9 Chilled Summer Soups To Make When It's Hot Outside

Dip into one of these refreshing chilled soups this summer.

While you may think of soup as a dish to serve during cooler months of the year, chilled soups can provide a cooling respite from summer's sultry heat. They can make a great start to a light meal or serve as a main course when paired with a fresh salad and warm bread. Chilled soups and gazpachos are a delicious way to use the fresh produce that is spilling out of the farmers' market this season—and we're taking our list of the best chilled summer soups way beyond tomatoes.

We're calling on avocados, watermelon, cucumbers, radishes, corn, bell peppers, and a bevy of fresh herbs to serve up these refreshing summertime dishes. If you're looking to really up the ante, serve these cold summer soups in chilled bowls by placing the bowls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. It'll keep the soup cold for longer. Dip into one of these refreshing chilled soups this summer.

Cucumber-Buttermilk Soup

Cucumbers are one of the most prolific growers in the garden, so we're always looking for new ways to use this vegetable. Our tangy and fresh Cucumber-Buttermilk Soup is going to be your summertime go-to. Fresh mint and tarragon give the creamy soup a wonderful flavor.

Green Tomato Gazpacho

We're giving gazpacho the Southern treatment by using green tomatoes instead of red. In this recipe, bright green tomatoes, English cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and loads of tender herbs are blended together with a squeeze of lime juice. Pro tip: Salt the vegetables before you blend them to remove excess liquid.

Sweet Corn-Bell Pepper Soup

This is summer's finest bounty, by the bowlful. Fresh ears of corn make this soup pleasantly sweet and filling enough for a light supper. Seek out orange bell peppers for soup with a beautiful gold color.

Chilled Radish-and-Avocado Soup

This effervescent soup has a peppery bite from radishes, hot sauce, and chili powder, which is balanced by creamy avocados, buttermilk, and a little honey. Cold sparkling water is not a typo in the ingredient list. It brings just a hint of bubbly interest to the palate with each spoonful.

Sweet Pea-Avocado Soup

Find a prettier summer soup—we dare you. Our Sweet Pea-Avocado Soup incorporates baby spinach and cilantro leaves for brilliant green color. This dish also uses sparkling water for a bit of bubble.

Chilled Strawberry Soup

We couldn't share our list of favorite chilled soups without including something sweet. This dreamy strawberry soup is delicious with a summertime brunch or fruit-forward salad. The recipe calls for blending berries with Greek yogurt, Riesling, and a bit of sugar. A drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper really brings the soup alive.

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Cucumbers, avocado, Greek yogurt, basil leaves, and fresh flat-leaf parsley give this chilled soup its vibrant color and lively flavor. The whole dish comes together in your blender. Just process, chill, plate, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish of thinly sliced cucumber, basil leaves, and fresh cracked black pepper.

Watermelon Gazpacho

This vivid soup features summer's favorite fruit. Watermelon and cucumber are blended with jalapeño and onion for just a touch of heat. You can spruce it up for any soiree with colorful garnishes such as minced vegetables, a dollop of sour cream, croutons, seafood, avocado, or cilantro.

Chilled Sweet Corn Soup

Using yellow corn instead of white or bi-colored ensures that this soup is the perfect bright color. Plus, it only takes 20 minutes of hands-on time to make and can be kept in the refrigerator until it's time for serving.

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.