Easy 1-Point Gazpacho: The Ultimate Healthy & Refreshing Summer Soup
Discover the delightful simplicity of this 1-Point Gazpacho, a true testament to traditional Spanish farmer’s cuisine. This vibrant, raw, and chilled soup is crafted from the freshest ingredients: sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, refreshing cucumber, aromatic onion and garlic, a drizzle of rich olive oil, and a touch of bread for perfect texture. It’s an incredibly delicious and wonderfully healthy way to embrace the benefits of fresh vegetables, all in a wonderfully cool and invigorating form. Best of all, it’s remarkably easy to prepare!
Perfect for those sweltering summer days when cooking feels like a chore, this no-fuss gazpacho recipe comes together in under 15 minutes. It offers a healthful, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing meal option or a brilliant appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a sophisticated starter, this soup is sure to please every palate, and with just 1 Weight Watchers Point per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Why You Absolutely Must Try This Gazpacho Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, wholesome, and truly refreshing meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than gazpacho. This traditional Spanish summer soup is nothing short of exquisite, a true culinary gem that captures the essence of fresh produce. Each ingredient, from the juiciest ripe tomatoes to the pungent notes of fresh garlic, contributes to a beautiful depth of flavor that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. Beyond its incredible taste, this gazpacho is a dream come true for anyone prioritizing health and convenience. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, often ready in under 15 minutes of active time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Moreover, for those managing their intake, this recipe boasts very few Weight Watchers points, making it an ideal choice that supports your wellness goals without compromising on taste. It’s a unique, healthy, and hydrating option that stands out from typical hot soups, offering a refreshing coolness that’s particularly welcome when temperatures rise. Imagine a bowl brimming with vibrant, chilled goodness, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, offering a light yet fulfilling experience. This gazpacho is more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, a convenient culinary solution, and a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle. Its versatility means it can be served as an elegant appetizer, a light lunch, or a refreshing side dish, effortlessly fitting into any meal plan.
The Rich History and Evolution of Gazpacho
Gazpacho, while synonymous with vibrant tomatoes and a refreshing chill today, boasts a history far more ancient and varied than many realize. Its origins trace back to Roman times in the Iberian Peninsula, long before the tomato made its way to Europe from the New World. Early versions of gazpacho were humble “farmer’s soups,” essentially a blend of stale bread, garlic, olive oil, salt, and vinegar, pounded together in a mortar and pestle with water. This simple, nourishing concoction provided essential sustenance and hydration for laborers working under the intense Mediterranean sun.
The culinary landscape of gazpacho underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of tomatoes and bell peppers to Spain in the 16th century. It took some time for these “new” ingredients to be embraced, but once they were, they fundamentally reshaped the soup. The red, juicy tomato became the star, lending its characteristic color and sweet-tart flavor to what we now recognize as gazpacho. This evolution from a basic bread-and-garlic paste to a vibrant vegetable-rich soup reflects centuries of culinary adaptation and ingenuity. Today, gazpacho is not just a dish; it’s a cultural icon of Andalusia, representing a tradition of making the most of fresh, local produce to create something both simple and profoundly delicious. This recipe honors that tradition, offering a modern, easy, and healthy interpretation of a timeless classic.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups (300 ml) per serving
1 WW Point Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required.)
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Gazpacho
Creating an exceptional gazpacho begins with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that characteristic vibrant flavor and smooth, refreshing texture. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the undisputed star, providing the essential base and natural sweetness. Look for tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have a deep, uniform color—ideally vine-ripened for maximum flavor. Cucumbers add a crisp, cooling element, while bell peppers (both red and green) contribute a subtle sweetness and a hint of peppery freshness that rounds out the flavor profile. The red pepper often brings a sweeter note, while the green can add a slight pungency.
Onion and garlic are indispensable for their aromatic depth, providing a savory foundation that elevates the entire soup. A good quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial, not just for flavor but also for emulsifying the soup to a silky smooth consistency. It adds a richness that truly makes the gazpacho sing. Finally, a slice of bread might seem unexpected, but it’s a traditional ingredient that helps thicken the soup and creates a creamy, velvety mouthfeel, preventing the gazpacho from being too watery. Opt for day-old bread if possible, as it soaks up liquids better. When all these fresh elements come together, they create a symphony of flavors that is truly greater than the sum of its parts, embodying the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine.
