Chilled Zucchini Soup with Chicken

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 40 min
  • Active: 35 min
Advertisement

Ingredients

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 leeks (white and light green parts), halved lengthwise and cut into half-moons

Kosher salt

1 1/2 pounds zucchini (2 to 3 medium), chopped

2 bay leaves (preferably fresh)

Freshly ground pepper 

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup fresh dill, plus 2 tablespoons chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, plus 2 tablespoons chopped

2 heaping cups cubed crusty white bread

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon juice

1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, season with salt and cook, stirring, until very soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the zucchini, bay leaves and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring, until coated, about 2 minutes. Add 4 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the zucchini is very tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves.
  2. Working in batches if necessary, transfer the zucchini mixture to a blender and puree with the buttermilk, 1 cup dill and 1/2 cup parsley. Pour into a large metal bowl set in a larger bowl of ice water. Let sit, stirring occasionally, until cooled, about 10 minutes. Season with salt if necessary.
  3. Meanwhile, toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt; spread on a baking sheet. Bake until toasted, 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Combine the chicken, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon zest and juice, mustard and 1 tablespoon each chopped dill and parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss.
  5. Divide the soup among bowls and top with the chicken and croutons. Sprinkle with the chopped dill and parsley.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Mike G.

If you think this is a quick cold soup recipe, think again!  It took me about 2 hours to make this.  Not for a weeknight dinner!  But then, being a cold soup, you can make it ahead if you have a free day to spend on it.<div><br /></div><div>Things like “2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken” SOUND quick, but are not.  Unless you have someone to deliver you freshly shredded rotisserie chicken at your home.</div>

See All Reviews