Chilled Pineapple Soup with Cotija Cheese and Basil Recipe
Introduction
This Chilled Pineapple Soup with Cotija Cheese and Basil is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days. Combining tropical fruit flavors with a hint of creamy coconut and a touch of salty cheese, it’s a unique appetizer or light dessert that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 3 cups pineapple (about 1 whole pineapple with core removed)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice from 1 lime)
- 3 tablespoons guava juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 dates (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon cotija cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all ingredients except the cotija cheese to a blender or Vitamix.
- Step 2: Puree the mixture until completely smooth.
- Step 3: Chill the soup in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
- Step 4: Serve cold, garnished with cotija cheese for a salty contrast.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute guava juice with pineapple or orange juice if guava is unavailable.
- For a creamier texture, add extra coconut cream or a splash of Greek yogurt.
- Try fresh mint instead of basil for a different herbal note.
- If dates are too sweet for your taste, reduce the amount or omit them altogether.
Storage
Store the chilled pineapple soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again. This soup is best enjoyed cold and is not recommended for freezing. If needed, gently re-chill rather than reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple (preferably packed in juice, not syrup) can be used in a pinch. Drain the pineapple before blending to avoid excess liquid.
Is cotija cheese essential for this recipe?
Cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the soup. If unavailable or if you prefer a dairy-free option, you can omit it or try a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for texture.
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Chilled Pineapple Soup with Cotija Cheese and Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This refreshing Chilled Pineapple Soup combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple and guava with the creaminess of coconut and banana, accented by tangy lime and lemon juices and the unique salty touch of Cotija cheese. Finished with fresh basil, this light and flavorful soup is perfect as an elegant appetizer or a cooling treat on warm days.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 3 cups pineapple, peeled and cored (about 1 whole pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 lime)
- 3 tablespoons guava juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 dates, pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon Cotija cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and core the pineapple, pit the dates, and squeeze fresh lime and lemon juices. Gather all remaining ingredients for the soup.
- Blend the soup: Add the pineapple, lime juice, guava juice, lemon juice, pitted dates, fresh basil, coconut cream, ripe banana, and 1 tablespoon Cotija cheese to a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix.
- Puree until smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Chill: Transfer the blended soup to a container and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to become refreshingly cold.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of additional Cotija cheese and a few basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a ripe banana for natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more dates or guava juice if preferred.
- Use fresh lime and lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- If Cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese can be used as an alternative garnish.
- For a vegan variation, omit Cotija cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Latin American
Keywords: pineapple soup, chilled soup, tropical soup, coconut cream soup, basil soup, guava juice, Cotija cheese, refreshing appetizer
