Chilled strawberry soup is a delightful dish that dances on your palate with the sweet, refreshing taste of summer. Imagine a velvety blend of strawberries infused with a hint of mint and a splash of citrus, served chilled to perfection. This vibrant bowl of joy brings sunshine to any occasion, making it the ultimate treat for hot days or festive gatherings.
The first time I savored chilled strawberry soup was during a picnic in my backyard, where laughter mingled with the aromas of fresh fruit. Each spoonful felt like summer itselfβbright, lively, and utterly delicious! This recipe is perfect for brunches, garden parties, or whenever you need a burst of fruity happiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chilled strawberry soup is incredibly easy to whip up in just 15 minutes
- You can adjust sweetness and tartness to your liking for a personalized touch
- The vibrant red hue adds stunning visual appeal to any table setting
- Perfect as an appetizer or dessert, itβs versatile enough for any meal!
Growing up, my friends would always ask for seconds when I made this soup. Their smiles were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness; they should be bright red with no white spots.
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Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for creaminess without overwhelming sweetness; feel free to swap with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
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Honey or Agave Syrup: Sweeten to taste; honey adds depth while agave syrup offers a lighter sweetness.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor; avoid bottled juice as it can taste artificial.
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Fresh Mint Leaves: Add fresh mint leaves for an aromatic kick; muddle them slightly to release their essential oils.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds warmth.
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Water: Adjust the consistency by adding water as needed; aim for a silky smooth texture thatβs not too thick.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it together
Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse your fresh strawberries under cool water and remove the green tops. Slice them into quarters so theyβre ready for blending.
Muddle the Mint Leaves: In a mixing bowl, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with a fork or pestle until they release their aromatic oils. This step amplifies their flavor in the soup.
Blend Everything Together: In a blender, combine sliced strawberries, Greek yogurt, honey or agave syrup, lemon juice, and muddled mint. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and Adjust Flavors: Take a moment to taste your creation; add more honey if you like it sweeter or more lemon juice if you prefer extra zing. Blend again briefly.
Add Water for Consistency: If your soup seems too thick, slowly add water while blending until you reach your desired consistencyβsmooth but not runny.
Chill Before Serving: Transfer your beautiful pink mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so itβs perfectly chilled before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
Enjoy serving this refreshing chilled strawberry soup in bowls garnished with extra mint leaves or even whole strawberries on top! Each spoonful will remind you why summer is so specialβsweet moments shared over delicious food.
With this simple guide in hand, youβre well on your way to impressing friends and family alike with your culinary skills!
You Must Know
- Chilled strawberry soup is a refreshing summer treat
- Its vibrant color and sweet aroma can instantly brighten your day, making it perfect for gatherings or as a light dessert
- Experimenting with herbs can elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by blending ripe strawberries until smooth, then strain for a silky texture. Combine with yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice for balanced flavors. Chill thoroughly before serving to enhance the refreshing taste.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding basil or mint for an aromatic twist. Swap yogurt for coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Top with granola or nuts for added crunch and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chilled strawberry soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Do not reheat as the soup is meant to be served cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; frozen ones can work but may dilute sweetness
- Always taste before serving; adjusting sweetness is key!
- A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors and enhances the overall experience
Sharing chilled strawberry soup at my last picnic was a hit! Friends were surprised how delicious something so simple could be, giving me extra confidence in my culinary adventures.
FAQ
What fruits can I use in chilled strawberry soup?
You can mix in raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for variety.
Can I make chilled strawberry soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before to let flavors meld beautifully.
Is chilled strawberry soup suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids generally love its sweetness and vibrant color, making it appealing to them.
Chilled Strawberry Soup
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chilled strawberry soup is a refreshing summer delight that blends ripe strawberries, creamy yogurt, and fresh mint for a vibrant dish perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 5 fresh mint leaves, muddled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Water as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Rinse the strawberries under cool water and remove the green tops. Slice into quarters.
- In a bowl, gently muddle the mint leaves until aromatic.
- In a blender, combine strawberries, yogurt, honey/agave, lemon juice, muddled mint, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
- If too thick, add water gradually while blending until a silky consistency is reached.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer/Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in basil with the mint. Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Top with granola or sliced almonds for extra crunch.