Chilled Gazpacho with Olive Oil

Why This Recipe Works

• Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, which supports heart health. Lycopene is the compound that gives tomatoes their deep red color, and research consistently links it to lower risk of heart disease. Blending tomatoes actually makes lycopene easier for the body to absorb, so a bowl of gazpacho delivers more of this benefit than eating the tomato whole.
• Olive oil is the cornerstone fat of heart-healthy eating. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL cholesterol without lowering the HDL your heart needs. The small amount used here adds richness and depth of flavor without adding unnecessary saturated fat.
• Cold soup is a practical way to eat more vegetables at lunch. Most people struggle to eat enough vegetables during a busy day. Gazpacho packs three or four different vegetables into a single bowl with no cooking effort. It's a light lunch on its own or pairs well with a piece of whole-grain bread or a hard-boiled egg on the side.

Ingredients:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (about 4 cups), roughly chopped
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
• ½ small red onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup cold water (to adjust consistency)
• Optional garnishes: diced cucumber, diced pepper, fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Roughly chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. No need to be precise — the blender handles everything.
2. Add all the vegetables and the garlic cloves to a blender.
3. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute. Add cold water a little at a time to reach the consistency you like — some people prefer it thick, others more like a drinkable soup.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more vinegar for brightness, more salt if needed.
6. Pour into a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
7. Serve cold in bowls or cups. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and garnish with diced cucumber or fresh basil if desired.

Notes & Substitutions:

• Renal note: If you have been advised to limit potassium, reduce tomatoes to 2 cups and add more cucumber. Avoid adding croutons, which can add sodium. Use only a small amount of garlic if phosphorus is a concern.
• Make it chunkier: Reserve ¼ of the chopped vegetables before blending and stir them in after for texture.
• Add more protein: Serve alongside a hard-boiled egg, a small can of tuna, or whole-grain bread with a thin layer of avocado.
• Storage: Gazpacho keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir or shake before serving — it separates slightly as it sits.
• Tomato tip: The riper and more flavorful the tomatoes, the better the gazpacho. In peak summer, almost any tomato works. Out of season, use a mix of regular and cherry tomatoes for better sweetness.