Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful: Combines ripe tomatoes and crisp vegetables for a clean, zesty taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill in advance to let flavors meld beautifully.
- Elegant Presentation: Served in mini cups or shot glasses, perfect for entertaining.
- Light & Healthy: A low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly appetizer.
- Customizable Garnishes: Add visual appeal and texture with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cucumber, peeled and chopped
- ¼ small red onion, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mild-tasting acidic ingredient
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup cold water
For Garnish:
- Mini cucumber slices
- Cherry tomato halves
- Microgreens (optional)
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Flaky sea salt
Directions
- Blend the Base: Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, garlic, olive oil, mild acidic ingredient, sea salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Texture: Add cold water gradually to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and let flavors meld.
- Serve: Pour into shot glasses or mini cups. Garnish each with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and your choice of cucumber slice, cherry tomato half, and microgreens.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 mini portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a small jalapeño or hot sauce for heat.
- Herbs: Blend in fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley for added aroma.
- Texture: Leave it slightly chunky by pulsing instead of fully blending.
- Additional Veggies: Add celery or green bell pepper for more crunch.
- Vegan Creaminess: Stir in a spoonful of avocado or soaked cashews for creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
Gazpacho is best served chilled and fresh. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I prepare gazpacho ahead?
Yes, it tastes better after chilling for at least an hour or overnight.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh ripe tomatoes are best, but canned can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it contains no animal products or gluten.
Can I blend in a food processor instead?
Yes, a food processor works well for this recipe.
How spicy is this gazpacho?
Mild by default; add jalapeño or hot sauce for spice.
Can I serve this as a main course?
It’s typically an appetizer but can be a light meal paired with bread.
What other garnishes work well?
Croutons, diced avocado, or finely chopped herbs.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze gazpacho?
Freezing is not recommended as texture may suffer.
Can I make it thicker or thinner?
Adjust water quantity to reach desired consistency.
Conclusion
Mini Chilled Gazpacho is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make appetizer that brings bright summer flavors to your table. Its make-ahead convenience and elegant presentation make it a perfect choice for entertaining or a refreshing snack anytime. Serve chilled and garnish creatively for a beautiful, tasty treat.
Mini Chilled Gazpacho
Mini Chilled Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup served in small portions, made with ripe tomatoes and crisp vegetables for a vibrant, healthy appetizer perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 mini servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
½ cucumber, peeled and chopped
¼ small red onion, chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon mild-tasting acidic ingredient (e.g., lemon juice or vinegar)
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ cup cold water
For Garnish:
Mini cucumber slices
Cherry tomato halves
Microgreens (optional)
Drizzle of olive oil
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, garlic, olive oil, acidic ingredient, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add cold water gradually to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and meld flavors.
- Pour into mini cups or shot glasses.
- Garnish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, a cucumber slice, cherry tomato half, and microgreens if desired.
Notes
Add jalapeño or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Blend fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley for extra aroma.
Pulse for a chunkier texture if preferred.
Add celery or green bell pepper for crunch.
For creaminess, stir in avocado or soaked cashews.
Best served fresh and chilled; store leftovers up to 2 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini serving
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg