Chilled Zucchini Avocado Soup With Basil

Here, a bounty of fresh cooked summer squash is pureed until creamy with rich, velvety avocado and seasoned with lemon and basil for a chilled soup that is as light and refreshing as it is fulfilling.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

2 pounds zucchini (4 medium), trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into ½-inch half-moon slices

¾ teaspoon salt, or more as needed

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (may substitute vegetable broth, see note)

Flesh of 1 ripe avocado

1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon juice (from 1 lemon), or more as needed

Pinch ground white pepper

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, until it is softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the zucchini and the salt.

Add the broth and increase the heat to medium-high; once the liquid begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the zucchini has softened. Let cool completely.

Puree half of the zucchini mixture in a blender, then transfer the puree to a large bowl or storage container. Add the remaining half of the zucchini mixture to the blender with the avocado and the basil; puree until smooth, then add it to the first batch of pureed mixture.

Stir in the lemon juice, zest and the pepper. Taste, and add more salt and/or lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 1 day, before serving.

Note: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, to make the dish vegan.

Serves 6 (makes about 6 cups)

Nutrition | Per serving: 100 calories, 3 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 500 mg sodium, 4 g dietary fiber, 5 g sugar

From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger.