6 Refreshing Chilled Soups for Hot Days
Cold soups are light, hydrating, and nutrient-dense — perfect for summer, gut-friendly meals, or elegant no-cook dinners. These recipes are simple, wholesome, and require minimal effort.

1) Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Soup (Cacık)
A cooling Mediterranean classic packed with probiotics and hydration.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers (about 300 g), grated and excess water lightly squeezed
- 1½ cups thick plain yogurt (Greek-style preferred)
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup cold water (adjust for consistency)
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
Method
- Add grated cucumbers, yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice to a blender.
- Blend until smooth but slightly textured.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in salt and chopped dill.
- Add cold water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil and extra dill.
Tip: Best served very cold. Keeps refrigerated for 2 days.
2) Chilled Avocado Soup
Creamy, dairy-free, and rich in healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1½ cups full-fat coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro or mint for garnish
Method
- Scoop avocado flesh into a blender.
- Add coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
- Blend until silky smooth.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Garnish with herbs and serve chilled.
Tip: Add 2–3 tbsp cold water if too thick.
3) Watermelon Gazpacho
A sweet-savory summer refresher.
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon cubes
- 1 ripe tomato
- ½ cucumber, peeled
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Method
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt or lime.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Serve icy cold.
Tip: Garnish with diced cucumber or mint.
4) Chilled Sweet Corn Soup
Naturally sweet and creamy without heavy dairy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled sweet corn
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ¼–½ cup cold water (if needed)
Method
- Blend corn, coconut milk, garlic, pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Add water if needed for smoother consistency.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Serve cold with cracked pepper on top.
Tip: Strain for a silkier texture.
5) Ajo Blanco (Spanish Almond Soup)
A traditional Andalusian chilled almond soup — creamy and elegant.
Ingredients
- 1 cup blanched almonds, soaked overnight
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 slice white bread, soaked in water and squeezed
- 1½ cups cold water
- Salt to taste
- Grapes for garnish
Method
- Drain soaked almonds.
- Blend almonds, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, bread, and water until smooth.
- Add salt and blend again.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
- Serve topped with halved grapes and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tip: Strain for restaurant-style smoothness.
6) Cold Carrot-Ginger Soup
Bright, slightly sweet, and anti-inflammatory.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled carrots
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
Method
- Add carrots, ginger, orange juice, yogurt, and salt to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Serve cold with a swirl of yogurt.
Tip: For dairy-free version, replace yogurt with coconut yogurt.
Storage & Serving Notes
- Most chilled soups keep well for 2–3 days in airtight containers.
- Serve very cold for best taste and texture.
- Garnish with herbs, seeds, microgreens, or a drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal.
- These soups pair well with sourdough toast, grilled vegetables, or light salads.

