This Chilled Strawberry Soup Is Like An Upscale Spring Smoothie

chilled strawberry soupchilled strawberry soup

You know that scene in Disney's Ratatouille when Remy eats strawberries and cheese together, and it tastes so good it createsmusic? Consider this chilled strawberry soup the real-world version of that dreamy movie moment.

We get so excited about strawberry season that it’s almost like the flip side of the holidays — the cool, fresh parallel to winter’s cozy spice. There's nothing like getting a taste of the first fresh, in-season strawberry, and if you find yourself strawberry picking every few weeks, you’ll want to add this flavorful soup into your meal plan rotation. Thanks to Erik Niel from Easy Bistro & Bar in Chattanooga, TN, we have an inside look into how you can make it yourself.

The great thing about chilled soup is that it’s made with fresh ingredients like garlic, cucumber, and peppers, so it’s packed with flavor. Take this soup on picnics, or whip it up for your next Sunday brunch.

How To Make Erik Niel's Chilled Strawberry Soup

Image via Erik Niel/Easy Bistro & Bar

Ingredients:

12 servings

  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs of thyme
  • 1 tablespoon EVOO
  • 2.5 slices sourdough, med dice, crust removed
  • 2.5 pints strawberries, stemmed and quartered
  • 1 english cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can tomato juice from san marzano (28oz can)
  • 2/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2/3 cup EVOO

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl combine 2 cloves of garlic, strawberries, cucumber, bell peppers, tomato juice, red wine vinegar, and EVOO.
  2. In a saute pan heat 1 tablespoon EVOO on medium high heat. Add 2 cloves garlic and sourdough toss occasionally until the bread begins to get color. Add thyme and toss with bread till it is golden brown and crusty. Transfer to the bowl with veg and strawberries, toss all together, season with salt and cover. Let marinade for 3 hours.
  3. Puree the ingredients and juices in small batches in the vitamix (or blender of your choice) on high until very smooth. Strain through a chinois, season appropriately with salt and red wine vinegar then cool in the ice bath.

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Header image via Erik Niel/Easy Bistro & Bar

Spring is full of the absolute best flavors. From seasonal fruits and veggies like apricots and peas to herbaceous faves like dill, I’m already so excited to refresh my snack stash. Luckily, Whole Foods is packed with plenty of tasty options to choose from for springtime snacking. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, these unique finds are sure to liven up your snacking habits this season!

Scroll on for 11 delicious Whole Foods finds that are definitely worth adding to your cart for spring!

Whole Foods

Rubicon Bakers Chocolate Delights Cupcakes

You gotta love a nostalgic snack – especially once the season brightens up! These chocolate cupcakes will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth since they're filled with vanilla cream and covered in a thick coating of chocolatey goodness.

Whole Foods

Ithaca Lemon Dill Hummus

This oh-so creamy hummus makes the perfect dipping destination for chips and veggies alike. The combo of lemon and dill are simply perfect for springtime eating, too!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Thai Curry Cashews

For a kick of spice, pick up these Thai-inspired cashews. They're zingy and super filling if you're seeking a unique way to get a bit of protein in during long spring days!

Whole Foods

Duverger Raspberry French Macarons

Want to elevate your spring snack rotation or have a fun party to attend? These beautiful macarons tinged with the flavors (and colors!) of raspberries are made for sharing and spreading the springtime spirit.

Whole Foods

Smart Sweets Gummy Worms

With just 3 grams of sugar for serving, these gummy worms make a great healthy snack to reach for when you just need something sweet.

Whole Foods

Cava Crazy Spicy Feta Dip

OMG – with this dip, you can finally have Cava at home! It has that cheesy, spicy kick you'd expect from a regular scoop from the restaurant, so you can easily use it for grain bowls or dips, too.

Whole Foods

Clio Snacks Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bar

This delicious chocolate-dipped bar makes getting your Greek yogurt fix on-the-go extremely easy, since you can eat it with your hands. It delivers 8 grams of protein, all in a tasty dessert format that feels like a total treat!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Mini Quiche Trio

Ideal for snack time or setting out as an appetizer, this frozen box of pre-made, bite-sized quiches comes prepared with three different flavors to satisfy eaters of all kinds. With tastes of cheese, spinach, and mushroom, there's a spring vibe in every bite!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Organic Pea Crisps

Peas are one of springtimes best veggies, and these crispy chips make snackin' on em super convenient. Dip each lightly-salted piece into some hummus, and you're set!

