How can it possibly be the end of summer?
Need one last hurrah for that season? This Chilled Cucumber Soup With Toast “Soldiers” might be just what you need. Toast “Soldiers” are toast that has been sliced into wide strips. The British use this term and serve the “soldiers” with soft-boiled eggs and other dishes. Apparently, the name references the fact that the little toast strips lay side by side on the plate like soldiers in formation. Cute.
This recipe comes from The New York Times. You can find the original recipe here..
Here is the recipe as I prepared it in my kitchen.
Chilled Cucumber Soup With Avocado Toast Soldiers
September 17, 2025
Ingredients
- 1 pound cucumbers (peeled, halved lenghthwise and seeded)
- 2 C. buttermilk
- 1 large garlic clove (peeled and mashed)
- 2 small scallions (trimmed)
- 1/2 Jalapeno (seeded and chopped fine)
- 1/2 C. packed mixed fresh herbs (I used mint, dill and parsley but cilantro, basil, and tarragon are options)
- 1/2 t. sherry vinegar
- 3/4 t. kosher salt
- 4 slices sourdough or baguette(toasted)
- 1 avocado (pitted, peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 T. crumbled feta
- 1/2 lemon
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly-ground black pepper
- Fresh dill (or garnish)
- Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1 Place cucumber, buttermilk, garlic, scallions, jalapeno, herbs, sherry vinegar and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasonings to your taste. This can be served at room temperature or chilled.
- Step 2 Toast bread slices. You have options here. I enjoyed my soup with sourdough toast “soldiers” but the original recipe calls for avocado toast. If you go the avocado toast route, mash avocado and spread on the toasted bread. Sprinkle with crumbled feta. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the toast along with pepper to taste.
- Step 3 Serve soup in pretty glasses. Drizzle with a bit of quality olive oil when serving and garnish with dill and a slice of fresh lemon.
