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Monday, July 22, 2024

Discovering Greek Gazpacho: A Refreshing Summer Recipe


gazpacho in glass bowls

When was the last time you had a refreshing bowl of gazpacho? 

There is no better time to make chilled gazpacho than on a hot summer evening using vine ripe tomatoes harvested from the local farmer's market or maybe even your own backyard! It's so easy!

Summer produce lends gazpacho its vibrant colors, it's rich taste, and also packs a lot of essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals into this light and delightful chilled soup.

Discover what's different about this interesting gazpacho recipe


Discovering Greek Gazpacho: A Summer Recipe

The heat of the summer has been dragging on with sizzling temperatures lasting into the early evenings. Consequently, I am feeling less and less like cooking. I was delighted when we were invited to my cousin's home for a dinner party Saturday night. 

Free Green Bean  Stock Photo

The evening started with a few light appetizers  !

pasta salad , gluten-free, vegetarian
Pasta Salad made with gluten-free pasta noodles for the main

Socializing went on for about an hour while we enjoyed some good wine, edamame, humus, and crackers before the twelve of us sat down in her beautiful dining room for the main meal. 

We enjoyed a starter of Greek gazpacho followed by a cold pasta salad (gluten-free) and salmon for the main. Everything was delicious (I do not eat salmon) and was able to be served chilled or at room temperature. 

Free Gazpacho Cold Soup photo and picture

The chilled gazpacho was exceptional and really captured the essence of the season. However, there was something different about it, that I couldn't quite put my finger on. 

Stacy explained that it was not a traditional gazpacho recipe with origins in Spain! Her recipe was actually called Greek Gazpacho

The secret to the Greek Gazpacho is a generous measure of briny Kalamata olives added to the recipe before blending and then topped with crumbled feta cheese if desired! 

A Brief History

Gazpacho's roots trace back centuries to the Andalusian region of Spain, where field laborers relied on this cold soup to cool down during sweltering days. Originally a simple peasant dish made from stale bread, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and water, gazpacho has evolved into a much loved culinary delight now known worldwide for its refreshing taste and valuable health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Gazpacho

Tomatoes, the key ingredient of gazpacho, are rich in lycopene—a powerful antioxidant known for its potential health benefits, including possibly reducing the risk of heart disease and perhaps certain cancers.

Besides being a nutrient powerhouse, gazpacho is incredibly hydrating, making it an ideal summer choice. Its high water content helps you stay cool and refreshed on scorching days while also contributing to your daily hydration needs.

Moreover, gazpacho is low in calories and naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary preferences or dietary  restrictions.

Free Tomatoes Basil photo and picture

Use Gluten-Free Bread

Although many typical gazpacho recipes call for the addition of stale bread, (which this recipe does), the recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free bread for the traditional bread in the list of ingredients.

Free Bread Food photo and picture

My cousin Stacy shared that she used Ina Garten's Greek Gazpacho recipe found here  (link to recipe).  I omitted the feta cheese which Stacy kept separately.

Gazpacho topped with avocado

plant-based soups cookbook (affiliate link to Amazon)


If you like this recipe, please consider purchasing the cookbook on Amazon! 

My Soups Cookbook contains over 80 healthy soup recipes and 80 inspirational quotes and time saving cooking tips to help encourage, guide, and inspire readers to reach a greater level of wellness. plant-based soups cookbook (affiliate link)  on Amazon with a "look inside" option to see all the recipe titles and introduction. 



24 comments:

  1. Nice recipe for gazpacho. I also make one that I love. Wishing you a great day and cool recipes like this one to enjoy. https://www.colors4health.com/2022/06/make-best-tomato-gazpacho-soup.html

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  2. Our tomatoes are beginning to ripen. Gazpacho is a great idea.

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  3. Your dinner party sounded amazing. And the amazing Greek Gazpacho you've shared really is the perfect remedy for a hot summer day. I love all of the rich, fresh flavors... so yum

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  4. This Gazpacho sounds delicious! I love the idea of the olives and the Feta.

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  5. That tomato gazpacho looks really vibrant and nice.

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  6. Oh, I love gazpacho, but I have never had the Greek version. I am going to have to give that ercipe a try before summer's end. Yum!

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  7. We love gazpacho! It's a great alternative to soup in the summer. Thank you for teaching me about it origins. I will check out the recipe you have shared.

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  8. I make gazpacho at least once in the season, and it is indeed delicious. Great way to use some of the summer vegetables. I don't use feta either.

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  9. .Greek gazpacho sounds delicious. In fact , the whole meal sounds wonderful and just right for a very warm summer evening.

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  10. Greek or spanish, it looks wonderful! Hugs, Valerie

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  11. I have never heard of this version and will give the Greek gazpacho a try when summer rolls around :)

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  12. Hi Judee. Very healthy! I look forward to looking at your cooking and your travels. andrea

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  13. What a beautiful presentation Judee!
    Jenna

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  14. I have yet to make gazpacho this year -- I'm waiting another few weeks for the awesome tomatoes. I'd not heard of Greek gazpacho before but I love kalamata and I love feta so guess what I'll be making! thanks for sharing that!

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  15. I love gazpacho and all possible variations (my favourite would probably be with cherries and beets) I make it a few times every summer - that's a life-saver for a sweltering day!

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  16. Oh now I want gazpacho. It looks so good and sounds perfect for a warm day's meal. Thanks for visiting my blog. :)

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  17. Wow, the food looks absolutely delicious! Greek food is one of my favorites, and I'm looking forward to treating myself to some gazpacho this summer. I love how refreshing and healthy it is. Thank you for sharing!

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  18. This Greek Gazpacho sounds amazing, Judee! 😋
    Perfect for hot summer days!

    Happy Friday!

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  19. yummy looking food!! i shared a lot of food in my post yesterday, none of it was gf. everything looks really good, i would like the gazpacho, that sound good and looks wonderful!!

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  20. Oh, looks so tasty and healthy.
    I will definitely try this.
    Thank you.

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  21. I made this a couple of days ago and it is so good! I included the feta, and I didn’t have Ina’s tomato juice of choice, so I used bloody Mary mix. So good!

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  22. I've actually never had gazpacho! I so enjoyed your beautiful pic and learning how this soup got started. 🍅

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  23. Great post, an interesting read.
    I enjoy gazpacho.

    Wishing you a happy weekend.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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  24. What a fantastic post! 🌟 I absolutely love how you’ve brought a refreshing twist to a classic dish with Greek Gazpacho. The addition of Kalamata olives and crumbled feta sounds like a brilliant way to elevate the flavors and add a unique Mediterranean flair. Your description of using ripe tomatoes from local markets or even your backyard really highlights the essence of summer cooking. Plus, it's great to see a recipe that’s both delicious and packed with health benefits! Can’t wait to try this out for myself—thanks for sharing such a delightful and inspiring recipe! 🍅🥒🧄

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