We all look forward to the hearty, comforting soups of autumn and winter, but when summer rolls around, we need something to beat the heat! You might be surprised to learn that a hearty, comforting soup CAN fill this third criterion! Plus, a summer soup is a delicious alternative to salad that allows you use the season’s fresh market produce.

The key to a substantial summer soup is to make sure it includes more than just vegetables and herbs. There are various ways to give it a rich taste and texture:

• Add beans or dairy products; a dollop of sour cream or yogurt will make it more filling
• Incorporate fat in the form of olive oil, nuts or avocados
• Try adding grains like rice, barley, or bread

So are you ready to give cold soups a try? Here are some that will tantalize your palate and soothe your (too hot) soul!

1. Gazpacho is probably the first cold soup that comes to mind, right? This tomato-based concoction from Spain is delicious alongside cucumber sandwiches.
2. Or for a less-traditional gazpacho, try this watermelon-based one!
3. This Spinach, Shrimp and Avocado Soup is a warm one that will bring the flavors of the farmer’s market to your table!
4. Kathy’s Avocado Soup requires no cooking. That’s right, zero – just throw the ingredients in the blender and you’re on your way.
5. Raw Energy Soup features all sorts of green things, like cucumber, avocado, spinach, and herbs, along with some tomatoes and chicken stock.
6. Don’t knock Chilled Beet Soup until you’ve tried it! Beets are delicious and sweet -- the watermelon of the vegetable world.
7. Try a soup with a Thai twist, like this Coconut Corn Chowder. This one is a warm soup, but it takes advantage of the summer’s fresh corn, and its flavors are lightened up for summer with lime juice and coconut milk.
8. For more Asian flavor, this Summertime Seaweed Soup might just hit the spot!
9. Chilled Tomato Basil soup is delicious served with grilled garlic bread and a dollop of pureed avocado.
10. A Classic Vichyssoise is wonderful hot or cold, and is made with leeks, potatoes, onions, chicken broth and cream.
11. This Cucumber Yogurt soup is flavored with cumin and lemon juice. It would be perfect alongside pita chips and hummus or a bagel topped with cream cheese and lox.
12. This Green Goddess Zucchini Soup has four ingredients and is unbelievably easy to make.

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