This cherry gazpacho is light and refreshing! Perfect for summer parties or a light, healthy snack.
I’m nervous, you guys. I’m kind of an introvert and have never been very good at public speaking. However, several months ago I enthusiastically agreed to do a cooking demo at the local farmer’s market. Suddenly that demo is a week away. Eek.
I decided I should make something that was easy and preferably didn’t involve any actual cooking. Gazpacho seemed like a perfect way to showcase market ingredients while being able to banter with people and answer questions. After a few experiments, I have my perfect recipe!
I had one word in mind while developing this recipe (NO, not “fear”). Refreshing. I wanted this chilled soup to be a refreshing summer snack or appetizer.
As I experimented with more traditional gazpacho ingredients I ran into issues. Cucumbers, basil, bell peppers, vinegar and bread resulted in muddled flavors that fought with the natural lightness of the cherries.
So I went back to the drawing board. Orange juice to enhance the cherries, lemon juice for a less acidic kick and shallots for a milder onion flavor.
Mint instead of basil because it’s incredible with cherries. The results were exactly what I was seeking- a light, refreshing, sweet and savory chilled soup. I think you’ll like it.
GAZPACHO RECIPE VARIATIONS
Want to experiment with a more unique gazpacho? I’ve got a fruit gazpacho recipes you might want to consider!
More Cherry Recipes
If you love this cherry gazpacho recipe, you may also like my Cherry Galette, Cherry Crisp, and Cherry Vanilla Muffins!
You can also check out my full archive of cherry recipes!
Cherry Gazpacho
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet cherries, pitted
- Juice from 1 large orange (about 1/4 cup)
- Juice from 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons shallot, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped finely
- salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Puree the cherries, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, shallot and mint in a blender until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Matt Gergeni says
Don’t be nervous about the cooking demo. I’m sure you will do great. The cherry gazpacho recipe looks interesting. I will definitely give it a shot!
Danielle H says
Love me some fresh cherries!! Would love to win!
Tara says
Wow, what a delicious sounding recipe! And a lovely, useful giveaway — great for the freelance writer and doctoral student. :)
Danielle H. says
Love fresh cherries! I am from Washington, now in Arizona and I miss stopping on the side of the road and buying a big bag for dirt cheap! Oh, and I would love to win!
natalie @ wee eats says
i’d use it for e-cookbooks!!! (and probably a lot of candy crush)
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat says
You’ll do great! I’m writing for a new magazine available only on iPads so it would come in handy to actually have one!
Casey says
I would use it to manage my blog and research recipes. I would use it for all things fun. And boring things as well, like paying bills. :(
Julienne says
Yum! This recipe is great. Good luck on the demo!
Nicole Fisher says
I would use a new iPad for following recipes when cooking in the kitchen :)
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
You’ll do awesome, Jen! It’s so important to challenge yourself with scary, exciting new opportunities and you’ll be so glad you did it once its over! This gorgeous gazpacho is a wonderful choice – it looks so delicious! Thanks for the giveaway, too.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Fab giveaway, I’d use the iPad for recipes!
Christina @ChristinasCucina.com says
You’ll be fabulous, Jennifer…and do you know why? Because it’s your recipe and you’re happy with the outcome and you believe in it! Love cherries, btw!!
Christina @ChristinasCucina.com says
Oh, and I’d use my ipad for recipes and food blogs! (of course!) :)
Sara says
good luck, the farmers market is lucky to have you!
Melissa M. says
I’d use it for recipes and reading iBooks!