Chilled Pea Soup Recipe with Shrimp

Chilled pea soup with shrimp is a vibrant, refreshing dish made with sweet peas, mint, and crème fraîche, finished with a zesty shrimp salad. This cool and creamy soup is perfect for spring and summer, offering a sophisticated yet simple starter or light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and light, ideal for warm weather

• Bright flavors from lime, mint, and sweet peas

• Beautiful presentation with shrimp salad topping

• Can be served hot or cold

• Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes

• Full of fresh, wholesome ingredients

• Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for lunch

• Naturally gluten-free

• Great make-ahead dish

• Inspired by modern restaurant-style appetizers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pea Soup

• Shallots

• Garlic

• Coriander seeds

• Anaheim pepper

• English peas (fresh or frozen)

• Crème fraîche

• Whole mint leaves

• Salt and black pepper

For Serving

• Cooked shrimp (roasted preferred)

• Mint leaves (sliced)

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Limes (zest and juice)

• Pea shoots

• Red chili (optional)

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

Make the Soup

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, and sliced Anaheim pepper.

2. Once the water returns to a boil, add the peas and cook until just tender, about 45 seconds.

3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the solids to a blender with ½ cup of the cooking liquid.

4. Add crème fraîche, mint leaves, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid if needed.

5. Chill the soup in a bowl over an ice bath or refrigerate until cold.

Prepare the Shrimp Topping

1. Toss cooked shrimp with olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, sliced mint, pea shoots, optional chili, salt, and pepper.

2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve

1. Taste the chilled soup and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

2. Divide the soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of the shrimp mixture in the center.

3. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and top with avocado, snap peas, or feta cheese.

• Spicy kick: Use a jalapeño or serrano instead of Anaheim pepper for more heat.

• Herb swap: Try basil or tarragon in place of mint for a different aromatic note.

• Soup warm: Serve the soup hot if preferred, especially in cooler months.

• Coconut twist: Replace crème fraîche with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

• Citrus options: Use lemon or orange zest instead of lime for a sweeter citrus profile.

• Crunchy topping: Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots for texture.

• Seafood variety: Use crab, lobster, or scallops instead of shrimp for a luxurious upgrade.

• Garnish ideas: Add microgreens, edible flowers, or a swirl of yogurt for visual appeal.

• Lower-fat option: Use Greek yogurt instead of crème fraîche for a lighter base.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store the chilled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Store the shrimp topping separately to keep it fresh and avoid sogginess.

Reheating:

• If serving hot, gently reheat the soup over low heat, stirring constantly. Do not boil.

• The shrimp can be gently warmed in a skillet or served cold as a salad topping.

Make-ahead tip:

• The soup can be made the day before. Add shrimp topping just before serving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas for this soup?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly. Just thaw them before boiling to preserve color and texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the shrimp and add a plant-based topping like avocado, crispy tofu, or toasted seeds.

What can I substitute for crème fraîche?

Greek yogurt, sour cream, or coconut cream can be used in place of crème fraîche.

How do I know when the peas are done?

They should be tender but still bright green, which usually takes about 45 seconds after boiling.

Can I use another type of pepper?

Yes, you can use jalapeño, poblano, or bell pepper, depending on your spice preference.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes. The soup stores well for a few days and is great served cold, making it ideal for prepping ahead.

Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate upon thawing.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just toss them with the lime, mint, and other toppings before serving.

What’s the best way to chill the soup quickly?

Place the soup bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice water and stir until cooled.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mildly spicy. You can control the heat by using more or less chili or omitting it altogether.

Conclusion

Chilled pea soup with shrimp is a stunning dish that brings together the sweetness of peas, the brightness of lime, the freshness of mint, and the richness of crème fraîche. Topped with zesty shrimp and tender greens, it’s a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, dinner party, or just enjoying a light lunch, this recipe delivers both elegance and ease.

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