Our Best Summer Soup Recipes

March 21, 2025

Summer and soup may seem like an odd pair, but warm weather doesn’t mean you have to give up this comforting dish.

Light, refreshing summer soups can be a perfect way to enjoy seasonal produce and beat the heat.

These recipes offer tasty options for both chilled and hot soups that celebrate summer flavors.

From cool gazpachos to grilled vegetable blends, summer soups come in many delicious varieties. You’ll find options packed with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and crisp vegetables harvested at their peak.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a starter for your next barbecue, these soups are sure to hit the spot on a warm day.

1. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a cold soup perfect for hot summer days. This Spanish dish uses fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.

You can make it quickly without cooking.

Try different versions to suit your taste. Add fruits for sweetness or herbs for extra flavor. Some recipes include watermelon or avocado.

Gazpacho is refreshing and healthy. It’s a great way to use summer produce. You can serve it as a light meal or appetizer.

Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge. It’s an easy grab-and-go option when you’re too hot to cook.

2. Vichyssoise

Vichyssoise is a cool and creamy summer soup that will refresh you on hot days. This French classic combines leeks, potatoes, and cream for a silky smooth texture.

To make vichyssoise, start by sautéing sliced leeks and onions in butter until soft. Add diced potatoes, chicken stock, and herbs like thyme.

Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then blend until smooth. Stir in cream and chill thoroughly before serving.

You can garnish your vichyssoise with chopped chives or a swirl of cream. Serve it ice-cold in chilled bowls for the ultimate summer soup experience.

3. Chilled Avocado Soup

Chilled avocado soup is a perfect summer dish. You can make it quickly and easily in your blender.

Start with ripe avocados, cucumber, and Greek yogurt for a creamy base. Add some white onion and garlic for flavor.

For a kick, include a seeded serrano chile. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley brighten the taste.

Blend everything until smooth. Chill the soup for at least an hour before serving.

Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, cucumber slices, and fresh cracked pepper. This cool, refreshing soup will help you beat the summer heat.

4. Cucumber-Dill Soup

Cucumber-dill soup is a cool, refreshing summer dish. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients.

Start by blending cucumbers, yogurt, and dill in a food processor. Add lemon juice, garlic, and salt for extra flavor.

Chill the soup for at least a few hours before serving. This lets the flavors mix well.

For a smooth texture, strain the soup. Or leave it chunky if you prefer. Top with extra dill and cucumber slices when serving.

This light soup is perfect for hot days. It’s tasty and hydrating too.

5. Watermelon and Tomato Soup

This refreshing summer soup combines sweet watermelon with tangy tomatoes. You’ll love the unique blend of flavors in this chilled dish.

To make it, blend chunks of ripe watermelon and tomatoes until smooth. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra zing.

For depth, mix in diced cucumber and finely chopped red onion. A minced jalapeño gives it a slight kick. Season with kosher salt to taste.

Chill the soup for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or mint for a pop of color and flavor.

6. Cold Pea Soup

Cold pea soup is a refreshing summer dish that’s easy to make. You can use frozen peas for convenience and great flavor.

Start by sautéing shallots in butter. Add broth and bring it to a boil. Toss in the peas and cook until tender.

Let the mixture cool, then blend until smooth. Chill the soup in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

For extra flavor, try adding fresh mint leaves or a dollop of cream on top. This cool and creamy soup is perfect for hot days when you want something light and tasty.

7. Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup

This light and zesty soup is perfect for summer. You’ll love the blend of earthy lentils and creamy chickpeas.

The soup gets its bright flavor from fresh lemon juice. Cumin and thyme add warm, aromatic notes that complement the citrus.

To make it, sauté onions and carrots in a pot. Add garlic, spices, lentils, and water. Simmer until the lentils are tender.

Stir in chickpeas and spinach at the end for extra texture and nutrients. A squeeze of lemon juice finishes it off.

Serve this soup with whole grain bread or brown rice for a filling meal. It’s easy to make extra for tasty leftovers.

8. Chilled Roasted Red Pepper Soup

This cool summer soup is perfect for hot days. You start by roasting red peppers to bring out their sweet flavor. Then blend them with other fresh ingredients.

