10 Vegetable Soup Recipe Panera Fans Will Love

Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable soup on a chilly day, and Panera Bread’s vegetable soups are loved by many for their comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a wholesome dinner, vegetable soups offer a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.

Inspired by Panera’s famous recipes, this blog post explores 10 delightful vegetable soup recipes that you can easily make at home. From classic garden vegetable blends to more adventurous medleys featuring beans, barley, or kale, there’s something here to satisfy every palate and dietary preference.

These recipes combine fresh, wholesome ingredients with simple cooking techniques, making them ideal for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste or health. Plus, each soup is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, ensuring your meals are as nourishing as they are delicious.

If you love exploring vegetarian dishes, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for even more inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable soups are incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prep or quick meals. These ten Panera-inspired vegetable soup recipes are:

• Nutritious and filling: Loaded with fresh veggies, legumes, and whole grains.
• Customizable: Adapt ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Comforting and warming: Perfect for cold weather but light enough for any season.
• Budget-friendly: Most ingredients are affordable and pantry staples.
• Vegetarian and vegan friendly: Ideal for plant-based diets, with dairy-free options.

Plus, you can enjoy a taste reminiscent of your favorite Panera soups right at home without the wait or extra cost.

Ingredients

While each soup recipe varies, here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need across the 10 vegetable soup recipes:

• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, peas, spinach, kale, corn, zucchini
• Legumes & Grains: Lentils, white beans, chickpeas, barley, brown rice, quinoa
• Broth & Liquids: Vegetable broth (low sodium preferred), water, tomato juice
• Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, parsley, black pepper, salt, chili powder, paprika
• Oils: Olive oil or avocado oil for sautéing
• Optional Add-ins: Coconut milk, lemon juice, nutritional yeast for added flavor and creaminess

Equipment

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (for creamy soups)
• Ladle for serving
• Storage containers for leftovers

Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves and your choice of herbs and spices (such as 1 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tsp chili powder) and sauté for another minute.
4. Add vegetables and broth: Add the remaining vegetables, legumes, and grains (if using) to the pot. Pour in 6-8 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-40 minutes, depending on the ingredients, until vegetables and legumes are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup and add salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed. For creamy soups, use a blender or immersion blender to puree a portion or all of the soup to desired consistency.
7. Finish with fresh herbs or acid: Stir in freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors before serving.
8. Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
9. Store leftovers: Let soup cool and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“To make your vegetable soup extra hearty, add beans or lentils for protein and fiber. For a creamier texture, try adding coconut milk or blending part of the soup.”

• Make it gluten-free: Skip barley or wheat-containing grains; use quinoa or rice instead.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for warmth.
• Use seasonal veggies: Swap ingredients based on what’s fresh and local.
• Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick meals.
• For creamier soups: Blend cooked white beans or potatoes into the soup for smooth texture without dairy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetable soups are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Crusty bread or whole grain rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up flavorful broth.
• Fresh green salad: A light side with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s warmth.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Try a dairy-free version for a comforting pairing.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside for extra nutrients and texture.
• Sprinkle nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.

For more wholesome vegetarian meal ideas, explore our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.

10 Vegetable Soup Recipes Inspired by Panera

Classic Garden Vegetable Soup

A simple, flavorful blend of carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, green beans, and peas simmered in a rich vegetable broth.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, celery, and carrots; sauté until tender, about 7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add tomatoes, green beans, peas, thyme, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

Lentil and Vegetable Soup

This protein-packed soup combines lentils with diced vegetables and herbs for a filling, nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil, sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook 1 minute.
3. Add lentils, tomatoes, and broth; bring to boil.
4. Simmer 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper; serve warm.

Minestrone Soup

A classic Italian soup filled with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato broth.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
2. Add zucchini, beans, tomatoes, oregano, broth; bring to boil.
3. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, serve with fresh basil if desired.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A smooth tomato soup with fresh basil, perfect for pairing with grilled sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or cashew cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and broth; simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
4. Stir in coconut milk and basil; heat through.
5. Season with salt and pepper; serve.

Sweet Potato and Kale Soup

A nutrient-dense soup featuring sweet potatoes and kale in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add sweet potatoes, broth, and paprika; bring to a boil.
3. Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Add kale and cook another 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.

White Bean and Spinach Soup

A hearty soup with creamy white beans and fresh spinach, perfect for a light yet filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add beans, broth, and thyme; simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Season and serve.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Sweet roasted butternut squash blended into a creamy, warming soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast squash tossed in 1 tbsp olive oil at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in remaining olive oil.
3. Add roasted squash and broth; simmer 10 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth, stir in coconut milk.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup

Wholesome barley combined with fresh vegetables for a filling and fiber-rich soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and sauté onion, carrots, celery until tender.
2. Add barley, tomatoes, broth, and rosemary.
3. Simmer 45 minutes until barley is tender.
4. Season and serve warm.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

A bold and flavorful soup with black beans and a hint of heat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil.
2. Add beans, broth, cumin, and chili powder; simmer 25 minutes.
3. Blend half the soup for creamier texture.
4. Season and serve garnished with cilantro or vegan sour cream.

Corn and Potato Chowder

A creamy vegan chowder packed with sweet corn and tender potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add potatoes, corn, and broth; simmer 20 minutes.
3. Blend part of the chowder for creaminess, stir in coconut milk.
4. Season and serve hot.

Conclusion

These 10 vegetable soup recipes inspired by Panera offer an incredible range of flavors, textures, and nutrients that you can enjoy anytime. They’re perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with wholesome, homemade comfort food.

Each recipe is easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or pantry staples, making them a reliable go-to in your kitchen.

By cooking these soups at home, you control the ingredients and seasoning, allowing you to create nourishing meals free from preservatives and excess sodium. Whether you prefer a chunky garden vegetable soup, a creamy tomato basil, or a spicy black bean broth, these recipes provide delicious options for every mood and season.

Don’t forget to explore more wholesome dishes like the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings to keep your meals exciting and nutritious!

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