The First Time I Screwed This Up…
I threw in underripe avocados and thought lemon juice would save the whole thing. Spoiler: it didn’t. I ended up with a weird, chunky tomato soup with green bits floating in it. Not gazpacho—more like a salad that lost its will to live. What I should have done was treat this like a cold sauce, not a smoothie. That’s where Ramsay’s thinking flips the switch.
This recipe isn’t just “blend it all and hope.” It’s about layering freshness, fat, and acid, and giving it time to become itself. And Ramsay’s version? Creamy from the avocado, bright from the lemon and vinegar, and balanced with just enough heat to snap it into focus.
Here’s how to get it right the first time.
Why This Works (And Where Most Go Wrong)
Most people make gazpacho like they’re making juice. Toss everything in a blender, pray it tastes okay. But Ramsay’s version builds in stages—texture, balance, chill. The avocado turns it into a creamy emulsion, not just a veggie bath.
Here’s where people usually mess it up:
- Underseasoning: Cold food mutes flavors. If it tastes good warm, it’ll taste bland cold.
- Wrong avocado texture: If your avocados aren’t ripe, you’re done before you start.
- Skipping the chill: It’s not optional. The fridge is where it tightens up and tastes finished.
Ingredients That Actually Matter
- Avocados (3 large) – Must be soft-ripe. You want buttery texture, not firm chunks.
- Tomato-vegetable juice (600ml) – This sets the base. I tested with plain tomato juice—it flattens the flavor. Use something like V8.
- Vegetable broth (600ml) – Keeps it light. I tried chicken stock—too rich, fights the freshness.
- Cucumber (150g) – Adds that cold crunch backbone. Peel it if your blender can’t handle skins.
- Fresh tomatoes (3 large) – Brings raw acidity. Use ripe ones or don’t bother.
- Canned tomatoes with juice (227g) – Builds umami depth. Adds body.
- Bell peppers (75g each, red + green) – Sweet and vegetal. Don’t sub with spicy ones.
- Green onions (3, sliced) – Milder than red or yellow onions, keeps the bite balanced.
- Lemon juice (1 whole lemon) – Use fresh. Bottled ruins the brightness.
- Cilantro (30g) – Herbaceous lift. Don’t like it? Use basil—but it changes the vibe.
- White wine vinegar (30ml) – Sharpens it. Don’t skip.
- Olive oil (60ml) – Emulsifies. Don’t overdo it or it gets greasy.
- Hot sauce (dash or more) – Heat is contrast. Go slow, taste fast.
- Salt + black pepper – Taste after chilling. It needs more than you think.
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Avocado Gazpacho
Start with a very large mixing bowl—you’re building cold layers, not cooking anything.
Combine the tomato-vegetable juice, vegetable broth, chopped fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, diced cucumber, both bell peppers, green onions, avocado chunks, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, cilantro, olive oil, and hot sauce.
Taste it now. Season generously—it should be punchy. Cold dulls flavor.
Blend it in batches. Full smooth if you want a sippable soup. Pulse if you want a spoonable texture.
Strain it if you’re going for fine dining; leave it rustic if you like body.
Cover and chill in the fridge at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. This is when it transforms.
Stir before serving. If it’s too thick (avocados thicken as they chill), loosen with a splash of broth or juice.
Garnish with chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a spoonful of diced avocado.

What Gordon Ramsay Says About This Dish
“You need freshness, heat, acidity—and balance.”
This isn’t just about cold soup. It’s about understanding that when something’s served chilled, the flavors have to be exaggerated. Ramsay always talks about letting ingredients speak for themselves—but he makes damn sure they’ve got a microphone.
“Texture is everything.”
He’d never serve a one-note soup. Blend it all? Sure. But leave something chunky? Only if it adds contrast. You control that. Ramsay would.
“Seasoning cold dishes takes confidence.”
You’ll think it’s salty enough. Chill it and you’ll realize it’s not even close. Taste after chilling. Then fix it.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Used underripe avocados once. It was fibrous and bitter. Fixed: Only use avocados that yield slightly to pressure—no shortcuts.
- Skipped the chill time. It tasted like disjointed salad. Fixed: Always chill at least 3 hours. Even better overnight.
- Underseasoned. Rookie move. Fixed: Taste after it’s cold, and always adjust before serving.
- Tried to use lime instead of lemon. Too sharp, didn’t balance with the vinegar. Fixed: Stick with lemon.
Variations That Actually Hold Up
- No cilantro? Basil or flat-leaf parsley works, but changes the flavor.
- Want it spicier? Add fresh jalapeño instead of just hot sauce—blends smoother.
- No vegetable broth? Use cold water + a little miso paste for umami depth.
- Vegan protein boost? Add silken tofu before blending. Makes it richer, no flavor clash.
Pro Tips That Change the Game
- Chill your bowls before serving – Maximizes the cold effect.
- Blend in two stages – Do veggies first, then avocados and oil. Keeps it vibrant, not muddy.
- Rest it overnight – Huge difference in flavor integration.
- Drizzle in olive oil slowly – Just like emulsifying a vinaigrette, this builds silkiness.
Storage + Leftover Moves
- Fridge: Airtight container, good for 2 days max. Avocado browns fast.
- Freezer: Nope. Texture breaks, color dies.
- Leftovers: Use as a sauce for grilled shrimp or as a chilled pasta dressing with herbs.
FAQs – Covering Search Intent
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken to bulk this up?
No. Hot meat in cold soup doesn’t work. If you want protein, use chilled poached shrimp or tofu.
Q: Why is Ramsay’s gazpacho so creamy?
It’s the avocado + slow olive oil addition. It creates a natural emulsion.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes. In fact, it tastes better after sitting overnight. Just stir and re-season before serving.
Q: What hot sauce does Gordon use?
He’s not brand-loyal, but go for something clean like Tabasco or Cholula—not overly sweet or smoky.
Q: Can I skip the canned tomatoes?
You can, but you’ll lose that dense umami base. Fresh-only makes it more watery.
Try More Recipes:
- Gordon Ramsay Meatball Soup Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Mexican Soup Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Turkey Soup Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Avocado Gazpacho Recipe
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes56
kcalCreamy, chilled avocado gazpacho packed with fresh veggies, zesty lemon, and bold flavor—perfect for hot days or light meals.
Ingredients
600ml tomato-vegetable juice cocktail
600ml vegetable broth
3 ripe avocados, peeled and cubed
3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
150g diced cucumber
227g canned chopped tomatoes with juice
75g green bell pepper, chopped
75g red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lemon (more to taste)
30g fresh cilantro, minced
30ml white wine vinegar
60ml extra-virgin olive oil
Dash of hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except olive oil.
- Blend in batches to desired consistency.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending for creaminess.
- Chill covered for at least 3 hours.
- Stir, taste, and re-season before serving cold.
Notes
- Chill your bowls before serving – Maximizes the cold effect.
- Blend in two stages – Do veggies first, then avocados and oil. Keeps it vibrant, not muddy.
- Rest it overnight – Huge difference in flavor integration.
- Drizzle in olive oil slowly – Just like emulsifying a vinaigrette, this builds silkiness.