Chilled Avocado and Tomatillo Soup with Cilantro and Jalapeño

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, creamy cold soup blending tart tomatillos and smooth avocado with a kick of jalapeño and fresh cilantro, perfect for Cinco de Mayo. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium, husked and rinsed tomatillos, large, peeled and pitted avocado, seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add 8 husked and rinsed tomatillos and boil for 7 minutes until softened and bright green. Drain and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine the cooled tomatillos, 2 large peeled and pitted avocados, 1 chopped seeded jalapeño pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
  5. Step 5: Stir well and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve cold garnished with extra cilantro leaves or thin jalapeño slices if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Avocado and Tomatillo Soup with Cilantro and Jalapeño take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chilled Avocado and Tomatillo Soup with Cilantro and Jalapeño?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Avocado and Tomatillo Soup with Cilantro and Jalapeño?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Avocado and Tomatillo Soup with Cilantro and Jalapeño for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chilled Avocado and Tomatillo Soup with Cilantro and Jalapeño vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.