Authentic Cold Gazpacho with Heirloom Tomatoes

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-04 · Updated 2026-04-04

A refreshing Spanish soup made with ripe heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, and garlic, blended to a silky texture with no added cream. This spanish-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 cups, chopped heirloom tomatoes
• 1 medium, peeled and chopped cucumber
• 1, chopped red bell pepper
• 3, peeled garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup, chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup cubed day-old bread
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place bread cubes in a bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for 5 minutes until softened. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a blender, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, red onion, olive oil, vinegar, cilantro, and soaked bread. Blend on low speed for 1 minute, then increase to high and blend for 2 more minutes until completely smooth.
3. Step 3: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract all liquid and leaving behind any fibrous bits. Discard solids.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup cold water, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the soup to chill completely.
5. Step 5: Before serving, stir in 1 tbsp olive oil for a glossy finish. Serve chilled in chilled bowls, garnished with a few tomato slices and cilantro sprigs.