Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup

Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup is a delightful, chilled dessert soup perfect for warm weather or as an elegant starter. This recipe provides a simple yet luxurious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors and beautiful color of fresh strawberries, making it a truly useful addition to any cook's repertoire.

You'll absolutely adore this Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup for its vibrant, pure strawberry flavor and incredibly smooth, luxurious texture that feels like a special treat. Unlike many desserts that require baking or complex techniques, this no-cook soup is remarkably simple, allowing you to whip up an elegant dish without a lot of fuss, saving you time and money compared to purchasing a similarly gourmet dessert. The bright, naturally sweet taste of strawberries, enhanced by a hint of citrus and vanilla, makes it a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts, comparable to a strawberry panna cotta but with a lighter, more playful form.

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Prep Time 15

Preparation Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Starter

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
1/2 cup granulated sugar adjust to your sweetness preference
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional garnish

fresh mint sprigs
a swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
fresh berries

Equipment

Blender
Fine-mesh sieve (optional)

Method

Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh strawberries. Hull them by removing the green leafy tops. Once hulled, quarter the strawberries. If your strawberries are particularly large, you might consider cutting them into smaller pieces.
2 pounds fresh strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the hulled and quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract.
2 pounds fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For an even more intense strawberry flavor and slightly softer fruit, you can let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This process, called maceration, allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries. Stir the mixture gently halfway through this resting period.
Transfer the strawberry mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and has a velvety consistency. If you prefer a very silky texture, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve at this stage to remove any tiny seeds, though this is entirely optional.
Pour the blended strawberry soup into a clean bowl or pitcher. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling is crucial for the soup to develop its refreshing taste and satisfying texture.
Once chilled, ladle the Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup into individual bowls or small glasses. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, a delicate swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option), or a few extra fresh berries, if desired.
fresh mint sprigs, a swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream, fresh berries

Notes

Leftover Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor is best when consumed within the first couple of days. Because this soup is served chilled, reheating is not applicable. It is designed to be enjoyed cold. If you find the soup thickens slightly in the refrigerator, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of cold water or orange juice before serving to reach your desired consistency. Freezing is generally not recommended for this soup, as the texture can change significantly, becoming icy and less smooth upon thawing. It's best to make it in smaller batches if you anticipate not finishing it within a few days.