Whole Foods

Wella Organic Cashew Matcha Protein Bar

Matcha protein bar?! Okay Whole Foods, you officially have our full attention. This baby packs in 7 grams of protein to get your morning started or keep your energy sustained during the day!

Whole Foods

GoodPop Orange N' Cream Bars

Creamsicles are the epitome of spring and summer sweets – grab these dairy- and gluten-free bars that are only 90 calories a pop to get your fix with a healthy twist!

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To no one’s surprise, Trader Joe’s is keeping all the good stuff coming this season. As Easter approaches and everyone’s dreaming about summer vibes (definitely us), TJ’s has been placing only the coolest finds on their shelves to embrace the season! From irresistible sweets to stunning charcuterie board additions, these are the 8 best new items from Trader Joe’s any and every TJ’s fan needs to try in April!

Scroll on to discover the most exciting Trader Joe’s finds you can’t miss in April!

Trader Joe's

1. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sammies (limited-time item!) basically combine the two best desserts into one: macarons and ice cream! They're stacked with chocolate on chocolate, so any sweet tooth with an affinity for cocoa will go crazy for 'em. You can snag a box of 2 for $5 at a Trader Joe's near you.

Trader Joe's

2. Easter Joe-Joe's

Ah, yes! All the Easter goodies at TJ's are so cute and tasty. These new Easter-themed Joe-Joe's (Trader Joe's version of Oreos) are generously coated in milk chocolate and white chocolate before they're decorated with festive sprinkles. They're downright perfect for adding to any Easter basket or even topping Easter cakes or cupcakes! The box of 4 cookies goes for $4 – but it's a limited-time item, so make sure you grab it sooner than later.

Trader Joe's

3. Lemon Poppy Seed Buns

Lemon + poppy seed = a match made in heaven! These limited-time Danish pastry buns are sure to fly off Trader Joe's shelves, thanks to not only the tender baked bun, but the fact that it's filled with a delightfully lemony filling and topped with a crunchy mix of sugar and poppy seeds. The box of 2 pastries is on sale at TJ's right now for $4.

Trader Joe's

4. Chocolate Chip Energy Bar

All the walks, hikes, road trips, and picnics you're about to embark on this spring and summer are gonna get a whole lot tastier, thanks to this new energy bar from Trader Joe's! Made with a minimal ingredient list (oats, soy protein, brown rice and tapioca syrups, and chocolate chips), each $1 bar – yes, $1! – delivers 10 grams of protein and 260 calories to keep you fueled up for hours. Anyone that's constantly on the go will adore this convenient new TJ's item.

Trader Joe's

5. Blood Orange Mochi

These ice cream-filled mochi bites may have hit shelves earlier this month, but they're definitely still getting tons of love from Trader Joe's fans – us included! Boasting a unique, citrusy flavor profile derived from real blood oranges, these bite-size desserts are filled with refreshing springtime energy. Plus, they just look stunning once you take 'em out of the package. A set of 6 mochi bites is $5 for a limited time!

Reddit

6. Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix

Spotted by a Trader Joe's fanatic on Reddit, this brand-new savory snack mix is inspired by the insanely flavorful Thai dish known as Tom Yum soup, which is typically spicy, lemongrass-y, a little bit creamy, and sour-ish. So good! This snackin' medley is filled with cashews, fava beans, sticky rice bits, and peas for a nice bite. The product isn't yet listed on Trader Joe's site, so we can't verify its exact price.

Trader Joe's

7. Spanish Inspired Charcutería

Charcuterie fans, rise up! Trader joe's just dropped this yummy charcutería that contains three different kinds of cured meat to, well, cure your charcuterie cravings. In this new $6 product, you'll find thinly-sliced serrano ham, salchichon, and uncured chorizo, all of which bring on the salty, spicy, peppery, and smoky flavors needed to complement the other components of your snack spread, like cheeses and crackers.

Trader Joe's

8. Seville Orange Marmalade Fruit Spread

Ooh, how summery! This new $3 Trader Joe's marmalade (limited-time item!) embraces the spirit of summertime by employing Seville oranges, which bring a "sweet, citric, and properly proportioned" flavor to the forefront. They're naturally a bit more bitter than your average orange, but TJ's has totally perfected the ratio of fruit:sugar in this jar. Use it for toasts, bagels, yogurts, cakes, and more!

