Cold soups reimagine the traditional bowl of soup. They turn soups into a vibrant, cooling delight perfect for summer days or when you want something light and refreshing. From the tangy zing of gazpacho to the smooth elegance of chilled pea soup, these recipes use simple, well-known ingredients to make something familiar yet different, putting cold soups on the map for lunch or dinner.
Can you eat soup cold?
Yes! Though often associated with warmth, soups can also shine when served cold. Cold soups can be served as a refreshing starter or a main meal – either for lunch or dinner – highlighting seasonal produce and offering a range of flavours and colours. If you are new to this style, our recipe collection gives you an easy way into the refreshing world of chilled soups.
What soup is served cold?
Typically, cold soups are a culinary tradition in warmer regions, for example, Spain, offering a cooling and flavourful option on hot days. One of the most famous ones is the Spanish gazpacho, which is similar to a traditional warm tomato soup but served cold with fresh, crunchy vegetables on top. There are many cold soups to choose from, and they all provide a refreshing, chilled sensory experience, from silky purees to broths with delicate crunch. Explore some of our favourites below.
Cold pea soup
Our recipe for cold pea soup combines the natural sweetness of fresh peas with the creamy richness of avocado, creating a vibrant green base that is smooth and refreshing. Topped with succulent prawns and a dollop of garlic cream, this soup achieves a delicate balance of savoury and sweet flavours. A splash of sparkling wine adds a playful fizz to each spoonful, elevating it as a sophisticated starter. Served in chilled glasses, it is a light yet elegant way to enjoy summer dining.
Cucumber soup
Enjoy another chilled favourite with our chilled cucumber soup with avocado and mint. The light, cooling, bright green base is elevated with toppings such as flaky hot-smoked salmon, crunchy edamame, and tangy white cheese crumbles. It is the perfect example of a cold soup where the fresh, cold toppings help a simple, chilled base shine.
Chilled pea soup
Dig into a blend of sweet peas, tender asparagus, zingy lemongrass, spicy chilli, and cool cucumber in this chilled pea soup. Blend everything into a smooth, irresistible soup with an aromatic twist from Moroccan mint and a creamy texture from white cheese. It is vibrant and smooth, and decorated with sugar snap peas and asparagus tops, you get a touch of texture to break with the smoothness. The soup also offers a delightful burst of fresh flavours and a beautiful green colour.
Gazpacho
The classic Spanish Gazpacho combines ripe tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers into a refreshing blend perfect for hot days. Sherry vinegar adds tanginess, while olive oil lends a smooth, luxurious texture. Traditionally thickened with bread, this gazpacho offers a satisfying body without feeling heavy. Its vibrant red hue and rich flavour capture the essence of a summer harvest. Garnish with fresh basil and crunchy croutons for a mix of rustic and refined, ideal for casual lunches or elegant appetisers.
Watermelon gazpacho
Shake up a classic with our watermelon gazpacho recipe, a fruity twist on the traditional Spanish soup. It combines the sweet juiciness of watermelon with the mild flavour of tomatoes and the crispness of cucumber. Fresh jalapeño brings a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the watermelon, and with a smooth white cheese sauce and fresh herbs on top, it is a refreshing, vibrant option perfect for a warm day.
Dive into our inspiring soup universe
Cold soups are just one of the many ways to enjoy the endless variety that soup has to offer. If you are inspired to explore more, dive into our other soup collections. Try our winter soups for hearty, warming bowls perfect for chilly days, or our refreshing summer soups that celebrate the fresh ingredients of the season in light, refreshing broths. You can also see a selection of easy soup recipes, presenting simple and quick soups to make on busy weekdays. No matter the season or occasion, our soup universe has a flavourful recipe waiting for you.