Celebrated chef Ludo Lefebvre has concocted a light and flavorful no-cook summer dish for all to enjoy. By adding the slight tanginess from strawberries to the mix, his cold gazpacho is the perfect counter for summer heat.

Hailing from the southernmost region of Spain, Andalusia, gazpacho is a chilled soup renowned for its chilled, blended raw or blanched vegetables. "Initially, we only came across tomato-based gazpacho in restaurants," shares past F&W editor Tina Ujlaki. "Now, we see delightful versions made from almond, grape, and even melon. It's a rather undemanding dish to prepare; a blender and some succulent tomatoes are all you need to kickstart the process."

Factoring in its origin, gazpacho was created for sweltering Andalusian summers. Not requiring any cooked heat, this dish thrives on abundant summertime produce. Served cold, this dish offers a refreshing respite from the smoldering summer days. Topping it with a dollop of whipped cream provides a delightful and classy finish to this ideal summertime indulgence.

In creating this savory cold soup, use six ripe, premium quality tomatoes, one red pepper, one cucumber, one spring onion, two garlic cloves, six strawberries, a half tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of Jerez vinegar (also known as sherry vinegar), one and a half cups of raw cream or heavy cream, salt, pepper, and four small pinches of Espelette pepper.

Preparation requires different steps. First, de-stem and blanch the tomatoes in boiling water before peeling them. Prep the cucumber and red pepper by removing seeds and peels. Also, peel and halve the garlic cloves, making sure to remove the green germ. Dice these veggies and blend them with the olive oil, vinegar, and strawberries, seasoning it with salt and pepper to your heart's content. Whisk the cream to a soft whipped cream texture in a chilly salad bowl.

Finally, serve the gazpacho in individual bowls, topping it generously with a spoonful of the whipped cream. Finish off with a hint of Espelette pepper on the cream. Be ready to savor the taste of a dish that spells refreshing, wholesome summer.