Orange and Almond Cold Soup (Ajo Blanco)
A refreshing Andalusian cold soup blending blanched almonds, garlic, and citrus, perfect for a light summer starter. This spanish-inspired soups ready in about 15 minutes pairs blanched almonds, crust removed stale white bread, peeled garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup blanched almonds
- 2 slices, crust removed stale white bread
- 2, peeled garlic cloves
- 3 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large orange, peeled and sliced fresh orange segments
- 1/2 cup sliced green grapes
- 2 tbsp, for garnish toasted sliced almonds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 cup blanched almonds, 2 slices crustless stale white bread, and 2 peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until finely ground.
- Step 2: With the processor running, slowly add 3 cups cold water, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, and 1 tsp salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Transfer the soup to a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Before serving, stir the soup gently. Ladle into bowls and garnish each with fresh orange segments from 1 large peeled orange, 1/2 cup sliced green grapes, and 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds.
- Step 5: Serve immediately as a refreshing cold starter on a warm day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange and Almond Cold Soup (Ajo Blanco) take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Orange and Almond Cold Soup (Ajo Blanco)?
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 blanched almonds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange and Almond Cold Soup (Ajo Blanco)?
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 Orange and Almond Cold Soup (Ajo Blanco) 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.
What goes well with Orange and Almond Cold Soup (Ajo Blanco)?
Spanish soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
