Sweet. Fresh. Just a little tangy. This chilled Strawberry Basil Soup is a super refreshing dish that’s perfect on a hot day. It’s light, simple, and tastes like summer in a bowl.
It’s a no-cook recipe, so there’s no heating up your kitchen. Just blend, chill, and enjoy. Let’s get into it!
🍓 What You’ll Need
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (plus more for swirling on top)
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe takes me back to a summer trip in Italy where I first tried fruit soup. It surprised me—in the best way. It was cooling, creamy, and just slightly savory. Ever since then, I make this at the first sign of warm weather.
- It’s perfect for picnics or as a light starter
- You don’t need to cook anything
- It’s make-ahead friendly
- The combo of sweet, herb, and tang is so refreshing
🍽️ Servings & Time
- Servings: 4 small bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Strawberries are naturally high in water and sugars. Blending them creates a smooth puree, and the yogurt adds protein and richness. Basil adds a floral note that balances the sweetness, while balsamic vinegar boosts the flavor with a little acid. The salt brings all those flavors together.
💡 Meal Plan Ideas
- Starter: Serve before a light pasta dish or grilled chicken
- Brunch Side: Pair with a croissant or scone
- Dessert Twist: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt
🚫 Common Mistakes
- Using underripe strawberries: You won’t get that juicy sweetness.
- Adding too much vinegar: A little goes a long way.
- Skipping the chill time: The flavors need time to develop.
- Over-blending basil: It can turn bitter if over-processed.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Fresh baguette with goat cheese
- Sparkling lemonade
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled shrimp skewers
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Serving bowls and spoons
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan option
- Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for dairy-free
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a bold twist
- Use mint instead of basil if you prefer
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
- Make it the day before and chill overnight
- Blend and strain ahead, then stir in yogurt before serving
👩🍳 How to Make Strawberry Basil Soup
Step 1: Prep the strawberries
Rinse and hull your strawberries. If they’re large, cut them in half. This helps them blend more smoothly.
Step 2: Blend the strawberries and basil
Add strawberries, basil leaves, and water to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Add honey, vinegar, and salt
Add honey, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt to the blender. Blend again to mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Blend in the Greek yogurt
Add the Greek yogurt and blend just until smooth and creamy. Don’t over-blend or it might turn runny.
Step 5: Strain (optional)
If you want a super smooth soup, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Press gently with a spoon to get all the juice out.
Step 6: Chill
Cover and chill the soup in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors come together.
Step 7: Serve and garnish
Pour into bowls. Swirl in a little yogurt on top, then add sliced strawberries and a basil leaf for garnish. Serve cold.
🖼️ AI Image Prompt:
Top-down shot of four white bowls filled with strawberry basil soup, each garnished with a swirl of yogurt, sliced strawberries, and a fresh basil leaf. Set on a white marble table with hints of gold, with a wooden serving tray beneath. With all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Stir before serving if it separates
- Not freezer-friendly
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first so they blend easily.
Can I skip the yogurt?
Sure! It’ll be more like a fruit purée, but still delicious.
How do I make it sweeter?
Add more honey or even a splash of orange juice.
Do I have to strain it?
Nope, but it gives a silky-smooth finish if you do.
🌟 Wrap-Up
This Strawberry Basil Soup is one of those recipes that surprises people—in the best way. It’s sweet, tangy, and totally refreshing. Perfect when it’s hot and you want something a little fancy but super easy.
If you make it, leave a comment and tell me how it turned out or what you served it with! I’d love to hear. 🍓💬