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Spring is the perfect time to brighten up your meals with fresh flavors – but when it comes to cooking, we tend to rely on only easy, breezy recipes. Whether you’re craving vibrant salads, light pastas, or seasonal desserts, these 13 dishes make the most of the season’s best ingredients and come together in a total pinch.

If your meal routine needs a little refresh, these 13 easy spring recipes are just what you need!

Brit + Co

Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

This vibrant spring salad is packed with seasonal ingredients and requires minimal effort (no oven needed, baby!), making it perfect for easy, breezy springtime cooking. Whether you serve it as a side or the main event, you'll enjoy the medley of both sweet and savory components like strawberries and feta. (via Brit + Co)

Kurt Andre

Spring Galette

This galette recipe is basically the epitome of spring with its rustic, no-fuss crust and fresh fillings. Its folded edges look oh-so elegant for any occasion! Plus, you could easily swap the fillings based on your cravings or preferences. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Crispy Baked Cod & Lemon-Garlic Aioli

While this dish is loaded up with protein and a deliciously crispy crust, it's still very light, fresh, and requires minimal prep for your springtime feasts. Adding lemon juice and capers brightens up each bite in no time! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Spring Vegetable Pasta

What better way to use the best seasonal veggies than to chop 'em up and throw 'em into a light pasta?! This easy spring recipe is also vegan-friendly! (via Crowded Kitchen)

The Endless Meal

Dill Carrots

Dill is an elemental part of spring recipes, and it tastes so good when you toss some fresh carrots in it alongside the lemon dill dressing and feta cheese this pick calls for. This would make a stunning side dish! (via The Endless Meal)

Averie Cooks

Fresh Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

Is it even spring if you don't make spring rolls? Requiring no heat whatsoever, feel free to pack yours full of carrots, cucumber, cabbage, basil, tofu, shrimp, and more – just don't skip the peanut sauce for dipping! (via Averie Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Tzatziki Gyro Rice Bowls

For a heartier spring recipe, these gyro bowls pull inspiration from Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and totally feel takeout-worthy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The First Mess

Extra Veggie Vegan Gochujang Noodles

These vegan gochujang noodles with *extra* veggies make a great, reliable meal for spring. You'll get some spice, some crunch, and insane freshness from all the seasonal ingredients! (via The First Mess)

Bowl of Delicious

Veggie Wraps

Get even more of a veggie fix with these wraps that includes tons of different ingredients. If you want to bulk 'em up with protein, slather the wraps in hummus and stack some steak or chicken into each one. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Barley & Sage

Creamy Summer Pasta with Fresh Corn, Zucchini, & Burrata

Dreaming of summer already? Us, too. This creamy pasta includes a medley of summery components like corn and zucchini for an ultra-satisfying bite. (via Barley & Sage)

Culinary Hill

Veggie Kabobs

If the weather's nice enough, you should definitely get your grill goin' for these healthy kabobs! They make a great option for eaters of all kinds, especially if you're throwing a patio party. (via Culinary Hill)

Live Eat Learn

Easy Passion Fruit Mousse

Now, onto the sweet stuff! Fruity desserts are bound to be big this spring – start with this insanely easy mousse that's tinged with passion fruit. Put the dish inside cute little cocktail glasses for extra flair! (via Live Eat Learn)

Takes Two Eggs

Strawberry Matcha Sago

Sago is a show-stopping sweet pudding dessert that's typically loaded up with tapioca pearls, fruits, coconut milk, and more. This recipie takes it to the next level with a blend of seasonal strawberry and caffeinated matcha. Yummm. (via Takes Two Eggs)

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Amazon’s Big Spring Saleis officially here, and it’s packed with endless deals on everything from fashion to home furnishings. Of course, we’re starting our sale search with the beauty aisle – so many of our go-to skincare goodies and makeup faves are all under a mere $10 right now, and we just have to share ‘em so you can shop ‘em!

Scroll on to shop our top 10 deals on Amazon beauty finds you can’t miss before the sale’s over!

Amazon

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

This is by far the best drugstore eyeliner out there. Designed with a convenient retractable (no-sharpen!) tip, it's super easy to take on the go for any touch-ups. Plus, the color payoff and wearability of each shade is insanely impressive.

Amazon

If you're looking for an eyeliner that, no matter the circumstances, does not budge, this $5 is the perfect pick-me-up. You can find it in a handful of different colors to suit your makeup needs.

