Chilled Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Gazpacho
This refreshing Chilled Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Gazpacho is a delightful twist on the classic summer soup. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and fragrant dill, it's the perfect dish to cool down on a hot day. With its creamy yogurt base and a hint of walnut oil, this gazpacho is easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking time while maximally satisfying the taste buds. Prepare this dish in the morning or the day before to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it the perfect appetizer or light meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 cup (peeled and diced)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Walnut oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup (halved)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (none)
Fresh dill
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Walnuts
to taste (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and dicing the cucumber into small pieces for optimal blending and presentation.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the pepper, walnut oil, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade.
3
Add the diced cucumber to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for 2 hours, which will enhance its flavor.
4
After marination, drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers and transfer them into a mixing bowl.
5
To the cucumbers, add the cherry tomatoes and plain yogurt. Mix thoroughly until combined and the mixture has a creamy consistency.
6
Cover and refrigerate the gazpacho for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
7
Before serving, ladle the chilled gazpacho into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill and a sprinkle of walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Gazpacho?
This is a refreshing summer soup made with cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, fragrant dill, and a creamy yogurt base.
How should I prepare the cucumber for this recipe?
The cucumber should be peeled and diced into small pieces for the best texture and presentation.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of pepper, walnut oil, and minced garlic whisked together in a small bowl.
How long does the cucumber need to marinate?
The diced cucumber should marinate for approximately 2 hours to enhance its flavor.
Do I need to drain the cucumbers after marinating?
Yes, you should drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers after the 2-hour marination period.
What type of tomatoes are best for this gazpacho?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for their vibrant flavor.
Is there dairy in this gazpacho?
Yes, the recipe uses one cup of plain yogurt to create a creamy consistency.
How long should the soup be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal for flavor development.
What garnishes are recommended for this soup?
The gazpacho is best served garnished with freshly chopped dill and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Chilled Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Gazpacho is a vegetarian dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the plain yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of walnut oil for its unique flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: cucumber, pepper, walnut oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, plain yogurt, fresh dill, and walnuts.
What is the consistency of this gazpacho?
This gazpacho has a creamy consistency thanks to the yogurt base, mixed with diced vegetables.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This is a chilled soup, designed to be served cold.
How do I prepare the garlic?
One garlic clove should be minced before being whisked into the marinade.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, preparing it the morning of or the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What flavor does the dill provide?
The fresh dill provides a fragrant and vibrant herb flavor that complements the tomatoes and cucumbers.
Why is walnut oil used?
Walnut oil adds a hint of nuttiness and richness to the vegetable marinade.
What is the purpose of dicing the cucumber small?
Small dicing ensures optimal blending with the yogurt and tomatoes and provides a better mouthfeel.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness, you can use diced regular tomatoes as a substitute.
Is this a good appetizer?
Yes, it is described as the perfect appetizer or light meal for a hot day.
How should I store the gazpacho?
Store the soup in a covered container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Does this recipe require a blender?
No, the instructions indicate mixing the diced and halved ingredients by hand rather than pureeing them.
What texture do the walnuts add?
The chopped walnuts added at the end provide a pleasant crunch and added texture to the creamy soup.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe requiring minimal actual cooking time.
How much pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, refreshing, and vegetable-forward dish.
Can I adjust the amount of walnuts?
Yes, the walnuts are added 'to taste' as a garnish.
What is the main liquid base of the soup?
The liquid base is primarily composed of plain yogurt and the juices from the tomatoes and marinated cucumbers.