Refreshing Verde Gazpacho
Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this Refreshing Verde Gazpacho, a delightful twist on the classic gazpacho from Andalucía. This chilled soup is a perfect combination of fresh greens, creamy sour cream, and zesty notes of mint. Ideal as a light appetizer or a refreshing summer dish, each bowl bursts with the goodness of lettuce, spinach, and cucumber, making it not just delicious, but also rich in nutrients. Perfect for warm weather, this gazpacho serves as a testament to the joy of using seasonal ingredients and offers a unique, fresh taste that is sure to impress your guests.
5
Servings
160
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lettuce leaves
2 cups (chopped)
Spinach
2 cups (chopped)
Scallions
3 (diced)
Cucumber
1 medium (peeled and diced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Vegetable broth
2 cups (liquid)
Sour cream
3/4 cup (divided)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (condiment)
Fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (if desired)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (if desired)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the chopped lettuce, spinach, diced scallions, peeled and diced cucumber, and fresh parsley. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth puree.
2
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while continuing to blend until well integrated.
3
Add in 1/2 cup of sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped mint, salt, and white pepper. Blend until the mixture achieves a silky and consistent texture.
4
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill completely.
5
When ready to serve, ladle the gazpacho into chilled bowls. Garnish each bowl with a generous dollop of the remaining sour cream at the center and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for added flair.
Nutrition Information
10.8g
Fat
7.2g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Verde Gazpacho?
It is a chilled Spanish-inspired soup made with green vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and cucumber, offering a vibrant twist on traditional gazpacho.
What are the main ingredients?
The key ingredients include lettuce, spinach, scallions, cucumber, vegetable broth, sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh mint.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
Is this gazpacho served hot or cold?
This gazpacho is a chilled soup and should be served very cold.
How long should I refrigerate the soup?
You should refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
What kind of lettuce is best?
Any soft green leaf lettuce, such as Romaine or butter lettuce, works well for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the recipe calls for one medium cucumber that has been peeled and diced.
What is the preparation for the scallions?
The scallions should be diced before being added to the blender.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth, though vegetable broth is standard for a traditional verde gazpacho.
What does 'Verde' mean in the recipe name?
'Verde' is the Spanish word for green, referring to the soup's primary color and ingredients.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 10.8 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts?
Each serving contains 7.2 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint is highly recommended for the best flavor, though a smaller amount of dried mint could be used in a pinch.
How do I garnish the gazpacho?
Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or additional sour cream if you prefer not to use mayonnaise.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will add a similar creamy texture and tang.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
How long does the gazpacho stay fresh in the fridge?
It is best when consumed within 2 to 3 days of preparation.
Can I freeze Refreshing Verde Gazpacho?
Freezing is not recommended because the dairy components and fresh greens may separate or change texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer party?
Yes, it is an ideal refreshing dish for warm weather and summer entertaining.
How do I achieve a silky texture?
Blending the vegetables into a smooth puree before adding the liquids and dairy ensures a silky consistency.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding a clove of garlic during the blending stage can provide an extra zesty kick.
What if I do not have white pepper?
You can substitute with black pepper, though white pepper is used to maintain the uniform green color.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is rich in nutrients from fresh spinach, lettuce, and cucumber.
What origin does gazpacho have?
Gazpacho originates from the Andalusia region of Spain.
Can I add more greens like kale?
You can add kale, but be aware it may make the texture slightly more fibrous compared to spinach and lettuce.
Is this a light appetizer or a main course?
It is best served as a light appetizer or a refreshing side dish.