How To Make Authentic Spanish Gazpacho – Refreshing Summer Recipe

Gazpacho is one of Spain’s most iconic and refreshing dishes, perfect for hot summer days when you crave something light, nutritious, and hydrating. Originating from Andalusia in southern Spain, this chilled tomato-based soup combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar to create a burst of Mediterranean flavours in every spoonful. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Spanish gazpacho easily at home for a true taste of Spain.

What makes gazpacho so beloved is its simplicity and vibrant freshness. Unlike traditional hot soups, gazpacho is served cold, making it incredibly cooling and energising during warm weather. It’s also naturally vegan and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nourishing choice for any meal or as a light appetiser before grilled meats, seafood, or tapas.

Whether you’re planning a summer gathering, looking for a healthy meal prep option, or craving a dish that transports you to Spain’s sun-soaked streets, gazpacho is the answer. This recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavour and nutrition with every bowl.

The best Spanish food to try, Breakfast in Spain,  and vegetarian food in Spain

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Best Time To Eat

Gazpacho is best enjoyed as a cooling lunch, appetiser, or light dinner, especially during hot spring and summer days when you need hydration and refreshment without feeling heavy or sluggish.

Best Dishes To Partner

Serve your Spanish gazpacho with crusty baguette slices, garlic-rubbed toast, or traditional Spanish tapas like olives, jamón, or tortilla Española. For drinks, pair it with chilled white wine, sangria, or sparkling water with lemon for a complete and refreshing Mediterranean meal.

The authenticity of gazpacho is often debated, especially as modern versions include ingredients like strawberries, watermelon, or even avocado. While some welcome these creative twists, purists argue they stray too far from the original Andalusian recipe.

Another hot topic is texture—traditional gazpacho is blended until smooth, but some prefer a chunkier version for more bite. This difference in preparation sparks lively arguments among home cooks and chefs alike.

Finally, there’s the olive oil debate. In Spain, high-quality extra virgin olive oil is considered essential for flavor and authenticity, yet in many international recipes, it’s replaced with cheaper oils or reduced for dietary reasons. For traditionalists, this compromises the soul of the dish.

How to Make Gazpacho

Gazpacho Recipe Ingredients

1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 bell pepper (green or red), seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 slices of stale bread (optional, to thicken the soup)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Water (if needed, to adjust consistency)
Ice cubes (for serving)

Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs

Step By Step How to Make Gazpacho

1. Prep the Vegetables

Prepare all your vegetables by washing, peeling (where necessary), and roughly chopping them. This includes the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

2. Bread Prep (Optional)

If using bread to thicken your gazpacho, soak the slices in water for a few minutes. Squeeze out the excess water before using.

3. Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and soaked bread. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.

4. Add Liquids and Seasonings

With the blender running, gradually add the olive oil and vinegar to emulsify, which will help create a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Adjust Consistency

If the gazpacho seems too thick, add a little water until you achieve the desired consistency. The texture should be somewhat fluid but still rich.

6. Chill

Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thoroughly chill.

7. Serve

Serve the gazpacho cold, adding a few ice cubes to each bowl if desired. It’s traditional to top each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of finely chopped cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and tomato.

Tips For Making Gazpacho

The quality of the tomatoes is crucial as they are the base of the flavor. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best result. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor of the gazpacho.

Gazpacho is very much about personal taste. Adjust the amount of garlic, vinegar, and seasoning according to your preference.

Gazpacho can be served as a starter or a light meal. It pairs beautifully with rustic bread and is perfect for hot summer days.

How Many Calories Have Gazpacho

Tomatoes (about 200 grams per serving): Approximately 36 calories.
Cucumber (about 50 grams per serving): Around 8 calories.
Bell Pepper (about 50 grams per serving): Approximately 15 calories.
Red Onion (about 25 grams per serving): Around 10 calories.
Garlic (1 clove per serving): About 4 calories.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon per serving): Approximately 120 calories.
Stale Bread (optional, 30 grams per serving): Roughly 80 calories (if included).

A gazpacho serving is about 193 calories and if you add bread is around 273 calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

Spanish gazpacho is a perfect reminder that some of the best dishes are also the simplest. Made with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar, it captures the vibrant flavors of summer in every spoonful. Light yet satisfying, it’s a dish that refreshes without weighing you down.

Preparing gazpacho at home not only allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking, but it also ensures you’re using the freshest seasonal ingredients. It’s a quick recipe with a big payoff—perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove.

Beyond its taste, gazpacho represents the Mediterranean way of eating: healthy, flavorful, and rooted in local tradition. Once you try the authentic version, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple in Spanish kitchens.