Jet lag. 3 out-of-control inboxes.
…and a big smile after a stellar vacation.
I can’t wait to share all the fun with you guys, but today it’s going to be short and sweet as I play catch up.
Yes, I ate the red meat, but surprisingly more fish (more popular in Chile). I’m still committed to a plant-based diet at home though. In fact, this is all I’ve wanted coming back today:
A chilled summer soup packed with green nutrients.
It was a bowl-licking moment.
Chilled Cucumber Spinach Soup
- 1 cucumber
- 2 C spinach
- 2-3 celery stalks (don’t use if you are using a regular blender)
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 1/2 C cilantro
- 2 T hemp seeds
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4-1/2 C water (adjust to your preference)
- S&P, to taste
- Optional garnish: radish, cilantro, red pepper flakes, freshly ground pepper
Toss everything in a Vitamix (or regular blender) and blend until smooth.
Adjust spices and liquid to your preference.
Serves 2.
***
You guys should see my Reader. I missed you guys and I have a LOT to catch up on!
What do you crave after a decadent vacation?
What was the best thing you ate/did in the past week?
janet @ the taste space says
Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear all about it! All I wanted when I got back was a big green salad, too.. although I had to wait to go grocery shopping. 😛
Laura says
Thank you! I think returning from a trip is the only time grocery shopping is a drag… I’m too tired to enjoy it.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Beautiful color! You’re always so quick to eat super clean after vacations. 🙂
Laura says
Only because I eat so badly ON vacation. 🙂
Lee says
Mark all as read! It’s too stressful otherwise when your reader is out of control!
Can’t wait to hear about your trip.
Allie says
I’m glad you had a fun vacation!! Best thing I ate this week? Carrot cake for my b-day 🙂
Laura says
Happy Belated!!! Hope it was tasty – that’s my 2nd favorite cake. 🙂
Runblondie26 says
You take the most adventurous vacations! I can’t wait to hear all about this one (hopefully no crazy Vespa incidents this time 🙂
Really, you ate seafood?! It must have been excellent. My hubby is headed to Chile next month to do snowboarding. I’m sure reading about your experiences in S.A. will make me even more jealous now.
Laura says
Me?! How about you, random airport traveler? 🙂
I’d love to go back to ski – they didn’t quite have enough snow yet when we went.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe says
Welcome back lady! I can’t wait to hear all about this trip of yours. Best thing I ate this week was the homemade strawberry jam I made for the wedding cake I’ve been working on all week, driving it to the wedding site today!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset says
Welcome back Laura, I am psyched to hear more about the trip you were on 🙂
Natalie says
This soup looks so refreshing! Especially after a trip with lots of food. I always crave fresh fruits and veggies after a trip and lots of water 🙂
Laura says
YES! I cannot get enough water.
Alex @ therunwithin says
Just the name sounds delicious and refreshing! Yummm!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish says
i have tried making a couple chilled soups and just can’t get myself to enjoy them. I don’t know why since i love my smoothies
Laura says
I used to be the same way… I think my tastebuds changed. They say it happens every 7 years!
Suzi says
Welcome back girl. I am loving this Detox soup. Getting ready to put all those veggies minus spices along with beets and carrots into the juicer. Do you use the Braggs Apple Cider vinegar with The Mother?? Braggs also has an interesting olive oil but very expensive.
Laura says
Thanks, Suzi! I do get the one with the mother. Never tried their olive oil… I’m biased to the fancy Italian stuff. 🙂
Kim @ Wonderings says
Can’t wait to see your pics! Welcome back. Also, the soup looks great. Does it freeze well?
Laura says
Thanks! Not sure about freezing… I would imagine so. If anything you might run it through the blender for a sec before serving to preserve the texture.
