Emulsifier Free Garlic-Herb Cucumber Gazpacho Shooters
Cool, refreshing, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, these chilled cucumber shooters are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at any gathering. Every ingredient here is whole and recognizable — crisp English cucumber, raw garlic, bright herbs, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and good olive oil — so there's nothing hidden to worry about. That matters more than it sounds, because emulsifiers sneak into a surprising number of bottled dressings, store-bought gazpachos, and even some vinegars, making this style of dish tricky to grab off a shelf. Here, the silky texture comes entirely from blending and straining, no additives required. The combination of fresh parsley, mint, and chives gives each little shooter a layered herbal punch, while the ground ginger adds a subtle warmth that keeps things interesting. Straining the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve is the move that takes these from a smoothie-adjacent sip to something genuinely elegant. Serve them ice-cold in shot glasses with a thin cucumber round on top and watch them vanish before the main course even hits the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 large english cucumbers (about 2 lb total), roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup cold water, plus more as needed
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- thin cucumber rounds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the chopped cucumber, garlic, parsley, mint, chives, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, ground ginger, and cold water in a blender.
- 2
Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 60 seconds. If the mixture is too thick to pour easily, add cold water 1 tbsp at a time and blend briefly until it reaches a pourable, slightly viscous consistency.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!