Summer Borscht

A refreshing and vibrant soup, Summer Borscht is a chilled beet soup that’s light, tangy, and perfect for warm weather. With crisp cucumbers, fresh dill, and a creamy touch from vegan sour cream, it’s a cooling dish that celebrates summer produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Summer Borscht is an ideal dish for hot days when you want something nourishing yet refreshing. The beets provide a naturally sweet earthiness, balanced with vinegar and lemon juice for brightness. Fresh dill and green onions add herbal freshness, while cucumbers bring a crunchy texture. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead for a convenient, chilled meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 medium sized beets, scrubbed with tops and bottoms trimmed
3 cups water (or enough to cover the beets in a pot)
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/2 cup cucumbers, sliced into coins then cut into strips
1/4 cup freshly chopped dill
3 sprigs of green onion, chopped (both white and green parts)
1/3 cup vegan sour cream

Directions

1. Place trimmed and scrubbed beets into a pot with water. Boil for 30–40 minutes until fork tender.

2. Remove beets with a slotted spoon. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid.

3. Add vinegar, lemon juice, and salt to the cooking liquid, then refrigerate until chilled.

4. Rinse beets under cold water and peel by rubbing or using a paring knife. Allow to cool.

5. Slice cucumbers, chop dill and green onions.

6. Grate the cooled beets using a cheese grater. Refrigerate until chilled.

7. Once everything is cold (about 1–2 hours), combine beets, cucumbers, onions, dill, reserved cooking liquid, and vegan sour cream in a bowl. Stir to combine and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, plus 30–40 minutes of cooking time for the beets, and 1–2 hours of chilling time before serving.

Variations

• Traditional version: Use regular sour cream instead of vegan sour cream.

• Extra crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes for more texture.

• Protein boost: Stir in chilled cooked beans such as white beans or chickpeas.

• Different herbs: Swap dill for parsley or tarragon for a slightly different flavor.

• Spice it up: Add a touch of horseradish or mustard for a zesty kick.

Storage/Reheating

Summer Borscht is best served cold. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as the liquid may separate. This soup should not be frozen as it may affect the texture of the cucumbers and sour cream. No reheating is necessary—enjoy it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?

Yes, but the flavor is fresher with boiled beets. If using canned, skip the boiling step and use vegetable broth or water instead of beet cooking liquid.

How long does Summer Borscht last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better when prepared ahead and chilled for a few hours.

What can I use instead of vegan sour cream?

You can use regular sour cream, plain yogurt, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Can I make it oil-free?

This recipe is naturally oil-free, so no modifications are necessary.

Can I serve this warm instead of cold?

Yes, you can serve it warm, but the traditional summer version is enjoyed chilled.

Do I have to peel the beets?

Yes, peeling after cooking improves the texture and removes any bitterness from the skin.

What type of cucumber works best?

Persian or English cucumbers work best as they have thin skin and fewer seeds.

Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Potatoes are more common in winter borscht, but you can add boiled diced potatoes for a heartier version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Summer Borscht is a refreshing, tangy, and colorful soup that makes the most of seasonal produce. Easy to prepare and perfect for hot weather, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a starter, or a side dish, this chilled beet soup is a delightful way to cool down and enjoy fresh flavors all season long.