10 Easy and Refreshing Summer Soups Worth Cooking

Even in the heat of summer, a warm or chilled soup can be the perfect way to enjoy fresh flavors without feeling weighed down. These 10 easy and refreshing summer soups prove that you don’t have to skip soup when it’s warm outside—each recipe is simple, flavorful, and packed with seasonal ingredients that celebrate the best of summer produce.

Start with chilled cucumber and avocado soup, a creamy, cooling option that’s perfect for hot afternoons. Gazpacho, the classic Spanish tomato-based soup, combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and a hint of garlic for a refreshing, tangy bowl of goodness. For something lightly sweet, corn and red pepper soup highlights summer corn at its peak, blended into a silky, vibrant dish.

For a twist on traditional flavors, watermelon gazpacho is fruity, refreshing, and subtly savory, while tomato basil soup remains a timeless summer favorite that’s easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich. Chilled avocado and pea soup brings bright green color and creamy texture without heavy cream, making it light yet satisfying.

For a heartier option, light chicken and vegetable soup incorporates fresh summer vegetables with tender chicken, creating a nourishing bowl that’s still easy on the stove. Thai coconut and lemongrass soup offers exotic, zesty flavors with a hint of spice, while chilled beet and yogurt soup combines earthy beets with creamy yogurt for a stunningly colorful dish.

Finally, sweet corn chowder takes summer corn to the next level with a creamy base and simple seasonings, perfect for a cozy but not overly heavy meal.

These easy summer soups are quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and celebrate the fresh produce of the season. Whether served warm or chilled, they’re a perfect addition to any summer lunch or dinner, proving that soup can be just as cool as a summer salad.

Finnish Summer Soup

Fresh, seasonal vegetables are the star of this traditional and light Finnish soup. This summer soup recipe really highlights every vegetable, and it’s crucial to use fresh ingredients. Otherwise, the flavor will be too mild.

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Classic Vicchysoise

Potatoes and leeks are a match made in heaven for refreshing vichyssoise. Try this simple, flavorful ice-cold recipe on a hot, sweaty day.

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Fresh Summer Corn Chowder

There’s nothing like fresh summer corn, and this easy vegetarian chowder is the perfect way to celebrate it. This summer soup recipe pairs excellently with seafood and can easily be adapted into a seafood chowder featuring salmon, shrimp, or crab.

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Shrimp Gazpacho

This cold summer soup is like a mix between gazpacho and guacamole. It pairs well with sandwiches or sourdough bread on a hot summer day.

Lithuanian Saltibarsciai

This eye-catching soup will be the center of attention at your table thanks to its vibrant hue. It’s similar to other Eastern European cold beet soups, and pairs excellently with warm boiled potatoes.

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Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco, a cold Andalusian soup made with almonds and grapes, is like gazpacho’s cousin. It’s slightly thick, but its simple ingredients prevent it from feeling or tasting overwhelming.

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Chef John’s Gazpacho

This gazpacho has the perfect balance of flavors. With sweet, end-of-summer, tomatoes—there simply isn’t a substitute.

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Summer Squash So

If you’re trying to use up some extra zucchini, this simple soup is here to help. This soup comes together quickly and tastes great either hot or cold. You can even freeze it and save it or fall and winter.

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Quick Sweet Pea Soup

This light, refreshing summer soup tastes great at any temperature and highlights the often overlooked flavor and value of green peas. It’s simple and inexpensive to make but still distinct enough to impress your family or friends.

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Cold Yogurt Soup 

Made with yogurt, cucumbers, raisins, and fresh and dried herbs, this Persian summer soup is the ultimate cooling dish. It’s simple to assemble and tastes great made ahead, especially as part of a Persian lunch spread.

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