The Ultimate Gazpacho
This gazpacho recipe is the best! It's a refreshing chilled summer soup, perfect for your garden tomatoes and cucumber. Vegan and gluten free.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on May 5, 2025
Gazpacho! The chilled, raw tomato and vegetable soup from Andalusia, Spain. Ever had it? Love it? Hate it? I can’t say I’ve always loved it, but if you get it right, gazpacho can be so good.
At its best, gazpacho is super refreshing and bursting with fresh-from-the-garden summer flavors. At its worst, gazpacho tastes like chunky cold salsa or thin tomato juice, neither of which do I particularly enjoy. I wanted a texture somewhere in between the two, with far superior flavor.
Through trial and error, I discovered that the trick to making the best gazpacho is to blend half of the ingredients into creamy oblivion. Then, add the other half and blitz until they break into tiny pieces. You’ll end up with a delicious, rich base, with tiny pieces of tomatoes, cucumber and pepper adding intrigue.
Gazpacho Ingredients
This healthy recipe offers classic gazpacho flavor. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make it:
- Ripe red tomatoes: Tomatoes form the base of this raw soup—make sure they’re top summer quality. Because tomatoes contain so much moisture, we don’t need to add any liquid before we blend the ingredients together. We’ll even reserve some fresh tomato seeds to garnish the soup (they’re so pretty).
- Sweet yellow onion: Onions are both savory and sweet. Don’t worry if the onion flavor seems overwhelming straight out of the blender. It mellows considerably as the soup chills in the fridge.
- Cucumber: Juicy cucumber adds another layer of fresh flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Gazpacho wouldn’t be complete without crisp, sweet bell pepper. Feel free to substitute an orange or yellow bell pepper for the red.
- Fresh basil: Basil makes this soup taste even more summery and irresistible.
- Garlic: You’ll just need one large clove.
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is always the way to go.
- Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar: A small splash of vinegar makes this soup come alive.
Watch How to Make Gazpacho
My Best Gazpacho Tips
Don’t add bread
Traditional gazpacho blends in white bread for body, but I found that it diluted the flavor. I also didn’t enjoy straining the gazpacho through a fine sieve afterward. Blending up the produce with olive oil produces a rich, creamy emulsion that has plenty of body, no sieve required.
That means that this easy gazpacho recipe is gluten free and full of good-for-you fiber thanks to the unfiltered vegetables.
Blending options
If you’re in a hurry or want a totally smooth gazpacho, by all means, blend everything together at once (see the recipe notes for details on this shortcut).
I prefer my gazpacho with some texture. That’s why the recipe instructs you briefly blitz some of the ingredients into the soup instead of blending them all together at once.
If you love chunky gazpacho, you could just barely blend them into the soup.
Gazpacho needs time to chill
All good gazpacho needs time to rest before serving, so plan to make it at least two hours in advance. This gives the flavors time to fully develop, and the soup time to chill completely. Gazpacho should be served cold, or close to it.
Recommended garnishes
Chop and reserve some of the ingredients for garnishing the soup later (see steps 1 and 2). It’s an extra step, but it’s worth the trouble if you want the beautiful gazpacho you see here.
I was all googly-eyed over the food and plating in Madrid a couple of months ago, so I wanted to present Spanish gazpacho in its full glory.
Gazpacho Serving Suggestions
Make a light summer meal by serving your gazpacho with crusty bread, cheese, Marcona almonds, fancy olives like Castelvetranos, and veggies like sliced cucumber and bell pepper. Perhaps you’d like it with a cold glass of crisp rosé or white wine, like Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc.
The acidity of the gazpacho makes it a natural pairing with seafood, and it could also be lovely with grilled main dishes or vegetables. Add a green salad like my Super Simple Arugula Salad to round out your meal.
Please let me know how you like this gazpacho in the comments! Your feedback keeps me going, and I hope you love this gazpacho recipe as much as I do.
