It’s really HOT here in New Mexico and many parts of the south, making it a challenge to keep the house cool with a swamp cooler. So to keep from heating up the kitchen at suppertime, I’ve ceased cooking inside at night. If there is any cooking that needs to be done, I do it in the morning. A lot of what I’ve been making are chilled soups. For us they serve two purposes. One, I can cook them in the morning and refrigerate. By suppertime, they are chilled enough for an evening meal. But as is true for all soups, serving them the next day is even better.
This post provides you with ideas on how to make life a little easier and cooler while the temperatures outside soar. Most of these recipes make a large enough batch for two meals for two people, making them even more appealing. Enjoy!
Chilled Cucumber Soup – This is our absolutely favorite chilled soup. I’ve made it three times in the past month. Serve with crackers, tortillas, garlic bread, a salad or slices of fresh tomatoes.
Cucumber Watercress Soup by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Chilled Beet – Cucumber Yogurt Soup by Lonny
Spicy Cucumber Gazpacho by The White Ramekins
Chilled Three Onion Green Chile Soup – Need I say more. What a great way to chilled out and get your green fix at the same time.
Spiced Yogurt Soup by Masala Herb
Spicy Chilled BLT Soup by Framed Cooks
Chilled Sweet Corn Soup with Coconut Milk by Food & Style
Chilled Curry Vegetable Soup– This is one of those soups that changes every time I make it. It’s a great way to use “extra” ingredients in the crispers. The Kitchen Notes in the recipe give you ideas on what works and what doesn’t.
Vichyssoise (Cold Leek-Potato Soup) by BS’ in The Kitchen
Chilled Parsley and Pea Soup by My New Roots
Yellow Gazpacho by At Home with Vicki Bensinger
Chunky Gazpacho – I’ve been making this soup for a very long time and it’s still one of my favorites. For us, it’s best in the late summer when we can use homegrown produce.
Three Tomato Gazpacho by Cooking’s Good Vegetarian Cafe
Sweet Corn Gazpacho by The Endless Meal
Peach and Roasted Jalapeno Gazpacho by Joy Love Food
Cold Asparagus Garlic Soup – This one is for garlic lovers. It’s also a wonderful way to enjoy late season asparagus. Very nice combination of flavors.
Sweet and Spicy Chilled Carrot Soup by Asian Caucasian
Crema de Aguacate (Mexican Avocado Soup) by Spontaneous Tomato
Avocado Corn Soup by This is How I Cook
Cold Cucumber Cantaloupe Soup – Because of the cantaloupe, this can be a rather sweet soup making it nice for breakfast, a refreshing afternoon snack, or a light dessert.
Strawberry Chipotle Soup with Mint by Kitchen Riffs
Chilled Peach Soup with Fresh Goat Cheese @ Food & Wine
Watermelon Gazpacho by Once Upon a Chef
What is your favorite chilled soup? Add it to the comments and I’ll add it to the list!
Stay Cool!
I love cold soups when the heat is getting unbearable. They refresh you from inside and are healthy at the same time while still enjoying a tasty meal. MJ, your collection is amazing. I hope to try some of the ideas soon. š
So true!! Thanks Helene. I hope you do try some of these. They are really good!
When I was a child I used to hate cold soups, I don’t know why… and then afterwards never really started to cook them, but it would be such a change from salads in this super hot weather! Cucumber is on the top of my favourite vegetables list, so I’m sure I’d love your soup! (By the way, the swamp cooler sounds very science-fiction!) Thank you for so many other suggestions!
Let me first say that I always enjoy reading your comments! So thanks for making so many of my days. š It’s true…cold soups are just a substitution for salads and great for hot weather. As I mentioned, the cucumber is by far my favorite. Hope you enjoy it. And…I’ve would never have consider the swamp cooler as syfy, but I guess if you referring to syfys that are about an apocalypse, then yes, it could fit. It’s just a low energy fan behind a wet pad, blowing moist cool air into the house. It works until we get into the 90s and also, we need to have cool nights in the 60s for it to really work. So, right now it’s not working. š
I really love a good gazpacho, MJ. I’m glad you shared this list because I’m now really wanting to make the cucumber soup that you’ve made 3 times in just one month. That certainly indicates a winning favorite recipe! Hotter than blazes here as well, and like you, most cooking takes place at night and not during the day if the oven is involved. Stay cool!
Thanks Roz! Hope you do give the cucumber soup a try. I’ve been making it for years and never tire of it. Hope you stay cool as well!
Sending you some of our winter coolness… It’s warm soup weather here. Cheers
Thanks! I’ll take the cooler weather!
I have never had a chilled soup, I suppose it was never necessary in this climate we have here in Germany. Until this summer, it is the hottest I have ever experienced since moving to Germany (14 years). Now a chilled soup would be perfect, I love your collection.
Oh Adina…you need to give one a try. It’s a wonderful culinary experience and, when the weather is hot or even warm, that is nothing more refreshing. Thanks for stopping by!
This is the second chilled soup I’ve seen this morning as I try to catch up on blog reading. We have fortunately had some below average temp days which were sorely needed after the 109 F week! Stay cool!
Thanks Debra! Hopefully we’ll see cooler days soon.
What a great idea to give us this lineup of chilled soups. I’d really like to try your cucumber recipe. Thanks MJ
Thanks Lea Ann! The cucumber soup does seem to be my most popular and, once you taste it, you’ll know why. š
Although our hot weather arrives in September and October I can still enjoy these scrumptious chilled soup recipes now. I find the make ahead possibilities very enticing!
Thanks Deb! Our hottest month is normally June, but this year it extended well into July. Interesting that your hot weather is in the fall. Hope these soups provide some nice ideas for you.
So inviting ! Love the collection ! Thank you and enjoy the day !
thanks Darlin!
So much deliciousness all in one spot. Seriously it is so hot this summer. What is up with Mother Nature? All of these soups look amazing, will have to try them all. Sharing, of course!
Thanks Bobbi! I know, the weather is crazy every where!
It’s so unusual that our summer so hot here…and no rain at all..These cold soups are absolutely perfect to beat the heat.
Thanks Angie! I know…we’re having a hotter summer than usual and until yesterday, no rain. FINALLY got some rain! Hope you get some soon.
Now this is a lot of chilled soups. And you are right that they are perfect for this heat. I make an avocado corn soup that is pretty and delicious but I can’t wait to try some of these!
Avocado and corn sounds wonderful! I just found it on your website, so I’ll add it to the list. Thanks for letting me know!
Hot, Hot, HOT here too! Although a bit less so this week, thank goodness. But it’s definitely chilled soup season. And because they have such nice flavor, that’s a good thing! Terrific collections. And thanks for including one of mine! Stay cool. š
Thanks John and you are most welcome!