20 Chilled Soup Recipes That Are Perfect for Summertime

By Emily Goldman
Updated April 29, 2020
Enjoy summer's bounty straight from the fridge with these cold-on-purpose soup recipes
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While many people may associate soups with the winter months, chilled soup is a delicious option for warmer weather. Often overlooked, bowls of flavorful chilled soup are sure to surprise. From garlicky vegetable iterations to spicy Southwestern-inspired bowls, we're sharing some of our favorite recipes for chilled soups here.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a cool soup is classic tomatoey Gazpacho, pictured here. We have a number of variations of the tomato-paste-based soup. A sweet-and-savory option comes in the form of Watermelon Gazpacho. The fruit's a summer staple in and of itself, but it reaches new heights when combined with tangy tomatoes. Or try our Golden Gazpacho, which uses squash, heirloom tomatoes, and garlic for a flavorful take on the classic dish.

Looking for something with tons of vitamins and nutrients? Make our healthy Chilled Garlic and Spinach Soup, which features low-sodium chicken broth, low-fat plain yogurt, and loads of greens for a vitamin-rich option. You could also whip up a batch of our airy and Light Gazpacho Broth. It's made with a bunch of fresh produce—tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, and fennel—for a simply delicious dish that makes for a lovely warm-weather appetizer. Another favorite is our Chilled Pea and Pea-Shoot Soup with Shrimp. Lemony shrimp sit atop a purée of peas and pea shoots to create a symphony of flavors.

For the adventurous diners, try Andrea's Spicy BLT Soup, which has a welcome kick to it. The meal touts a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon, crunchy croutons, and tender butterhead lettuce. Or opt for our Curried Zucchini Soup, which incorporates curry powder, zucchini, potatoes, and garlic in a hearty dish. Ahead, explore some of our delectable chilled soup recipes to chill out with this summer.

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Cucumber Buttermilk Soup

Credit: Petrina Tinslay
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This two-ingredient soup makes a simple, satisfying side for chicken or fish. Got more time on your hands? Try our Cucumber-Buttermilk Gazpacho, which could stand as a meal in and of itself.

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Sweet Red-Pepper Beet Soup

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Sautéed shallots and goat cheese complement earthy beets and red peppers. For an extra-sharp spin on the same combination, try a borscht with yogurt and caraway seeds (and a side of fresh dill pickles).

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Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Tarragon Syrup

Credit: Elizabeth Watt
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End a summer meal on a sweet note with a chilled purée of herbed cantaloupe or rhubarb and raspberries.

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Thai Zucchini Coconut Soup

Credit: Dana Gallagher
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This Southeast Asian-inspired purée only takes 30 minutes of prep. But be sure to allow plenty of time for the soup to cool.

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Chilled Sour Cherry Soup

Credit: Mikkel Vang
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Don't let its pretty hue fool you, this chilled soup packs a punch and is best served as an appetizer. It's a great way to use up any fresh sour cherries you may have.

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Cold Potato-Leek Soup

Potato soup's made its name as rib-sticking winter comfort food, but fresh chives and a chilled preparation make this one summer-approved.

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Avocado, Radish, and Basil Soup

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Three iconic warm-weather flavors unite in one cold-served bowl. Full of good-for-you ingredients and a refreshing taste, this is a chilled soup that everyone will love.

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Chilled Pea and Pea-Shoot Soup with Shrimp

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This chilled soup makes a refreshing main thanks to the lemony shrimp and filling peas.

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Cold Southwestern Corn and Shrimp Soup

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Sweet corn is the star of this hearty southwestern soup—offer your tastebuds exotic flavors with jalapeño, lime, and coconut milk.

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Golden Gazpacho

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So sunny, this gazpacho is made from yellow tomatoes, squash, bell pepper, and carrot juice, and is a refreshing change from the traditional version.

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Andrea's Spicy BLT Soup

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The freshest seasonal lettuce and tomato make the BLT a tempting summer meal. Enjoy this classic a whole new way—by eating it with a spoon.

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Watermelon Gazpacho

Credit: Sang An
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From unconventional to full-on fruity: Slurp a savory-sweet gazpacho of watermelon or peach.

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Curried Zucchini Soup

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Prepare for August's inevitable zucchini fatigue. This curried soup is a refreshing way to use the vegetable.

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Chilled Blueberry Soup

Credit: Antonis Achilleos
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This isn't a smoothie—it's a dessert soup. The berries' mild flavor is elevated by dessert wine and buttermilk in this creamy, smooth, and sweet soup.

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Chilled Garlic and Spinach Soup

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Get your greens in with this tasty chilled soup featuring nutritious baby spinach, garlic, and even green garlic stems.

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Corn Vichyssoise

Credit: GENTL & HYERS
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Serve this soup warm or chilled for a tasty option that you can make all year-long.

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Chilled Fennel and Leek Soup

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A delightful appetizer, this cool soup features a tasty combination of vegetables. We love that you can prepare it ahead of time.

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Chilled Spanish-Style Tomato Soup

Credit: Alpha Smoot
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This sophisticated recipe is a close cousin of gazpacho, a Spanish soup usually made with a tomato base. A slew of protein-and flavor-rich garnishes make it a delicious meal.

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Honeydew Cucumber Soup

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A unique combination of the fruit and vegetable come together for a refreshing summertime soup.

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By Emily Goldman