Promising review: "I can’t believe I’ve been trying to make felt tipped eyeliners work for so long. Usually I put on felt tipped eye liner and it barely shows up, maybe my eye lids are watery or oily. So naturally within a hour or two it doesn’t even look like I’ve put on eye liner. This is not the case with this elf eye cream retractable liner. It actually shows up right away, it also lasts for hours. Even after 8 hours there was still some on my eyes, although I did need to re apply in some spots. It also didn’t smudge. For it to last at all and not smudge is amazing for me."

Amazon

Nivea Body, Face, & Hand Moisturizing Cream

Though some people may see this $10 tinned cream as truly "old school,"many others still hold it near and dear for its ability to moisturize and heal dry skin in need of nourishment.

Amazon

The thick, non-greasy formula is chockfull of provitamin B5 that really sinks deep into the skin. The best part is it's really gentle, so you can use it on your face, body, and hands.

Promising review: "Nivea is a great product. My parents always had a tin of it around. I've continued the tradition. It is a wonderful thick cream that moisturizes well. Great value for the price, as a little goes a long way. Softens rough skin."

Amazon

TONYMOLY Petit Bunny Lip Gloss

This adorable bunny-shaped lip gloss is enriched with vitamin E for soft lips and a pinch of pigment so your pout gets a nice wash of color. It comes in a convenient stick form that's super easy to travel with!

Amazon

Right now, 6 different shades of this gloss are on sale for $6 (originally $8). Snag one before the sale's over!

Promising review: "I am really happy with this product. The tint is very pretty, and not too pigmented. I am very picky about the texture of my lip glosses and lip balms and this one is lovely."

Amazon

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, truly cannot get enough of this stuff from Versed. It's a thick, moisturizing face balm that really nails down the 'slugging' skincare trend without totally swamping your skin. It is fairly oily and shiny after one application, so she recommends using it only at night – and you'll wake up with a glowy complexion!

Amazon

Its $10 (was $18) formula is loaded up with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil that are all dedicated to protecting the skin barrier. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, the product is still wonderfully gentle overall for any skin type.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin and LOVE this as an overnight moisturizer. It's thick but a little goes a long way. The winter where I live is very dry. I use it every night before bed, my skin feels great in the morning! It's neutral smelling but I prefer that."

Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This $7 (was $10) shampoo will set all your hair growth goals so right. It's made with rosemary and mint essential oils that help stimulate the scalp for better growth, along with biotin that ensures your locks don't lose moisture during the washing process. Snag the coordinating conditioner to get the full benefits (read an editor's review here)!

Promising review: "This shampoo is my favorite. It has a nice smell and gives my thinning hair a lot of volume and softness. Lathers well. Packaged well, no leaks. Hair loss has slowed down some. I will definitely continue to use."

Amazon

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

This $6 (yes, $6!) lip stain is unlike most lip stains in the way that it boasts a fun, glossy formula. Where some leave-on lip stains may dry up and make your lips look crusty AF (hate that), this one nourishes your pout, all the while leaving a nice wash of color behind.

Amazon

This e.l.f. product stole the heart of B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, for its natural look, comfortable wear, and undeniable affordability. Its low price of $6 makes it so easy to try out the lip stain trend without going all-in! There are also so many shades to pick from, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

Promising review: "This was the first time buying any thing that was being called a lip stain. I didn’t want to spend a lot since I wasn’t sure if I would like them or if they worked the way people said they did. This goes on very easy and I have only used it a few times now, but it did last for a number of hours and did not come off when I ate or drink anything. I have thinner lips, but I like at this at least helps them show up more and when I don’t want to wear a lot of color, this is a soft neutral."

Amazon

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

This $8 body wash smells like heaven, truly. With notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt, it's perfectly feminine and clean and feels like a total treat in the shower or bath. Though fragranced, it's still gentle on the skin and provides a good amount of moisture after each use!

Amazon

This body wash from Method also boasts a unique biodegradable formula made with plant-based cleansers that contains zero parabens or phthalates to ensure healthy skin 24/7.

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this as I was not sure about how the scent would be. I am pleasantly surprised.
It has a simple rose smell, but it's mild and lacks that perfumey, cloying sort of smell that can happen with floral scents. Very simple, like I'm rubbing roses on myself. Not super strong, it lingers but doesn't feel like it's following you around all day either."

Amazon

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This $5 mascara definitely doesn't feel like it's $5. It undeniably volumizes and lengthens your lashes in a few simple swipes, all without those pesky clumps you might expect from a more affordable product.

Amazon

The brush itself features an easy-to-use conic shape that lets you access the entirety of your lashes for a cohesive look, too!

