This vibrant, chilled soup is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer. Made with fresh, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, this Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho is light, refreshing, and creamy, making it a fantastic dish for warm days. Garnished with fresh basil, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of basil oil, it brings together a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity, creating a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho is a showstopper when it comes to capturing the essence of summer. The combination of naturally sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber creates a creamy, silky texture that’s refreshing and satisfying. The addition of a little jalapeño gives it just the right amount of heat, while the sherry vinegar brings a touch of tang that balances the sweetness of the vegetables. It’s a make-ahead dish that’s easy to whip up, and the flavors only get better as it chills in the fridge. This gazpacho is perfect for outdoor gatherings, lunch on a warm day, or as a bright and colorful appetizer.

Ingredients

Gazpacho:

4 ears sweet corn
1 small cucumber, peeled and deseeded
1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded
1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes or 1 large yellow tomato
1 small shallot, peeled
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 small jalapeño, deseeded (optional)
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons kosher salt

For Topping:

Basil oil (optional)
Fresh sweet corn (optional; reserve about ¼ cup from above)
Heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Flaky sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Vegetables: Slice the corn kernels off each cob, scraping off any remaining pulp with the back of the knife to maximize creaminess. Set aside about ¼ cup of corn kernels for garnish if desired. Peel and deseed the cucumber. Peel the shallot and garlic. Deseed the yellow bell pepper and jalapeño (if using).
Blend the Gazpacho: Add the corn, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, tomatoes, shallot, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, lemon juice, sherry vinegar, and salt to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little extra olive oil or a splash of water until you achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Chill the Soup: Transfer the gazpacho to a container and refrigerate for at least two hours to let the flavors meld and develop.
Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, ladle the chilled gazpacho into bowls. Top with reserved corn kernels, sliced heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, a drizzle of basil oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

Add Protein: For a more filling dish, add some roasted chickpeas or a scoop of plant-based protein on top.
Spicy Version: If you love heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or even add a dash of hot sauce.
Herb Infusions: Experiment with adding other fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to complement the basil.
Fruit Twist: Add diced peaches or mango to the gazpacho for a sweet, tropical twist.
Vegan Cheese: Serve with a sprinkle of vegan cheese for a creamy, savory note.

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers: This gazpacho will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir it before serving as it may separate.
Freezing: While gazpacho is best fresh, you can freeze it. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may change slightly, but blending it again should restore its smoothness.
Reheating: Gazpacho is always served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If it’s too cold from the fridge, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho without a blender?

Yes! You can use a food processor or an immersion blender to achieve a similar creamy texture. Just blend long enough to ensure there are no chunks.

Is Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho gluten free?

Absolutely! There are no gluten-containing ingredients in this gazpacho, making it a safe and delicious choice for gluten-free diets.

How spicy is this gazpacho, and can I skip the jalapeno?

The jalapeno is optional. If you prefer a milder soup, simply skip it, or remove the seeds to reduce the heat. For more spice, leave the seeds in or add more jalapenos.

What type of corn works best?

Fresh, sweet corn harvested at the peak of its season is ideal for this gazpacho. However, if fresh corn isn’t available, you can substitute frozen corn—just make sure to thaw it before using.

Can I make Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho ahead for a party?

Yes, this gazpacho actually improves with time as the flavors meld. You can make it a day in advance and simply garnish it just before serving.

Can I use other vegetables in the gazpacho?

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Zucchini, roasted red peppers, or even a bit of carrot could work well.

How do I adjust the consistency of the gazpacho?

If the gazpacho is too thick, simply add more olive oil or a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.

Is there a substitute for sherry vinegar?

If you don’t have sherry vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I freeze this gazpacho?

Yes, while it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the gazpacho in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and blend it again to smooth out the texture.

How should I serve this gazpacho for a party?

Serve it in shot glasses for an appetizer or in bowls with plenty of garnishes for a more elegant presentation. For a fun twist, let guests top their gazpacho with a DIY garnish bar.

Conclusion

Summer Sweet Corn Gazpacho is the ultimate way to showcase the best of summer produce in a refreshing, creamy soup. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or a cool dish at a gathering, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this gazpacho is a must-try for the warm-weather months. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its sweet, savory, and utterly delightful taste.