Cold Soup Recipes for Your Summer Dinner Party

Most people don't associate soup with the warm summer months. Usually soup is served in the middle of winter to warm up the heart and soul. Soup doesn't always have to be hot, however. Cold soups are a great refreshing appetizer and perfect for a summer dinner party. When the sun is beating down, the last thing you or your guests want to eat is something hot. These chilled soups will cool you down and start off the meal in a refreshing way.

Recipe #1

Gazpacho Recipe

Gazpacho is a popular Spanish style tomato based soup. It is very healthy and is made up of fresh vegetables and herbs. You can also substitute canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a quick, easy meal that is sure to please your guests.

Ingredients:

4 or 5 large tomatoes OR two cans of diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons of olive oil

½ cup of water

1 yellow bell pepper

1 jalapeno pepper

1 cucumber

1 onion

2 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons of sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon of fresh basil

Instructions:

First, chop up the tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, cucumber, onion, garlic, cilantro and basil.

Then use a food processor or blender to mix half of the tomatoes, then add the olive oil and water.

Next, transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl and add the rest of the chopped up vegetables, vinegar and fresh herbs.

Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe #2

Cold Avocado Soup

Avocados are a healthy, refreshing fruit, and the perfect base for a cold soup. A splash of tequila in this recipe adds an extra bite that your guests will love.

Ingredients:

4 avocados

3 ½ cups cold chicken broth

1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

1 shallot OR spring onions

1 tablespoon of tequila

1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro

Instructions:

First dice the avocados and shallots or spring onions

Next, combine the avocados, shallots, Tabasco sauce, tomato paste, tequila, lime juice and cilantro and mix in a food processor or blender until it is smooth

Lastly, cover the mixture and refrigerate at least two hours before serving.

Serve cold with a dollop of soup scream and cilantro to garnish.

These two cold soup recipes are a great start to a refreshing, healthy meal for your guests at your next summer dinner party or barbecue.