Chill your summer cooking with bowls that need little to no stove time. These 19 cold soups are crisp, creamy, and make-ahead friendly—perfect for lunches, light dinners, or party starters.

1) Classic Spanish Gazpacho

Tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, garlic, sherry vinegar, olive oil, salt. Blend until silky; chill 2–4 hours. Serve with diced veggies and a drizzle of oil.

2) Watermelon–Tomato Gazpacho

Ripe watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, lime juice, mint, jalapeño, olive oil. Blend smooth; finish with feta crumbs and cracked pepper.

3) White Gazpacho (Ajo Blanco)

Blanched almonds, stale bread soaked in water, garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, cold water, salt. Blend very smooth; garnish with green grapes and a thread of oil.

4) Cucumber–Dill Yogurt Soup

Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), dill, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt. Thin with cold water to taste. Top with chopped walnuts and a pinch of sumac.

5) Chilled Avocado–Lime Soup

Avocado, kefir or buttermilk, lime juice, cilantro, scallion, jalapeño, salt. Blend until creamy; thin with cold water if needed. Serve with radish slices.

6) Chilled Sweet Corn Soup

Raw or lightly blanched corn kernels, buttermilk, a little cream, scallion, lemon, salt. Blend and strain for extra-smooth texture. Finish with smoked paprika oil.

7) Green Pea & Mint Soup

Frozen peas (thawed), vegetable broth (cold), mint, lemon zest, yogurt or coconut milk, salt. Blend bright green; garnish with pea shoots.

8) Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup (served cold)

Roast peppers ahead (or use jarred), tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, basil, salt. Blend and chill; top with torn mozzarella.

9) Chilled Carrot–Ginger Soup

Carrots (steamed then cooled), orange juice, ginger, coconut milk, lime, salt. Blend silky; add toasted coconut and chili oil to serve.

10) Strawberry–Balsamic Soup

Strawberries, a splash of balsamic, honey, pinch of black pepper, yogurt. Blend smooth; finish with basil and crushed pistachios.

11) Chilled Beet & Kefir Soup

Cooked beets (cooled), kefir, lemon, dill, grated cucumber, salt. Grate in a hard-boiled egg for a Lithuanian-style finish.

12) Tomato–Bread Salmorejo

Tomatoes, day-old bread, garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt. Blend thick and velvety. Top with chopped hard-boiled egg and crisped serrano or croutons.

13) Chilled Potato–Leek Vichyssoise

Leeks and potatoes simmered in stock, puréed and cooled, finished with cream. Season with white pepper and chives. Serve very cold.

14) Mango–Coconut Soup

Mango, coconut milk, lime juice, pinch of chili and salt. Blend until drinkably smooth; add diced cucumber and toasted sesame to serve.

15) Herbed Green Goddess Soup

Buttermilk or yogurt, avocado, cucumber, parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon, anchovy (optional), garlic. Blend thick; top with crunchy breadcrumbs.

16) Chilled Lentil–Tomato Soup

Cook green or brown lentils until tender, cool completely. Fold into blended tomatoes, red pepper, cumin, olive oil, lemon. Add herbs and diced cucumber before serving.

17) Cold Sesame–Cucumber Soup

Tahini, cold water, lemon, garlic, soy sauce, a touch of honey, cucumber, scallion. Blend smooth; serve with toasted sesame and chili crisp.

18) Chilled Herb–Zucchini Soup

Briefly steam zucchini, cool, then blend with cold stock, yogurt, dill, mint, lemon. Salt generously; garnish with olive oil and pumpkin seeds.

19) Yogurt–Tzatziki Soup with Chickpeas

Thinned Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon, olive oil, salt. Stir in chilled chickpeas for protein and top with paprika.

How to Nail Cold Soups Every Time

• Chill thoroughly: Most taste best after 2–4 hours in the fridge to let flavors marry.
• Seasoned boldly: Cold dulls flavor—use enough salt and acid (lemon or vinegar).
• Texture matters: For silky soups, strain through a fine sieve. For rustic styles, reserve small dice of veg to fold in.
• Balance: Add a crunchy topper (croutons, seeds), a creamy element (yogurt, avocado), and something bright (citrus, herbs).
• Make-ahead: Many keep 2–3 days refrigerated; avoid adding delicate herbs and crunchy toppings until serving.

Simple Garnish Ideas

Chive oil, toasted seeds or nuts, herbed croutons, diced cucumber, radish matchsticks, chili oil, lemon zest, fresh herbs.

Enjoy the chill.