Serves 2-3

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 avocado, peeled
• 2 chopped scallions
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup Greek low-fat yogurt
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper, or to taste

GARNISH:

• Chopped chives, dill, mint, scallions, or cucumber

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the cucumber, avocado, and scallions in a blender. Pulse until chopped.
2. Add yogurt, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the blender and continue blending until smooth.
3. Season the mixture with ground pepper and salt to taste.
4. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if needed.
6. Serve the chilled soup in bowls and garnish with chopped chives, dill, mint, scallions, or cucumber on top.

Enjoy this refreshing and creamy cucumber avocado soup as a light and healthy appetizer or snack!

VARIATIONS:

1. Spicy Cucumber Avocado Soup: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blender to give the soup some heat. Garnish with sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
2. Herbed Cucumber Avocado Soup: Blend in a handful of fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or mint to enhance the flavor. Garnish with additional chopped herbs for a burst of freshness.
3. Cooling Cucumber Mint Avocado Soup: Increase the amount of fresh mint in the recipe and blend until smooth. The mint will add a refreshing and cooling taste to the soup.
4. Creamy Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian-friendly gazpacho. Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and a splash of red wine vinegar to give it a gazpacho twist.
5. Lime and Cilantro Cucumber Avocado Soup: Replace the lemon juice with lime juice and add a generous amount of chopped cilantro to the blender. This variation adds a zesty and tangy flavor.
6. Coconut Cucumber Avocado Soup: Replace the chicken broth with coconut milk to create a creamy and tropical taste. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
7. Curried Cucumber Avocado Soup: Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder or curry paste to the blender for a unique and aromatic flavor. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprinkle with chopped cashews.
8. Roasted Cucumber Avocado Soup: Instead of using fresh cucumber, roast the cucumber chunks in the oven until slightly caramelized before blending with the other ingredients. This will add depth and smokiness to the soup.
9. Asian-inspired Cucumber Avocado Soup: Blend in a teaspoon of soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar for an Asian twist. Top with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
10. Tex-Mex Cucumber Avocado Soup: Add a tablespoon of chopped green chilies and a hint of ground cumin to the blender. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
11. Mango Cucumber Avocado Soup: Add chunks of ripe mango to the blender along with the cucumber and avocado. The sweetness of the mango complements the creaminess of the avocado, creating a tropical and refreshing soup.
12. Roasted Red Pepper Cucumber Avocado Soup: Roast red bell peppers in the oven until charred, then add them to the blender with the other ingredients. The roasted peppers add a smoky and sweet flavor to the soup.