10 Refreshing Summer Soup Dishes with Easy Recipes
When the temperature rises, the last thing we crave is a steaming bowl of soup. But don’t write off soups just yet—cold and light summer soups are the perfect way to beat the heat while staying nourished. These recipes are cooling, hydrating, and packed with seasonal produce, making them ideal for hot weather.
Here are 10 summer soup dishes that deliver on both taste and refreshment, complete with simple, step-by-step recipes.
1. Classic Spanish Gazpacho
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving cold.
Pro Tip: Add croutons or diced veggies on top for texture.
2. Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Soup (Tarator)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large cucumber, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill in a bowl.
- Stir in olive oil and salt.
- Chill and serve cold.
Light, creamy, and loaded with probiotics.
3. Watermelon Mint Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon chunks
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until silky smooth.
- Chill and garnish with mint sprigs.
A hydrating, vitamin-rich fruit soup with natural sweetness.
4. Cold Avocado Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 ½ cups chilled vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Chill before serving. Garnish with cilantro or a swirl of yogurt.
Creamy, satisfying, and full of healthy fats.
5. Tomato Basil Cold Soup
Ingredients:
- 6 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 handful fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Blend everything until smooth.
- Chill and top with chopped basil and olive oil drizzle.
Fresh, herbaceous, and utterly refreshing.
6. Thai Coconut Corn Soup (Served Cold)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp fish sauce or soy sauce
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Blend corn and coconut milk until smooth.
- Stir in lime juice, ginger, and fish sauce.
- Chill and garnish with cilantro.
A tropical twist that’s sweet, tangy, and creamy.
7. Chilled Beet Soup (Cold Borscht)
Ingredients:
- 3 medium beets, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup plain yogurt or kefir
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tbsp dill
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Puree beets with yogurt and salt.
- Stir in cucumbers and dill.
- Chill and serve cold.
Bright pink, earthy, and perfect with a dollop of sour cream.
8. Green Pea and Mint Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Handful fresh mint leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Boil peas briefly, then cool.
- Blend with broth and mint until smooth.
- Chill and garnish with extra mint.
Sweet, vibrant, and refreshing with a cooling herbal finish.
9. Cold Carrot Ginger Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Juice of half an orange
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Simmer carrots and ginger in broth until soft. Cool.
- Blend with orange juice until smooth.
- Chill and serve cold with a citrus zest garnish.
Zesty, sweet, and with a gentle heat from ginger.
10. Chilled Zucchini and Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 garlic clove
- A handful of fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Steam or boil zucchini until tender. Cool.
- Blend with remaining ingredients.
- Chill and garnish with basil leaves or olive oil.
A silky, nutrient-rich green soup ideal for a summer lunch.
Tips for Serving Summer Soups
- Always chill thoroughly before serving—cold soups taste better when icy cold.
- Add a swirl of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or coconut cream for visual appeal and richness.
- Serve with toasted bread, pita chips, or grilled cheese for a complete meal.
- Garnish matters—herbs, seeds, diced veggies, or edible flowers elevate the look and taste.
Final Thoughts
Summer soups are light, healthy, and incredibly versatile. From fruity blends to creamy vegetables, these 10 recipes help you stay cool, hydrated, and satisfied even on the hottest days. Whether you’re planning a picnic, brunch, or a quick weekday meal, there’s a cold soup here that fits the bill.