Ultimate Gazpacho
This gazpacho recipe is the best! It’s a refreshing chilled summer soup, perfect for your garden tomatoes and cucumber. Be sure to make it in advance so the soup can chill for at least 2 hours. Recipe yields 5 cups, enough for 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds ripe red tomatoes (about 4 large or 9 small)
- 1 small Vidalia or sweet yellow onion (½ pound), peeled and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
- 1 small cucumber (½ pound), peeled and seeded
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and seeded
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- To prepare your veggies, place your blender bowl, a medium serving bowl, and a small bowl on the counter. Core the tomatoes and cut them into rough 1-inch chunks. Reserve about ¼ cup of the juicy tomato seeds and place them in your small bowl (we’ll use them as a garnish later). Add half of the tomato chunks to the blender, and the other half to your serving bowl. Add all of the onion chunks to the blender.
- Cut off about one-fourth of the cucumber. Finely chop that piece and place it in the small bowl. Slice the rest of the cucumber into rough 1-inch chunks, and divide them between the blender and the serving bowl. Cut off about one-fourth of the bell pepper, finely chop that piece, and add it to the small bowl. Slice the rest of the bell pepper into rough 1-inch chunks and divide them between the blender and the serving bowl.
- To the blender, add the basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and about 10 twists of black pepper. Securely fasten the lid and blend, starting on low and increasing to high speed, until the mixture is completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the contents of the serving bowl (the remaining chunks of tomato, cucumber and bell pepper) into the blender. Fasten the lid and blend for just 10 to 20 seconds, until the ingredients are broken up into small pieces. Stop there, or blend a little longer if you prefer smaller pieces.
- Add a small pinch of salt to the small bowl of garnishes, stir, and store it in the fridge. Chill the soup for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Before serving, taste, and add additional salt (I sometimes add another ¼ teaspoon) and/or black pepper if necessary. To serve, divide the soup into small bowls or cups, and top with the reserved cucumber and bell pepper. Top with a few tiny or torn basil leaves and a light sprinkle of pepper. Leftover servings keep well, covered and refrigerated, for 3 to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
What a great recipe – to make and devour! I substituted with balsamic vinegar – which I would recommend, even if I do say so myself! Method was particularly
Thank you, thank you so much
This was sooo sooo good. It was great to use my garden abundance in such a satisfying way. I added a zucchini, summer squash and some spinach. Thank You!
Great recipe, I’ve made it a few times now, and it’s always great. I also used balsamic vinegar because that’s what I have, and find it works well. Thanks.
Mine turn brown. Is there any solution? Your batch look so vibrant! Thank you
Hi! I’m sorry to hear that. I hope it still tasted delicious! It could be a variance in your vegetables, the color of the skins, etc.
My gazpacho turned brown too! I am thinking we probably added too much fresh basil.
I use this basic recipe which is excellent, the chunky version. The red/orange bell pepper instead of green provides a different dimension of taste. Being on keto, I also dont add bread but for substance add a firm ripe avo and a cupful of lentil / bean sprouts. I use a combo of apple sider vinegar and lime juice and add a few drops of Tabasco just for another taste dimension without the chilli heat.
Thank you for sharing, Tisha!
I’ve tried many gazpacho recipes and this is my favorite for taste and texture by far. It was everything you would want in a gazpacho. Highly recommend!
OMG this was so good! Best gazpacho I have ever made and perhaps ever tasted. And so easy. I just threw everything in food processor per recipe I intended to leave it in refrigerator overnight but ended up eating half of it before bed. Will be making this again for sure. Thx!
Amazing!!! You my dear, are a complete culinary genius. I’m a bit of a fiend so I put two garlic cloves in… yeah I can still taste that haha, will listen to the chef next time still absolutely delicious though!!
Better than most restaurants, the emulsification blend with some chunks added at the end was brilliant! Thank you!
This is absolutely delicious!!!!
I made the recipe with Golden tomatoes ,sweet onions a cucumber . I added a black jalapeño only one it was gave it a little bit of a zip. A yellow pepper and some basil was delicious thank you
Kate you say watch how to make the soup, but there is no video link that I found.
