Chilled Sweet Corn Gazpacho

The vibrant sweetness of summer corn meets the golden acidity of yellow tomatoes in this luxuriously smooth chilled gazpacho. Rounded out with cucumber and bell pepper, and brightened by fresh basil and a whisper of vinegar, this dish is summer’s answer to soup.

This gazpacho is the ultimate no-cook recipe, perfect for sweltering afternoons when you want something refreshing and satisfying without turning on the stove. Drizzled with basil oil and topped with crisp microgreens, each spoonful delivers a balance of creaminess and freshness that celebrates summer’s peak produce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 ears fresh sweet corn, kernels removed

• 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 small yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped

• 1 small shallot, peeled

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup water (as needed for consistency)

• Basil oil or extra virgin olive oil, for garnish

• Microgreens or fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:

1. Reserve 1/2 cup of the corn kernels for garnish and set aside.

2. In a high-powered blender, combine the remaining corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, shallot, garlic, basil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy. While the blender is running, slowly stream in the olive oil to emulsify.

4. Check the consistency. Add a splash of water if the soup is too thick, blending again briefly.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or vinegar if needed.

6. Chill the gazpacho in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the soup fully chill.

7. Before serving, stir well and divide into bowls. Garnish with reserved corn kernels, a drizzle of basil oil or olive oil, and a handful of microgreens or torn basil leaves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chilled Sweet Corn Gazpacho: A Golden Spoonful of Summer

When the heat rises and appetite wanes, cold soups like gazpacho emerge as culinary lifesavers. Among the many versions, Chilled Sweet Corn Gazpacho stands out for its golden hue, creamy texture, and bright, garden-fresh flavor. This dish is more than a refreshing summer staple, it’s a celebration of peak produce, smart seasonal eating, and no-fuss nutrition.

Traditionally, gazpacho hails from Andalusia in southern Spain, where ripe tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and stale bread are blended into a cold soup. Over time, chefs and home cooks alike began experimenting with different ingredients, moving beyond the red tomato base to embrace everything from watermelon to cucumber and beetroot. Sweet corn, with its creamy body and natural sugars, is a particularly exciting twist on the classic gazpacho, offering both richness and subtle sweetness while remaining entirely plant-based.

Why Sweet Corn?

Corn is one of summer’s greatest gifts. In this gazpacho, it lends a mild, sweet flavor and creamy mouthfeel without the need for dairy. When fresh corn is blended, it produces a velvety consistency that makes this soup feel indulgent even though it’s composed almost entirely of vegetables.

Moreover, corn is high in dietary fiber, antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin (great for eye health), and B vitamins such as thiamine and folate. When used fresh and raw, as in this dish, it maintains much of its natural enzyme activity, making it not just delicious but nutritionally beneficial.

The Supporting Cast: Yellow Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, and Basil

Every spoonful of this gazpacho delivers more than corn. Yellow cherry tomatoes provide acidity and balance without the harsh bite of red varieties. Their mellow sweetness pairs beautifully with corn, reinforcing that golden summer flavor.

Yellow bell peppers add a gentle crunch and mellow bitterness that grounds the soup. Cucumber brings hydration and a cooling quality that’s indispensable in hot weather.

Garlic and shallots add complexity and bite, while a touch of white wine vinegar enhances brightness. But perhaps the most important aromatic in this dish is fresh basil—a fragrant herb that complements corn like few others. Whether blended into the soup or drizzled on top as basil oil, its inclusion elevates the entire dish.

No-Cook, No-Fuss: The Beauty of Blender Soups

One of the strongest appeals of gazpacho is its convenience. This is a meal that doesn’t require a stovetop or oven, making it ideal for hot summer days when you’d rather not heat up your kitchen. All the ingredients are simply added to a blender and puréed until smooth.

This simplicity does not come at the cost of sophistication. Served chilled in a bowl or glass, topped with microgreens, extra corn kernels, or a swirl of olive oil or basil oil, this dish can feel as elegant as something you’d find in a fine-dining restaurant.

For best results, always chill the gazpacho for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and mature, deepening the overall taste and improving texture.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Gazpacho can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a light main course, or even a small-portion palate cleanser during a multi-course meal. Here are some ideas to help your dish shine:

• Appetizer: Serve it in chilled soup bowls or cups with grilled crostini on the side.

• Main Course: Pair with a light salad, such as arugula and shaved fennel, or an avocado tartine.

• Tapas-Style Meal: Serve alongside marinated olives, spiced nuts, and grilled veggies for a vibrant, shared plate experience.

• With Wine: Pair this gazpacho with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

For texture contrast, consider garnishing with crunchy elements like toasted pumpkin seeds, croutons, or even a crumble of feta (if not keeping it vegan). For added protein, a side of grilled shrimp skewers or marinated tofu cubes would complement the flavor without overpowering it.

How to Store Gazpacho

One of the joys of this dish is how well it stores. In fact, it often tastes better the next day after chilling overnight. Store the gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a stir before serving to redistribute any natural separation.

Avoid freezing the soup, as the texture may change dramatically due to the high water content and natural starches in the corn. If you need to prep in advance for a party or meal plan, you can chop and portion your ingredients and refrigerate them, blending just before serving.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Additions

This gazpacho is incredibly versatile. While the recipe here emphasizes yellow produce for a golden color and sweet finish, you can easily tweak the ingredients to match your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Here are some creative ideas:

• Add Heat: Include a small piece of jalapeño or serrano pepper for a spicy kick.

• Avocado Creaminess: Blend in half an avocado for a richer, more luscious texture.

• Tangy Yogurt: Swirl in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or vegan coconut yogurt.

• Different Herbs: Swap basil for mint, cilantro, or tarragon depending on your flavor preference.

• Protein Boost: Top with crispy chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for a more filling meal.

You could also mix the reserved corn kernels with diced tomatoes and a squeeze of lime for a salsa-style garnish, which adds texture and extra freshness.

Conclusion

This Chilled Sweet Corn Gazpacho is not just another summer recipe, it’s a refreshing ode to seasonal eating, simplicity, and the sheer joy of combining fresh, raw ingredients in a creative way. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, hosting a garden dinner, or simply looking for something nourishing and beautiful to enjoy on a hot day, this dish delivers in flavor, appearance, and ease.

The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. It adapts to what’s in season, what you like, and how you choose to serve it. With no cooking required, it’s a go-to recipe that proves sophisticated doesn’t have to mean complicated.

So, gather your golden produce, fire up your blender, and cool down with this sweet, silky, herb-kissed gazpacho, summer’s most elegant bowl of sunshine.