Promising review: "What a little hidden gem this is. I first saw this on a you tube video and decided to try it. The bottle is adorable, but the contents will blow you away. It's probably the best mascara or one of the best that I have ever used. It was very inexpensive so even though the woman on the you tube video was saying how great it was, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but was still curious. I'm really glad I bought it, because it is the best mascara from a company no one probably even knows of because it is not mainstream. Buy it! I think you will love it!!"

Amazon

Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick

Infused with caffeinated matcha, this one-of-a-kind $9 moisture stick is perfect for combatting everything from dry lips to tried under eyes. Its formula is 100% vegan and super gentle on the skin, so people of any skin type can try it out.

Amazon

The wide shape of this balm-like moisture stick allows you to cover a good amount of real estate on your face or any dry patches elsewhere. It has a very slight matcha-y scent, too, for all you matcha fiends out there!

Promising review: "I have used these moisturizing sticks since I was pregnant with my son 7 years ago. I used them all over my face in the harsh winter months working at a ski resort and now under my eyes as a sleepy mama to a toddler. Great for preventing windburn and easy for kids to use. I can throw this in my son’s book bag for school when he plays outside in -30 degree weather and don’t have to worry about it getting all over his hands or leaking. No funky ingredients. No synthetic fragrances. We love it."

Amazon

Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush

The Wet Brush is a team favorite around here. It's gentle, lightweight, and oftentimes comes in the cutest colors and patterns to make our hair care routines more fun.

Amazon

If you're still using your old, ratty hair brush, the flexible bristles on the Wet Brush will feel like a total treat on your head. They help minimize breakage while still effectively detangling your locks. We're simply obsessed with this $7 rainbow colorway, too!

Promising review: "It glides through my hair effortlessly, detangling without pulling or causing breakage. The bristles are gentle yet effective, making it perfect for both wet and dry hair. Plus, the color is so pretty! If you struggle with knots or just want a great everyday brush, this one is a must-have!"

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

We just found the perfectdress for spring and summer, and not only does it come in a super trendy cut, it’s miraculously on sale at Target right now! We’re truly obsessed with this gem of a fashion find because it gives "quiet luxury” vibes for way less, is undeniably flattering, and can pair with practically anything.

Scroll on to discover the Target dress that’s a must-have for your spring and summer looks!

Target

Meet Wild Fable’s Drop Waist Mini Sundress: a sleeveless mini with a high neckline, low-cut back, and a drop waist (!), fit with some adorable buttons running down the front and cut from a lightweight, breathable rayon-linen fabric blend.

Target

This Target dress is truly nothing short of flattering. The high neckline, while considerably modest, is met with a low-cut back detail that balances your look out. Plus, the drop waist serves to elongate your torso for a stunning feminine effect.

Target

The mini length of this dress, combined with the breezy rayon-linen fabric blend it’s made of, makes it so suitable for the spring and summer months, where dressing for comfort should be the #1 priority – but, of course, this dress proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style for practically.

Target

The Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress is currently shoppable in three wonderful colorways: white, butter yellow, and blue gingham. All of the colors are simply so adorable for spring and summertime, since they can easily pair with other neutral accents or bolder pops of color! The sizing for the dress ranges from XXS to 4X, though several sizes are currently sold out online in certain colors.

Target

The Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress has earned 3.9 out of 5 stars from shoppers, where the feedback is a bit mixed. While some Target fans adore the dress, a few others note that the sizing is inconsistent. Here are some standout reviews to give you a glance at the bigger picture:

  • “I was so pleasantly surprised when I tried this on. I love the uniqueness of the style and pattern. I won’t even need to wear a bra with this but will probably opt for shorts underneath.”
  • “I got the dress in both extra small and double extra small (I'm 5'1" and 110 pounds) to see which fit better. The extra small was way too big, but the double extra small fit, though a little loose. Still, I really like the fit and the material—it’s great quality and the white isn’t see-through. Super cute overall!”
  • “This dress is very cute and comfy but the sizing is so inconsistent. I have the yellow one, which I got in store, in a small and it fits loosely but the white in a small was too tight. (I returned it and have the gingham one coming in a medium but I have a feeling it’s going to run too large like the yellow.) This is definitely a piece you’ll want to try on in stores.”

Target

Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress

We are still obsessed nonetheless, especially given the price of this dress. Typically sold for $30, it’s now on sale for Target Circle Week for just $21!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.