????
Hi Linda! You should see the video underneath the “watch how to make gazpacho” header. If you’re using an ad blocker, you’ll need to disable it to view the video. Or you can watch it on YouTube here. Have a great day!
Wow! This was sooo good! I will definitely be making this more often. The flavours come together so well and the vinegar certainly binds it. Thanks for this recipe!!
I’m happy to hear that! Thank you, Priya.
Like your options for quick
Another winner!
Also best video soundtrack music!
This was delicious and not that hard to make! All 4 members of my family liked it and that included 2 meat eating children. Ill note that I did go through the trouble of saving tomato seed juiciness but didn’t end up topping the soup with it so next time I’ll skip that. Love the diced cucumber and pepper though and don’t skip the extra basil! I also added finely diced jalapeño for topping. Thank you so much for this recipe!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Nikki! Thank you for sharing how you mad this recipe.
This gazpacho is delicious, refreshing and so easy to make! I will serve it at a dinner party this weekend.
I love your recipes. They are so easy to follow. Simple instructions, good ingredients and the final product is so delicious. Thank you!!!
I love this Gazpacho! It’s super easy to make and so fresh and delicious. The topping is an added bonus…I added a couple dollops of sour cream too! Thanks so much Kate! Your recipes never let me down.
You’re welcome! I’m happy you feel you can trust my recipes. :)
I pretty much follow this recipe (more garlic), but the most important step is to PEEL THE TOMATOES!
Doesn’t take long, and makes a huge difference IMO.
Also, when the tomatoes come in too fast, peel them, and freeze baggies of them. Delicious gazpacho all year-round!
This was delicious and so simple. I made it last weekend and am making it again this weekend, A perfect summer dinner!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Ali! Thank you for your review.
Amazing recipe, thanks so much! I used balsamic vinegar but otherwise followed the recipe. I will make this a lot this summer!
Wonderful, Jane! Thank you for your review.
This soup was fantastic! Just added a tad more salt . I forgot the garlic but it didn’t seem to make a difference. Spectacular on a hot summer day. I did throw some feta crumbles on top.. delish!!
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Theresa.
Instead of olive oil, I like to process a can of chick peas (garbanzo beans) until very smooth. Then add to gazpacho for thickening without the oily feel of olive oil.
Hi, I followed a recipe (not one of yours) for green gazpacho and it was horrible but I hate wasting food is there a dish that I could add my soup to?
Thank you
I’m sorry you tried a recipe that didn’t work out. I’m not sure about saving it or adding it to something else, sorry!
This was delicious! I want to post a picture but I can’t figure out how.
Fabulous recipe prepared by a friend, now I have to try it! Thx. Doreen
This truly is the ultimate gazpacho! Made as directed and my only complaint is directed at myself as I did not make a double batch. It is surprisingly filling and so very refreshing in this hot weather. The rich taste of the sherry vinegar is such a wonderful compliment.
Thank you Kate!!!
How far in advance can you make the gazpacho?
Hi Robin, see the final step. Leftover servings keep well, covered and refrigerated, for 3 to 4 days.
This looks amazing! I’m making it w/garden tomatoes. Do I peel them first? I saw one commenter said to, but the recipe doesn’t say. For some reason, I can’t get the video, which would show me. Thx!
Hi, no need to peel them! Enjoy :)
Thank you. It doesn’t say that on the ingredients list for tomatoes. It says it for the onions. At least not on this link. I’ll peel them.
Hi Karen, I’m sorry. I misread your comment. I thought your mentioned cucumbers. No need to peel them :)
Great, simple lunch using produce from the garden. Have made gazpacho previously, but the addition of pepper and cucumber really made it. Loved it. Feeling v garlicky now – and that’s a good thing. P
Thank you for sharing, Paul! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I love that this recipe is gluten free. I’ve been making it regularly for 2 years now. Tastes amazing!
I love that! Thank you for your review, Di.
Best gazpacho recipe!!