- 2 peeled cucumbers (approximately 2 cups, 300 g)
- 6 ripe tomatoes (approximately 6 cups, 1 kg)
- 1 red bell pepper (approximately 1 cup, 150 g)
- 1 green bell pepper (approximately 1 cup, 150 g)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 slice of bread (approximately 1/2 cup, 50 g)
- 1 small onion (approximately 1 cup, 150 g)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (22 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your 10-Minute Gazpacho
Making this incredibly refreshing gazpacho is an absolute breeze! The process involves a little bit of quick preparation, followed by blending all the vibrant ingredients together, and finally, chilling the soup to perfection before serving. Follow these detailed steps to create your quick and easy gazpacho, perfect for any warm day:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing all your produce. Peel the cucumbers and then chop them into large, manageable chunks. Next, wash the ripe tomatoes, carefully remove their cores, and chop them into sizable pieces. For the red and green bell peppers, wash them, remove the seeds and white membranes, and then chop them into large pieces. Finally, peel your garlic cloves and roughly chop the small onion. Large chunks are perfectly fine as everything will be blended later.
- Soak the Bread: If you’re using stale bread, which is ideal for texture, place it in a small bowl and soak it in a little bit of cold water for a few minutes. This will soften it significantly. Once soft, firmly squeeze out any excess water to ensure it doesn’t make your gazpacho too watery.
- Blend the Ingredients: Start with the cucumbers in your blender. Blend them until a liquid base forms—this helps other ingredients blend more easily. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and blend until the mixture is smooth and consistent. Next, incorporate the bell peppers, garlic, and onion into the blender. Continue to blend until everything is thoroughly combined and has a smooth texture. As a final step, add the softened, squeezed bread and the olive oil. Blend vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and appears well emulsified, indicating a perfect consistency.
- Season and Adjust Consistency: Now it’s time to taste your gazpacho! Add salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting until the flavor is just right. If you find the soup is too thick for your liking, you can gradually add a little cold water, blending briefly after each addition, until you achieve your desired, perfectly refreshing consistency.
- Strain the Mixture: For an extra silky-smooth gazpacho, pour the entire blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly against the strainer, ensuring all the liquid passes through and discarding any remaining solids or pulp. This step is optional but highly recommended for a truly luxurious texture.
- Chill: Once strained (or if you skipped straining), transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or pitcher. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This crucial step allows the flavors to fully meld and deepen, and ensures the soup is thoroughly chilled, which is essential for gazpacho’s refreshing appeal. Overnight chilling is even better for maximum flavor development.
- Serve: Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir, as ingredients can sometimes settle. Pour into individual bowls or elegant glasses.
Optionally, elevate your gazpacho with a beautiful garnish. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, or finely chopped fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or onion can add both visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast. A few fresh herb leaves like basil or parsley also work wonderfully.
Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Gazpacho
While gazpacho is inherently simple, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade version from good to absolutely extraordinary:
- Use Cold Ingredients (Except Tomatoes): For the best results, use cold cucumbers and bell peppers. This helps kickstart the chilling process and keeps the soup refreshingly cool. However, avoid refrigerating tomatoes, as cold temperatures can diminish their flavor and ripeness. Always use fresh, ripe vegetables at room temperature for the best taste, then chill the finished soup.
- Peel the Cucumber for a Smoother Texture: Always peel the cucumber before adding it to the blender. Cucumber skins can sometimes impart a slightly bitter taste and a tougher texture that doesn’t blend as smoothly. There’s no need to peel the tomatoes or bell peppers, as this is a raw soup and their skins provide beneficial nutrients and contribute to the color.
- Blend Thoroughly for Silkiness: Don’t be shy with your blender! Blend everything for at least 5 minutes, or even longer, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. A high-speed blender is ideal for achieving this velvety texture, breaking down all the vegetable fibers. The more thoroughly you blend, the less likely you’ll need to strain.
- Don’t Skimp on Chilling Time: If possible, let the gazpacho chill for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally for 4 hours or even overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to fully meld, deepen, and truly shine. A warm gazpacho simply isn’t the same; the cold temperature is essential for its refreshing quality. Always stir well before serving, as some separation can occur.
- Garnish for Visual and Flavor Impact: Decorate your gazpacho with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick, and some finely chopped fresh vegetables (like more cucumber, bell pepper, or onion) for textural contrast and an extra burst of freshness. Fresh herbs like basil, chives, or parsley also make excellent garnishes.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before chilling and again before serving, taste your gazpacho. Salt and pepper are critical for balancing flavors. You might also want a splash of red wine vinegar for brightness or a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes aren’t as sweet. Adjust until it’s perfectly balanced to your palate.
