Ina Garten’s Cucumber Soup is a refreshing, creamy, and light dish perfect for warm summer days. This chilled soup combines the cool, crisp flavor of cucumbers with tangy yogurt and a hint of fresh herbs, making it an elegant starter or a light, healthy meal.

What is Ina Garten Cucumber Soup?

Cucumber Soup is a creamy and refreshing chilled soup made with cucumbers, yogurt, and fresh herbs. Ina Garten’s version emphasizes simplicity and bold flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and effortless to prepare.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cucumber Soup

Light and Healthy: Low in calories and full of fresh ingredients.
Perfect for Summer: A chilled dish that’s refreshing on hot days.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just minutes, no cooking required.
Elegant and Versatile: Suitable for casual lunches or as a sophisticated appetizer.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cucumber Soup

English cucumbers – 2 large, peeled and roughly chopped
Plain Greek yogurt – 2 cups
Buttermilk – ½ cup
Garlic – 1 clove, minced
Scallions – 2, chopped (white and green parts)
Fresh dill – 2 tbsp, chopped
Fresh mint – 2 tbsp, chopped
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Optional garnish: Diced cucumbers, dill sprigs, or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cucumber Soup

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and chop the cucumbers, mince the garlic, and chop the scallions, dill, and mint.
Blend the Soup: In a blender or food processor, combine the cucumbers, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, garlic, scallions, dill, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Season the Soup: Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
Chill the Soup: Transfer the soup to a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until well-chilled.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with diced cucumbers, dill sprigs, or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cucumber Soup?

Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Grilled Shrimp or Chicken: Adds a protein-rich side to make it a complete meal.
Fresh Salad: Complements the soup with additional textures and flavors.
Chilled White Wine or Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage pairing.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cucumber Soup

Use English Cucumbers: They have fewer seeds and a milder flavor than regular cucumbers.
Chill Thoroughly: The soup tastes best when properly chilled to bring out its refreshing flavor.
Adjust Consistency: Add a bit more buttermilk or water if the soup is too thick.
Experiment with Herbs: Add parsley or cilantro for a different herbaceous twist.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and almond milk instead of dairy for a vegan version.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cucumber Soup

Add Avocado: Blend in a ripe avocado for extra creaminess.
Include Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle kick.
Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for a crunchy contrast.
Incorporate Vegetables: Add celery or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Top with Seafood: Add chilled shrimp or crab for a luxurious touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cucumber Soup

Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: The texture of the soup may change after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Stir Before Serving: The soup may separate slightly in the fridge; stir well before serving.

Nutrition Value

Calories: ~120 per serving
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fats: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: ~15% of the daily value

FAQs

Can Cucumber Soup Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, cucumber soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld as it chills, making it even more delicious when served.

How Do You Keep Cucumber Soup From Being Watery?

To prevent cucumber soup from being watery, use Greek yogurt for thickness and strain the cucumbers if they release too much liquid. You can also adjust the consistency by adding less buttermilk or blending in an avocado for creaminess.

Can You Freeze Cucumber Soup?

Cucumber soup is best enjoyed fresh and not frozen. Freezing can alter the texture of the yogurt and cucumbers, resulting in a grainy or separated consistency when thawed.

What Are the Best Garnishes for Cucumber Soup?

The best garnishes for cucumber soup include diced cucumbers, fresh dill or mint sprigs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For added texture, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds like pine nuts or sunflower seeds.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cucumber Soup is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for warm days or elegant gatherings. With its creamy texture and fresh herbaceous flavor, it’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of pure, chilled comfort!

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