I add some lemon juice which I think gives it extra zing
Thank you, Joan! I’m glad you loved it.
Love this recipe, it turned out beautifully! I live in the north east where it’s not always easy to get a hold of decent tomatoes. What are your thoughts about using good quality tinned tomatoes?
Hi Cat! I haven’t tried can for this recipe. This is best with fresh. If you try it, let me know!
I thought that would be the case. Looks like fresh is best!
I’m going to add shrimp ceviche….asa garnish, crab would be good too.
This was the ultimate gazpacho! I used fresh heirloom tomatoes from the market. Was great for during the heat wave we are having.
I’m so glad you loved it, Lynn! Thank you for your review.
I’ve made this again and again, always to rave reviews. I follow the recipe to a T (and only use a Vidalia onion). Excelente!
That’s great to hear, Bob! I appreciate your review.
Wow! This is wonderful! I used a combo of red and yellow tomatoes and added a couple of little hot peppers. So much fresh flavor. Definitely a keeper!
Great to hear, Laura! I appreciate your review.
Made this today for lunch (for two, so plenty of leftovers (yay!)
Did the chopping and prep this morning and let it chill. The prep went faster than I anticipated, even with the separate garnish. Made as directed–delicious and so refreshing on yet another hot Texas day. Also, I served with the suggested Greek lentil salad (not as pretty with green lentils, but that’s what I had). A lovely and filling lunch, as two of us finished the salad. Thank you, Kate–this vegan / vegetarian lifestyle is SO much better with you & Cookie–and your cookbook!
Thank you for sharing, Cici! I’m glad u enjoy this recipe and my cookbook.
My husband and I loved this recipe. I made exactly as written and I appreciated the details about the 3 bowls. We had a ton of garden tomatoes to use up and this recipe was perfect. I made it at dinner time and let it sit overnight. We ate it at lunch the next day and the flavours were wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Katya! I appreciate your review.
Just found your recipe! Excited to make it. If I can’t get a Vidalia onion, do you think shallots would be ok? Or a red onion?
Excellent recipe! I used half a red onion instead of a sweet white variety and was still absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing
You’re welcome, Dana! I appreciate your review.
So good! I don’t add the veggie bits on top – just buzz it all up, chill, and serve. Tastes like summer!
Thank you for sharing, Chris! I’m glad you loved it.
I have tried making gazpacho before, and for some reason that person called for cilantro instead of basil and when I followed their recipe, I ended up basically with pureed pico de gallo. With this recipe, I ended up with a nice, thick and savory cold soup!
I skipped the red peppers, but I would definitely recommend this recipe. I pureed about 2/3 of my diced veggies and left the rest about 1/4 inch dice, which give it a nice consistency. I used balsamic too, I think with tomato and basil this recipe is just screaming for balsamic vinegar, and it tasted great!
That’s great to hear, Bill! I appreciate your review.
Love the recipe. Just a quick question. Do you use seeds and all in the gazpcho when you make it or do you strip out the seeds?
No need to strip the seeds. Thank you for your review.
This is an excellent recipe. Have shared it with friends and always gets rave reviews.
Thank you, Mike!
Amazing Recipe. I use this all the time. I adjust the vinegar and add more garlic.
Everyone needs to make gazpacho to their own taste. I lived in Spain in my 20s and 30s and have gone back many times to visit. My husband and I just returned from 3 weeks on the Southern coast. Regardless if you prefer bread or not, you should never strain gazpacho. It is supposed to have some body. It isn’t a fancy soup, it is for families in summer when there is an abundance of produce and they don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
My family loved this! Two of my son’s favorite recipes are from you!He loves this and your mint ice cream. Thanks for the wonderfully simple and delicious flavors. Both recipe’s remind us of summer.
That’s great to hear, Amy!
Great recipe
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Mila!
What would you suggest if I hate cucumbers? The rest sounds delicious. Is there another veggie that could replace, or leave it out?
Cucumbers are a key ingredient for this recipe. I haven’t tried it with something else, so I’m not sure. Sorry!