If you are searching for a light, revitalizing dish that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you crave something cool and flavorful, you’ve found it. This Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Yogurt, Mint, and Chives Recipe is an absolute delight: super creamy from the yogurt, herbaceous with fresh mint and chives, and wonderfully crisp thanks to the cucumbers. It’s a vibrant, healthy soup that feels as good going down as it looks in the bowl, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t enjoyed cold cucumber soup all along!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Yogurt, Mint, and Chives Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role in balancing brightness, creaminess, and freshness, creating a beautifully nuanced flavor profile.
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped: The star of the dish, cucumbers bring coolness and a refreshing crunch.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that perfectly complements the cucumber.
- 1 small garlic clove: A subtle punch of garlic infuses the soup with depth without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lightens the flavor and adds a zesty freshness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings richness and smoothness to the texture.
- A handful of fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint offers a cool, invigorating herbal note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives: Adds mild onion fragrance and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- A pinch of black pepper: Brings subtle warmth and balance.
- 1/4 cup cold water (optional, to thin): Helps reach the perfect soup consistency if desired.
How to Make Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Yogurt, Mint, and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Chill All Ingredients
Start by chilling all your ingredients in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This ensures your soup will be delightfully cold and refreshing when served, elevating that natural cucumber crispness and making every spoonful cool and soothing.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender
Add the chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, garlic clove, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh mint leaves, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper into your blender. This mix promises a harmonious blend of flavors that are creamy, tangy, and herbaceous.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy
Blend everything until the texture is silky smooth and creamy. If your soup feels a little too thick, simply add the cold water a splash at a time to reach the consistency you prefer—whether thicker like a dip or thinner like a traditional soup.
Step 4: Serve with a Drizzle of Olive Oil
Pour the soup into bowls and finish each one with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This not only creates a beautiful glossy finish but adds a luxurious richness that rounds out the fresh flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish for Extra Texture and Visual Appeal
Top your soup with some diced cucumber, a few mint leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped chives. The garnishes add inviting texture contrasts and a fresh herbal aroma that makes your soup irresistible.
Step 6: Serve Immediately or Chill Briefly
For the best experience, serve right away so your guests savor that bright freshness. Alternatively, refrigerate the soup for up to an hour if you want it well chilled, but it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to maintain its vibrant character.
How to Serve Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Yogurt, Mint, and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
A few well-chosen garnishes take this soup from simple to stunning. Consider fresh diced cucumbers for crunch, whole mint leaves for color and aroma, or even thin slices of radish for a peppery bite. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few drops of chili oil can also add exciting texture and flavor if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like crusty sourdough bread or warm pita triangles. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple goat cheese crostini would complement the soup’s fresh herbal notes without overpowering it. Think of the soup as the perfect first course to a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this soup in small shot glasses or delicate cups as a refreshing amuse-bouche. Layer it with finely chopped cucumbers and mint in a clear glass to show off its vibrant colors, or swirl in a little beetroot puree for a beautiful splash of contrasting color. Presentation is half the fun, so get creative to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 24 hours, though the fresher it is, the brighter the flavors will be. Just give the soup a gentle stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.
Freezing
This soup is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing. The yogurt and cucumber can lose their delicate texture when thawed, so stick to making smaller batches if you want the best quality each time.
Reheating
Since the soup is meant to be served cold, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit at room temperature for a while or warm gently in a bowl placed in warm water, but try to avoid heat as it can upset the fresh, vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without yogurt?
You can replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or silken tofu for a vegan version, but the flavor and creaminess will differ slightly. The yogurt’s tangy richness is key to the classic taste.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?
Peeling helps create a smoother, less bitter soup, but if you prefer more fiber and a stronger cucumber flavor, you can leave the skin on, just make sure to wash them thoroughly first.
How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?
For the freshest taste and texture, enjoy within 24 hours. Beyond that, the herbs may wilt and the soup’s vibrant flavor will start to fade.
Can I add other herbs instead of mint and chives?
Definitely! Fresh dill or basil are wonderful alternatives that pair nicely with cucumber and yogurt. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
Is this soup suitable for a light meal?
Absolutely! This soup is low in calories yet very satisfying and hydrating, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a starter before a heavier meal.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Yogurt, Mint, and Chives Recipe is a true gem for anyone wanting a simple, nourishing, and incredibly delicious cold soup. Trust me, once you’ve whipped it up, it will become your go-to antidote for hot days and a favorite way to showcase fresh herbs and garden cucumbers. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it brightens your meal and your mood!
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Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Yogurt, Mint, and Chives Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and creamy cucumber soup made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic and lemon. This chilled soup is perfect for a light appetizer or a cooling meal on warm days, combining healthy ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1/4 cup cold water (optional, to thin)
Instructions
- Chill Ingredients: Chill all ingredients in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to ensure the soup will be refreshingly cold and flavors meld properly.
- Prepare Blender Mix: Add chopped cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh mint leaves, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
- Blend Smoothly: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the soup is too thick, add cold water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Pour the blended soup into serving bowls and drizzle with extra olive oil for added richness.
- Garnish: Garnish each bowl with diced cucumber pieces, fresh mint leaves, and chopped chives for added texture and visual appeal.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to enhance the coolness and flavor.
Notes
- This soup is best served chilled for a refreshingly cool experience.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- The cold water helps thin the soup if a lighter texture is preferred.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Consume within 1 hour if refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
