Summer is here! Is it though? It seems like it has lost its way this year. Despite the unstable weather conditions, I’m totally in the mood for summer. Even if it’s pouring down on a daily basis, I still believe that summer is here! It has to be. We’ve all been anticipating summer to finally arrive, looking forward to it, feeling like we really need it.

Being more relaxed is just one of the many good things that happen during summer and perhaps the main reason why everyone just loves summer so much. As I’m waiting impatiently for it to arrive, I know that when it does, everything that worries me or stresses me out will just disappear as soon as I feel the warm sunlight on my skin and dive into the sea. This alternative form of therapy has never failed me and I know that almost everyone feels the same way.

When temperatures begin to rise, we let loose and start feeling more relaxed, and everything around us just feels sweeter, warmer, slower. It gives us the energy boost that we need to come out of our shells. We all want to be outside more, enjoy long, candlelit nights in the garden, the balcony or (even better) by the sea, go on vacation and short getaway trips.. Say no to our routine for a while!

Summer luckily lasts for quite a while and so does our relaxed attitude towards larger meals and longer happy hours.. It’s hard to resist simply because it’s summertime and no one wants any more boundaries and self-control in their lives. Quite the opposite. And besides, a nice glass of wine or a meal by the sea cannot be compared to winter toasts and yogurt in front of the TV.

Being relaxed is obviously very pleasant but when it lasts for extended periods of time, it’s wise to take a little break at times and detox. And it’s not all that hard thanks to an abundance of summer fruits and vegetables that we can find very easily. Refreshing salads are the greatest option for this time of the year.

I love cold summer soups that are made with super fresh veggies and require no cooking at all, like the one I’m making today; a cold cucumber and avocado soup! It’s been one of our favourite summery dishes for quite some time now. These two ingredients blend together incredibly well. Each one separately might be considered a bit bland but combining them makes all the difference! This soup is so refreshing and light, yet very satisfying and filling. The ingredients –yogurt, avocado and cucumber- haven’t been randomly selected!

I’ve attempted to make this soup during winter but it really can’t be compared to its summer version. That’s why it’s important to use the right ingredients, after all, the taste that fresh and crunchy cucumbers have during summer is just unequalled. They can really transform a dish but they’re mostly used fresh in salads and soups. Since I’ve picked quite a few from our veggie garden, it feels like this soup is perfect for the day.

It’s also amazing how easy and quick this recipe is! Just add all the ingredients to a blender and voilà, your soup will be ready within a few minutes! I like to make this delicious soup quite often whenever I try to do a little detox and I can honestly feel the difference right away!