Meg says
Mmmmm I’m trying to imagine the flavor of this! It looks wonderful! So happy you are back! I love you so so SO much xoxo
Laura says
You always make me grin! Thanks, Lovie.
amy says
yummm that looks so good-definitely healthy and refreshing!! i think i need some in my life
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Welcome home!! So glad you’re back, although your timing is terrible as I leave in an hour. 🙂 This soup looks AWESOME – I’ll be pinning it for later. Talk to you soon!
Laura says
Boooo…. come back!
Choc Chip Uru says
I missed your posts my friend, welcome back 😀
This soup is gorgeous in coloour, flavour and health factor!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura says
Thank you, friend! Can’t wait to catch up. 🙂
Candy @ Healthy In Candy Land says
Welcome home! Glad to hear you had a great time and I look forward to hearing all about it!
sarah @ sarah learns says
yay! i’m glad you returned with a big smile on your face! 🙂 i always feel in need of some detox food after travelling too. this soup looks like it’ll do the trick!
Julie @twosaucysisters.wordpress.com says
I pretty much always feel like a giant salad after coming home from a vacation, because it’s usually not something I eat as much of when I am away. As long as it’s fresh, healthy, and delicious! 🙂
Rande McDaniel @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen says
That soup sounds right up my alley!
Hannah says
Thank you!! I’ve been wanting to make some sort of non-sweet blender creation lately, but have been struggling to find one that sounds good as I’m just not in an avocado mood at present. Hope this helps alleviate the post-holiday stresses and sadness!
Laura says
I hear you – I think I ate my weight in avocados while in Chile!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear about your trip and what you ate! 🙂
I always crave simple foods like stir fries and sandwiches after a vacation.
Laura says
Thanks! Stir fry is on the menu for next week. I’m trying for a raw version… we’ll see how it goes!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
This may sound silly but the best thing I ate this week was a rice cake! ha! I found some cinnamon toast rice cakes at the grocery store the other day that I topped with a bit of peanut butter and a few raisins. It may have been one of the best snacks I’ve had in awhile. ha!
Laura says
That sounds delicious! I’m going to keep any eye out for those. Love cinnamon and PB together.
Terra says
I hear ya on a crazy schedule, my life has been all over the place with work. Almost settled back into the normal routine, we have a day left of vacation, YAY! Your soup sounds refreshing. My favorite meal is the meal we got yesterday, steamed platter for two, it had mussels, oysters, clams, shrimp and crab…..oh my word YUM:-) Hugs, Terra
Laura says
Glad things are settling down for you! I can’t get on board with the stuff in shells… but I did enjoy the other seafood during my travels!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Your smoothie is so green, so full of goodness!
Laura says
That’s awesome that your body is craving the greens post-vacation! It can go either way for me- either my body is craving them like yours, or it’s become used to the extra treats and expects them to continue! Good luck catching up on everything- I know it takes time! Can’t wait to hear more!
Khushboo says
Welcome back, Laura 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more about your vacay! This soup looks like the ideal post-indulgence/post-holiday meal…I always crave fresh greens/veggies after holidays….and just home food in general! Best thing I’ve eaten this past week is a goat cheese, chicken & caramelized onion crepe! Yep, it was as delicious as it sounds ;)!
Laura says
Thanks! Your meal sounds wonderful. I’m a huge fan of caramelized onions. And goat cheese, of course. 🙂
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) says
Not surprised that you eat some fish in Chile, but happy to hear you went back to the dark side while on vaca (eating meat). 😉
Seriously though this soup sounds pretty damn good. On the list to make.
Laura says
I did go to the dark side. And it was tasty. 🙂
Stay tuned for all of the dark side pics. LOL!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
I need to make this pronto after my limoncello filled week with the parents 😉
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
Welcome back!! I definitely crave smoothies and lots of fruits & veggies when I get back from vacation. That, and my own bed! 🙂
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
Welcome back! I always want to detox after a long trip! This soup looks so refreshing!
RavieNomNoms says
Looks great! I would totally try this. I love the color too, it is so very green! I love green so enticing.
Laura says
You would love it! Colorful food is more fun, right?