Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho with Balsamic Zest

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

A refreshing cold soup with a tangy balsamic finish that enhances the natural sour notes of tomatoes and cucumber. This spanish-inspired soups ready in about 20 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 85 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 2 Spanish cuisine 85 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp parsley. Pulse until chunky, then add 1/2 cup ice cubes and blend until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Chill the soup for 1 hour. Serve with additional balsamic vinegar drizzled on top for a tangy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho with Balsamic Zest take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho with Balsamic Zest?

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 cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho with Balsamic Zest?

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 Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho with Balsamic Zest 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.

What goes well with Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho with Balsamic Zest?

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.

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