Chilled Basil Cucumber Yogurt Soup (Print)

Cool and creamy cucumber soup, accented with basil and tangy yogurt, ideal for light, refreshing summer meals.

# Components:

→ Produce

01 - 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
02 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
03 - 2 scallions, trimmed and chopped
04 - 1 small garlic clove

→ Dairy

05 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
06 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Liquids

07 - 1 cup cold vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

→ Seasonings

10 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Optional: pinch of cayenne or white pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, thinned with 1 teaspoon water
14 - Fresh basil leaves
15 - Drizzle of olive oil

# Directions:

01 - In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cucumbers, basil leaves, scallions, garlic clove, 1 cup Greek yogurt, sour cream, vegetable broth, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
02 - Carefully taste the blended soup. Adjust the seasoning as desired by adding more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or lemon juice.
03 - Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to ensure it is thoroughly chilled and the flavors have ample time to meld.
04 - Prior to serving, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon of water until the mixture achieves a smooth and pourable consistency.
05 - Ladle the chilled soup into individual serving bowls. Artfully drizzle the thinned yogurt mixture over the soup, add a delicate touch of olive oil, and finish with fresh basil leaves for garnish.
06 - Present the chilled basil and cucumber soup immediately after garnishing.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep
  • No cooking required on hot summer days
  • Makes an elegant first course for dinner parties
  • Stores beautifully for quick lunches
02 -
  • Perfect make-ahead dish that actually improves with time
  • Completely no-cook recipe ideal for summer entertaining
  • Provides hydration and nutrients in a delicious package
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan
03 -
  • Always taste your soup after chilling but before serving. Cold temperatures suppress flavors, so you may need to adjust seasoning at the last minute.

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