Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Lemon Juice

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

A chilled, herbaceous soup featuring cool cucumbers, zesty mint, and bright lemon for a refreshing starter. This spanish-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes brings together large cucumbers, mint leaves, tomato juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 135 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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 Serves 2 Spanish cuisine 135 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and chop 2 large cucumbers into 1-inch pieces, then pulse in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup mint leaves, 1/2 cup tomato juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 tsp salt, and pinch of black pepper to the processor.
  3. Step 3: Blend on high for 2 minutes until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. Step 4: Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove excess pulp, pressing with a spoon to extract liquid.
  5. Step 5: Chill for at least 2 hours before serving, then garnish with extra mint leaves.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Lemon Juice take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Lemon Juice?

Refrigerate any leftover cucumber-mint gazpacho with lemon juice in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Mint Gazpacho with Lemon Juice?

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 Lemon Juice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon Juice vegetarian?

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

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