- Consider a Powerful Blender: While any blender will work, a high-speed blender will give you the smoothest, most luxurious consistency without the need for extensive straining.
Variations and Substitutions to Explore
While the classic gazpacho recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations or make simple substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Salmorejo: Venture to Andalusia for this thicker, richer cousin of gazpacho. Salmorejo is typically made with more bread, fewer vegetables, and a generous amount of olive oil, resulting in a creamier, denser soup. It’s traditionally served topped with hard-boiled eggs and finely diced Serrano ham, offering a more substantial and indulgent experience.
- Ajo Blanco: Another exquisite Andalusian variant, Ajo Blanco is often called “white gazpacho” because it omits tomatoes entirely. Instead, this elegant soup is made with blanched almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil, and water, then garnished with green grapes and sometimes a drizzle of sherry vinegar. It offers a distinctly nutty and refreshing flavor profile, a delightful contrast to traditional red gazpacho.
- Watermelon Gazpacho: For a wonderfully refreshing and slightly sweet twist, incorporate watermelon into your gazpacho. Replace some of the tomatoes with ripe watermelon chunks. This adds a delightful sweetness and an even more hydrating quality, creating a perfect sweet and savory flavor combination that’s incredibly cooling on a hot day.
- Spicy Gazpacho: For those who love a bit of heat, add a deseeded jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your blender. Start with a small amount and increase to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho: Enhance the cooling properties by adding fresh mint leaves to the blend. This makes for an even more invigorating and aromatic soup, especially good for a spa-like refreshment.
- Bell Pepper Medley: While this recipe uses red and green bell peppers, feel free to use a mix of yellow and orange bell peppers for a sweeter, milder flavor and a beautiful color variation.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this gazpacho gluten-free, simply omit the slice of bread. You can also replace it with a small amount of cooked rice or a handful of almonds for a similar thickening effect, though the texture will be slightly different.
Health Benefits of This Vibrant Chilled Soup
Beyond its incredible taste and refreshing qualities, gazpacho is a powerhouse of nutrition, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet. This raw, vegetable-rich soup is naturally low in calories and fat, while being packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The abundance of fresh tomatoes provides a significant boost of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential heart health benefits and protective properties against certain cancers. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
Cucumbers contribute to the soup’s high water content, making it incredibly hydrating, which is vital during warmer months. They also offer Vitamin K and various B vitamins. Bell peppers, especially red ones, are exceptionally rich in Vitamin C, even more so than oranges, supporting immune function and skin health. Onions and garlic, besides adding robust flavor, contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The small amount of olive oil used provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables. With its high fiber content from all the fresh produce, gazpacho also promotes digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied. This 1-point gazpacho truly embodies a healthy and delicious meal choice.
Gazpacho
Ingredients
- 2 peeled cucumbers, approximately 2 cups, 300 g
- 6 ripe tomatoes, approximately 6 cups, 1 kg
- 1 red bell pepper, approximately 1 cup, 150 g
- 1 green bell pepper, approximately 1 cup, 150 g
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 slice of bread, approximately 1/2 cup, 50 g
- 1 small onion, approximately 1 cup, 150 g
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, 22 ml
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the cucumbers and chop them into large chunks. Wash the tomatoes, remove the cores, and chop them into large pieces. Wash and remove the seeds from the red and green bell peppers, then chop them into large pieces. Peel the garlic cloves. Peel and roughly chop the onion.
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Soak the Bread: If the bread is stale, soak it in a little bit of water for a few minutes until it softens. Squeeze out excess water.
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Blend the Ingredients: Add the chopped cucumbers to the blender. Blend until a liquid forms. Add the tomatoes and blend until smooth. Add the bell peppers, garlic, and onion to the blender. Blend until everything is well combined and smooth. Finally, add the soaked bread and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and the mixture is well emulsified.
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Season and Adjust Consistency: Taste the gazpacho and add salt and pepper to your preference. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little cold water to achieve the desired consistency. Blend again if needed.
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Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. Use a spatula to press the mixture firmly through the strainer, discarding any solids left behind for a silky-smooth finish.
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Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill thoroughly. For best results, chill overnight.
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Serve: Stir the gazpacho well before serving. Pour into bowls or glasses and garnish as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.