Dessert

Roasted Red Pepper and Strawberry Gazpacho Recipe

ByEthan Lark December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

Introduction

This roasted red pepper and strawberry gazpacho is a vibrant twist on the classic cold soup. Combining sweet strawberries with smoky roasted peppers creates a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or elegant starters.

Two round glass bowls sit on a white tray with handles, filled with smooth, bright orange-red soup. Each bowl has a swirl of dark balsamic glaze on top, small green basil leaves in the middle, and crunchy golden-brown croutons scattered along with small pieces of light green cucumber and red tomato. A shiny golden spoon lies next to the bowls on the tray, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Red Bell Pepper
3 cups Fresh Strawberries
1 cup Cucumber
1/4 cup Onion
1 clove Garlic
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
1/2 cup Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
Salt, to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 slices Bread
2 cloves Garlic
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place the whole red bell pepper directly on the oven rack and roast for about 25 minutes until the skin is blackened and charred.
Step 2: Remove the pepper from the oven and place it in a large bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit for about 5 minutes to loosen the skin. Then peel off the skin, remove the stem and seeds.
Step 3: In a food processor, combine the roasted bell pepper, fresh strawberries, cucumber, onion, garlic, fresh thyme, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Process until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides.
Step 4: Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper to your taste. Pour the gazpacho through a wire mesh sieve to remove any seeds and fibers. Refrigerate to chill while preparing the croutons.
Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the bread slices, garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Cook for about 5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove the garlic and thyme sprigs from the pan. Cut the bread into croutons if desired.
Step 7: To serve, ladle the chilled gazpacho into bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, and top with the homemade croutons. You can optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves and avocado cubes for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother texture, blend the gazpacho a second time after straining.
Substitute fresh basil for thyme if you prefer a different herbaceous note.
Add a splash of sherry vinegar for a slightly different tangy flavor.
Use day-old rustic bread for croutons to ensure crispiness.
Chill the gazpacho for at least 2 hours for best flavor and refreshing coolness.

Storage

Store any leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving as some separation may occur. Reheat is not recommended; this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold. Keep croutons separate and add just before serving to maintain their crunch.

How to Serve

Two glass bowls filled with smooth orange-red soup sit side by side on a white tray with handles. Each bowl has a swirl of dark balsamic drizzle on top, with small golden-brown croutons scattered in the center. Bright green basil leaves and small pieces of red and yellow vegetables add fresh color to the soup's surface. A shiny golden spoon lies on the tray below the bowls. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this gazpacho ahead of time?

Yes, this gazpacho actually tastes better when made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of fresh thyme?

If you don’t have fresh thyme, fresh basil or oregano can be used as alternatives. Dried herbs are less recommended as they won’t provide the same fresh flavor.