How to Make Vegetable Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 8, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of vegetable soup to comfort the soul and nourish the body. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or simply craving a wholesome meal, this vegetable soup recipe is your go-to for simplicity, health, and amazing flavor.

It’s packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a savory broth that comes together effortlessly on the stove. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to add more plant-based goodness to their diet.

Making vegetable soup at home means you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and excess sodium often found in store-bought versions. It also allows you to customize the soup based on what’s fresh and available, making it a sustainable choice year-round.

Whether you want a chunky stew-like texture or a smooth, blended soup, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and keep you energized.

Ready to dive into a pot of vibrant, healthy, and delicious vegetable soup? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile and customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for seasonal cooking or pantry clean-outs.

Healthy and wholesome: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s a nutrient-packed meal that supports overall wellness.

Simple preparation: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just good, honest cooking.

Great for meal prep: It stores well and reheats beautifully, making lunches or dinners during a busy week effortless.

Bonus: It’s vegan and gluten-free by default, but you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Optional: Immersion blender (if you prefer a smooth soup)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes to slightly soften these firmer vegetables.
  4. Add the zucchini, green beans, and potato to the pot. Stir well to combine all the vegetables.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and chopped tomatoes. Add the dried thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Stir to mix everything evenly.
  6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
  7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re adding kale or spinach, stir it in now and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
  8. Remove the bay leaf before serving. For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal favorites. Sweet potatoes, squash, or peas make fantastic additions!”

Make it heartier: Add cooked beans like chickpeas or cannellini for extra protein and fiber.

Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of red chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite spice blend like this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan for a warming kick.

Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or basil on hand, they’ll add a bright, fragrant lift to the soup.

Make it creamy without dairy: Blend in a small amount of cooked potato or cauliflower for a velvety texture without the need for cream.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 90
Carbohydrates 18 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 3 g
Fiber 5 g
Vitamin A 150% DV
Vitamin C 40% DV
Iron 10% DV
Sodium 550 mg (depends on broth)

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup shines when served hot with a crusty piece of bread or a warm pita on the side. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or a light grain bowl featuring quinoa or brown rice.

If you’re looking for more hearty vegetarian meals, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or indulge in some comforting Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals.

Conclusion

Vegetable soup is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or flavor. This recipe is designed to be simple, adaptable, and packed full of wholesome ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

By preparing this soup at home, you embrace fresh, seasonal produce and can experiment with flavors that suit your palate perfectly.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, this vegetable soup recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a warm, healthy meal any day of the week. For more easy and nutritious ideas, explore our collection of Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and discover new favorites to add to your weekly menu.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Soup

Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a light meal or a comforting starter.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add carrots and celery, cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme and basil.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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