Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Herb Croutons

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

A chilled, refreshing soup featuring cool cucumber, bright mint, and crunchy herb-crusted croutons for a vibrant summer meal. This spanish-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 33 minutes pairs Cucumbers, Cherry tomatoes, Red onion 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 80 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Blend 2 peeled and diced cucumbers, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup cucumber juice, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a blender until smooth, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract liquid; discard pulp. Chill for 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Toss 1 slice baguette (cut into 1/2-inch cubes) with 1/2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until golden, then cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Herb Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Herb Croutons?

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 cucumbers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Herb Croutons?

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 Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Herb Croutons 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 Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Herb Croutons vegan?

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

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