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+ servings
ajo blanco summer soup garnished with green olives and olive oil

California Style Ajo Blanco - A Refreshing Summer Soup Recipe

Jaíne Mackievicz
This creamy cold soup from Andalusia, Spain, often known as "white gazpacho", charms with its nutty, garlicky flavors, achieved by blending almonds, bread, garlic, and a touch of vinegar for a subtle acidity. My California-inspired version adds cucumber for enhanced cooling qualities and a lighter texture, complemented by celery. Instead of vinegar, I use a green apple to add a balance of tartness and sweetness with a unique twist. The base is water, but almond milk can be used to intensify the almond flavor. It's delicious when simply served with a generous drizzle of olive oil, fresh grapes, or slices of cantaloupe. It can also be thickened for use as a vegetable dip. In my home, its smooth and refreshing flavors make it a standout addition to every summer menu.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 4 servings
Calories 245 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup blanched almonds
  • 1 large Persian cucumber peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • ½ green apple preferably Granny Smith, cored and chopped
  • 2 slices of country bread crusts removed
  • 1 cup water or ½ cup, depending on desired thickness
  • *can substitute with almond milk
  • 1 large garlic clove or more
  • 1 tsp kosher salt + more to adjust

To serve

Instructions
 

  • Combine the almonds, cucumber, celery, apple, garlic, salt, bread, and water or almond milk in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust if necessary.
  • Adjust thickness by adding more water or almond milk if needed and blend again.
  • Refrigerate the soup for at least 2 hours, until chilled.
  • Pour the chilled soup into the serving containers of choice (be creative!)
  • Garnish with green grapes and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

If you need help blanching the almonds...Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil.
Carefully add the 1 cup of raw almonds to the boiling water and let them boil for about 1 minute. Do not overcook, as this can make the almonds soggy.
Drain the almonds in a colander and immediately rinse them under cold running water to cool them down and stop the cooking process.
Once the almonds are cool enough to handle (but don't wait too long), gently squeeze each almond between your fingers. The skin should slip off easily. Then discard the skins, and your almonds will be ready to use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 9gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 660mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 78IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 2mg
Keyword ajo blanco, soup, summer soup
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