The soup tastes best when chilled for a few hours. This lets the flavors mix together well. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.

For extra taste, add a simple topping. Try mixing diced avocado with some chili peppers. Or sprinkle on some fresh herbs like cilantro.

This light soup works great as a starter or a light lunch. It’s full of vitamins from the peppers and very refreshing.

9. Cantaloupe Soup

Cantaloupe soup is a refreshing summer treat. You’ll love this cool and creamy dish on hot days.

To make it, blend ripe cantaloupe with orange juice until smooth. Add Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.

You can enhance the flavor with a touch of mint or lemon juice. Some recipes include sparkling cider for a bubbly twist.

This soup is easy to prepare and requires no cooking. It’s perfect as a light appetizer or afternoon snack.

Cantaloupe is packed with vitamins A and C, making this soup both tasty and nutritious. Serve it chilled for the best experience.

10. Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot ginger soup is a versatile dish you can enjoy year-round. It’s tasty served hot in winter or chilled in summer.

This soup blends sweet carrots with zesty ginger for a flavorful combination. You can make it creamy by adding coconut milk.

The recipe is simple. Cook carrots, onions, and ginger in a pot. Add broth and simmer until veggies are soft. Blend until smooth.

Carrot ginger soup fits many diets. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan. You can adjust spices to suit your taste.

Try garnishing with a swirl of cream or fresh herbs for extra flair. This bright orange soup looks as good as it tastes.

11. Strawberry Basil Soup

This chilled soup is perfect for hot summer days. You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries paired with aromatic basil.

To make it, blend ripe strawberries with yogurt, milk, honey, and fresh basil leaves. The yogurt adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness.

Chill the soup for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with a few sliced strawberries and basil leaves for a pretty presentation.

This refreshing soup works well as a light appetizer or dessert. It’s a cool and tasty way to enjoy summer’s strawberry harvest.

12. Cool Cucumber-Yogurt Soup

Cool Cucumber-Yogurt Soup is a refreshing summer dish. You can make it in about 40 minutes with simple ingredients.

Start by blending cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs like dill and parsley. Add lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for extra flavor.

Chill the soup for at least 8 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely.

Serve the soup cold in small cups or bowls. It’s perfect for hot days when you want something light and cooling.

You can garnish with extra dill or a drizzle of olive oil. The soup is creamy, tangy, and very refreshing.

13. Corn and Tomato Soup

Corn and tomato soup is a perfect summer dish. It combines two seasonal favorites in a light, refreshing meal.

You can make this soup with fresh corn and ripe tomatoes. Cut the corn off the cob and dice the tomatoes. Sauté some onions and garlic for flavor.

Add vegetable stock and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Blend part of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.

Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil. For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream at the end.

Serve this soup warm or chilled. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete summer lunch.

14. Golden Beet Gazpacho

Golden beet gazpacho is a bright and refreshing summer soup. It’s a cool twist on the classic Spanish dish.

To make it, blend golden beets with cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and garlic. Add a splash of vinegar for tang. Chill the soup before serving.

Top your gazpacho with diced avocado, cucumber, and fresh dill. A drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of yogurt adds richness.

This chilled soup is perfect for hot days. It’s packed with vitamins and has a sweet, earthy flavor. You can make it ahead and enjoy it all week long.

15. Spicy Mango Soup

Spicy mango soup is a refreshing summer dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. You can make it with ripe mangoes, ginger, and a dash of sriracha or chili for heat.

To prepare, blend mangoes with coconut milk, lime juice, and spices. You can add onions sautéed with ginger for extra depth. Chill the soup before serving for a cool treat on hot days.

This soup works well as a starter or light meal. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. For added texture, try topping with diced cucumber or a dollop of yogurt.

Spicy mango soup is versatile and easy to customize. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili. You can also experiment with different fruits like peaches or pineapple for variety.

16. Chilled Zucchini Soup

Chilled zucchini soup is a refreshing summer dish that’s easy to make.

Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until soft. Add sliced zucchini, water, and chicken broth to the pot.

