a quick and easy meal. This vibrant, low-fat soup is packed with fresh flavors and nutrients, making it perfect for hot days when you want something light and satisfying. The creamy texture of avocado combined with the crispness of cucumber creates a cooling effect, while the fresh dill adds a lovely herbal note. Enhanced with a zesty kick from fresh orange juice, this soup is sure to impress your palate. While optional shrimp can be added for those seeking a protein boost, this vegetarian version stands perfectly on its own. Chill for a while, and serve it garnished with a swirl of olive oil and extra dill for an elegant touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
2 (smashed)
large cucumber
1 (peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped)
buttermilk
1/4 cup (none)
fresh dill
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh orange juice
1 1/2 cups (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Begin by smashing the garlic cloves and adding them to a food processor or blender.
2
Peel, seed, and coarsely chop the cucumber, then add it to the blender along with the avocado. Blend until smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides as necessary.
3
Pour in the buttermilk, 3/4 cup water, fresh dill, salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Add half of the fresh orange juice and blend until the mixture is harmonious and smooth.
4
Taste the soup, and add the remaining orange juice a little at a time until you achieve your preferred flavor balance. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
5
Cover the blender container and refrigerate the soup for at least one hour to chill thoroughly.
6
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional chopped shrimp, a drizzle of lime juice, and a splash of olive oil if desired. Enjoy this chilled delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this soup?
The soup features a refreshing blend of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and herbal dill, highlighted by a zesty citrus burst from fresh orange juice.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This is a chilled soup, designed to be served cold, making it a perfect refreshing meal for hot summer days.
Do I need to cook any ingredients for this recipe?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that simply requires a food processor or blender to combine the ingredients.
How long does the soup need to chill before serving?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least one hour to ensure it is thoroughly chilled before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian. While shrimp is mentioned as an optional garnish, it can be omitted to keep the dish vegetarian.
What ingredients give the soup its creamy texture?
The creamy texture is primarily achieved through the blending of ripe avocado and a small amount of buttermilk.
How should I prepare the cucumber for this soup?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped before being added to the blender.
Can I adjust the citrus flavor in the soup?
Yes, the instructions suggest adding half the orange juice first and then adding the remainder a little at a time to reach your preferred flavor balance.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
Recommended garnishes include extra dill, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lime juice, and optional chopped shrimp.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 smashed garlic cloves.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, fresh black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, the soup is described as a low-fat, healthy option packed with nutrients.
How much orange juice is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Does the recipe require water?
Yes, 3/4 cup of water is blended into the soup to help achieve the right consistency.
How do I prepare the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be smashed before being added to the food processor or blender.
What type of dill should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill.
Is the buttermilk essential to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of buttermilk to contribute to the flavor and creamy consistency.
What equipment is necessary to make this soup?
You will need a food processor or a blender to mix the ingredients until smooth.
Can I add more spice if I prefer?
Yes, the cayenne and black pepper are added 'to taste,' allowing you to increase the heat if desired.
Should the orange juice be bottled or fresh?
The recipe specifically recommends using freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
Is the olive oil cooked into the soup?
No, the olive oil is intended as an optional garnish to be drizzled over the soup just before serving.
What are the health benefits of this soup?
It is a nutrient-dense, low-fat dish that uses fresh vegetables and citrus, making it both light and satisfying.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use lime instead of orange juice?
While the main citrus component is orange juice, the recipe mentions lime juice as a perfect garnish to finish the dish.
What is the best time of year to serve this soup?
Due to its cooling properties and use of fresh cucumbers and dill, it is most ideal for the summer season.
Is the shrimp mandatory for this recipe?
No, the shrimp is an optional addition for those seeking an extra protein boost.
Does the soup have any herbal notes?
Yes, the fresh dill adds a significant herbal note to the flavor profile.
How do I ensure the soup is smooth?
Blend the avocado and cucumber first, scraping down the sides of the blender as necessary, then blend again once the liquids are added.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
While best served fresh and chilled, it can be kept refrigerated; however, the avocado may cause the color to change slightly over time.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt, though you can adjust this further after tasting the final blend.