Just a pinch of fresh mint from the garden is all you need to spruce up this fresh summer soup.
A bit of zucchini and some fresh blueberries.
A lil’ balsamic vinegar.
A few Jersey fresh tomatoes.
Some freshly squeezed orange juice.
And you’re all set.
A sweet n’ simple, gluten-free n’ vegan chilled soup that will cool you off even on the hottest July day.
So, as your frazzled in your kitchen, sweating away … wondering what to make for your 4th of July BBQ…
Take a break.
Make this soup.
And relax.
It will make you feel so much better.
So much better.
Then, you can stress and start planning your BBQ for the weekend.
Sips up.
Here’s to a refreshing and cooling way to spend your Monday.
Not bad, huh?
Minty Zucchini n’ Blueberry Soup
Gluten-Free and Vegan
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 5 plum tomatoes
- 2 large zucchinis, chopped
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor; pulse until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl, covered.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve chilled.
- Enjoy!
And just in time for the July 4th upcoming weekend, here are 5 quick n’ easy ways to boost flavor in your healthy dishes:
Chutney
This tart n’ sweet condiment is found in just about every food store and gourmet market. I love using chutney to brighten everything from salads to pilafs to stuffed mushrooms and peppers. You can easily stir in a few teaspoons into hot or chilled soup just before serving or toss sauteed tofu or shrimp with chutney and serve over quinoa for a flavorful meal.
Curry Paste
This Indian pantry staple is a blend of herbs, spices and chiles and can range from fiery to mild. Toss a teaspoon into the pot when steaming mussels or add to stews, soups and gluten-free pasta dishes. I love using curry paste when I’m creating risotto. A favorite summer recipe of mine is combining steamed eggplant, tomatoes and curry paste in a food processor with cilantro for a tasty and fresh dip.
Truffle Oil
It may cost a pretty penny to purchase, but it’s worth the flavor. A mere drizzle of this black or white oil can truly lift the flavor of any dish. Minutes before serving, add a bit of truffle oil to mashed sweet potatoes, soups or toss into salads and gluten-free grains.
Hot Sauce
A fine blend of vinegar, salt and chiles, this sauce gives any dish a real kick when a touch of flavor is necessary. Use hot sauce in your tomato soups, eggs, stir-fries and tofu scrambles.
Pesto
An herby Italian staple that can wow your taste buds in many dishes aside from the good ol’ pasta. Toss with steamed asparagus or combine with balsamic vinegar for a salad dressing. You can easily create your own pesto and add it to tofu, fish, eggs and chicken. I enjoy pesto atop salads and steamed veggies for a sweet summer snack and side dish.
This looks so refreshing – and a great “recovery” food from a food heavy weekend!
Anything I could sub in for the orange juice? I don’t have any on hand…
Also Amie – may I ask your opinion about blogs and “influences”. I catch myself in a “bind” I guess – I enjoy reading and writing on my own – but sometimes I worry that blogging/ggers can be a negative influence in leading to further comparisons, body insecurities, “why can’t I eat/work out like that”?…any thoughts?
Thanks so much; hope you enjoy this recipe….you can use lemon juice, lime juice and grapefruit juice instead of the orange juice for this recipe. I’m ready to make this soup after a long weekend of eating too much BBQ foods, hehe…it was all worth it though! My opinion is to not compare yourself to anyone else and to be unique to yourself and not worry about what others are eating/doing/enjoying/not enjoying and live your life and do/eat/live with what makes you feel good and don’t worry about what anyone else or any other blogs are doing…you need to make yourself happy and be honest with yourself….do what you love and you will be happy…go for a walk, meditate, enjoy your favorite foods…no need for comparisons or seeing what others are doing to make them happy when all that matters is your happiness.
Have a great holiday!
This sounds unusually delicious. I am going to have to try it to find out for myself.
Thank you, Sherilyn! Great to hear from you. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
Hii Amie! You have such a cute blog~and you spell your name just like a friend 😛 I love your chocolate avocado pudding recipe below!!
Aww thanks so much, Ellie. Great to hear from you! So happy to hear you enjoyed this avocado pudding recipe…Have a wonderful night and thank you again for your comments and sweet note. I love your blog, as well…perfectly done and fabulous, Ellie!
xo