Simmer the mixture for about 25 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before blending to avoid burns.

Chill the soup in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. Before serving, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

17. Honeydew and Mint Soup

This refreshing summer soup combines sweet honeydew melon with cooling mint.

You’ll blend ripe honeydew chunks with fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of brandy or vanilla extract. If the melon isn’t very sweet, a touch of honey can balance the taste.

Chill the soup thoroughly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped mint and lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish. This light and frothy soup makes a perfect starter or palate cleanser on hot summer days.

18. Chilled Tomato Basil Soup

This refreshing summer soup is perfect for hot days. You’ll love its cool, creamy texture and bright flavors.

To make it, start with ripe tomatoes, onions, and fresh basil.

Simmer these ingredients with some water, orange juice, and a pinch of sugar.

Once cooked, blend everything until smooth. Chill the soup in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

For extra creaminess, add a splash of olive oil when blending. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil on top.

This chilled soup is great for picnics or light lunches. It’s also an easy make-ahead dish for summer parties.

19. Pineapple-Cucumber Gazpacho

Pineapple-cucumber gazpacho is a refreshing summer soup that will cool you down on hot days. This chilled soup combines sweet pineapple with crisp cucumber for a light and fruity flavor.

To make it, blend fresh pineapple chunks, diced cucumber, pineapple juice, and lime juice until smooth.

Add a jalapeño pepper for a spicy kick if you like heat.

You can garnish your gazpacho with extra pineapple and cucumber pieces for texture. Serve it ice cold as an appetizer or light meal. It pairs well with grilled dishes or crusty bread.

This unique twist on gazpacho is both thirst-quenching and satisfying. Give it a try for a tasty way to beat the summer heat.

20. Pea and Mint Soup

Pea and mint soup is a refreshing summer dish that’s quick and easy to make. You can use fresh or frozen peas, depending on what’s available.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Add diced potatoes and vegetable stock, then simmer until the potatoes are soft.

Next, add the peas and cook for just a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dull the bright green color.

Toss in some fresh mint leaves before blending the soup until smooth.

You can serve it hot or cold, making it perfect for any summer day.

For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of cream on top.

Health Benefits of Summer Soups

Summer soups offer many health perks. They pack nutrients and help keep you cool. Let’s look at why these soups are good for you.

Nutritional Advantages

Summer soups are full of fresh veggies and fruits. These give you lots of vitamins and minerals.

Many soups have tomatoes, which have lycopene. This can help protect your skin from sun damage.

Veggie-based soups are low in calories but high in fiber. This helps you feel full without eating too much.

Cold soups often use olive oil, which is good for your heart.

Some recipes add Greek yogurt. This gives you protein and good bacteria for your gut.

Corn and cucumber in soups offer extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Hydration and Cooling

Summer soups help you stay hydrated. They have a high water content, which is key in hot weather. This helps replace fluids you lose through sweat.

Cold soups like gazpacho are great for cooling down. They don’t need cooking, so your kitchen stays cool too. The cold temp helps lower your body heat.

Many summer soups use water-rich veggies like cucumber and watermelon. These foods naturally help keep you hydrated.

Chilled soups can be a tasty way to get more water in your diet.

Ingredients for Summer Soups

Summer soups use light, fresh ingredients that capture the season’s flavors. They often feature crisp vegetables and bright herbs for a refreshing taste.

Seasonal Vegetables

Summer vegetables are key for flavorful warm-weather soups. You can use juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet corn.

Zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers also work well. Try adding carrots, celery, or fennel for extra crunch.

Green beans, peas, and asparagus bring a pop of color. For heartier soups, potatoes or sweet potatoes add substance. Don’t forget to include onions and garlic as a tasty base.

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices give summer soups their bright flavors. You can use basil, mint, cilantro, or parsley for a fresh taste. Dill pairs nicely with cucumber soups.

Thyme and oregano work well in tomato-based recipes. For a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or fresh jalapenos.

Lemon juice or zest brings a tangy punch. Ginger adds a zesty kick to cold soups.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match herbs. A blend of basil and mint can make your soup extra refreshing.