There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of fresh vegetable soup, especially when it’s made from scratch with vibrant, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a nourishing dinner, or something to warm you up on a chilly day, this fresh vegetable soup recipe is a perfect choice.
Packed with a rainbow of veggies and herbs, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite seasonal produce or whatever you have on hand.
This recipe promises a rich, flavorful broth, tender vegetables, and a satisfying, hearty texture—all while being light and healthy.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making this delightful soup, share some handy tips for variations, and even suggest some great ways to serve it. If you love wholesome, plant-packed meals, you’ll find this recipe both easy and rewarding.
And for more fantastic vegetarian ideas, be sure to check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fresh vegetable soup is a true kitchen staple that combines simplicity with incredible taste. Here’s why it stands out:
- Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fresh veggies.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your favorite vegetables or what’s in season.
- Light yet satisfying: Perfect for a healthy meal without feeling heavy.
- Simple preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Great for meal prep: Holds up well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red chili flakes for a bit of heat
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Optional: Immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the diced potato, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir well to combine all the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the chopped tomatoes, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. If you like a little spice, add the red chili flakes here.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- About 5 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Let it wilt in the hot broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
“Don’t hesitate to swap vegetables based on what you have available. Sweet potatoes, peas, corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers all make wonderful additions!”
If you prefer a creamier soup, try blending half or all of the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. For extra protein, add cooked lentils or beans towards the end of cooking.
To deepen the flavor, you can roast the vegetables beforehand or add a splash of soy sauce or miso paste. For a heartier dish, serve with crusty bread or a grain bowl.
Try experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or basil, or add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fiber | 6g |
Fat | 4g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This fresh vegetable soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings:
- Crusty whole-grain bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the soup’s flavors.
- Sprinkle some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy touch.
- Add a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt to enhance creaminess.
- For a more filling meal, serve alongside your favorite grain bowl, such as the Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal.
Conclusion
Fresh vegetable soup is one of those timeless recipes that never go out of style, and for good reason. It’s a simple way to embrace seasonal produce, nourish your body, and enjoy a cozy meal any time of the year.
This recipe is flexible enough to allow your creativity to shine while being straightforward enough for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re a busy weeknight chef or a weekend kitchen enthusiast, this soup will become a go-to in your culinary repertoire.
By using fresh, vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, you get a soup that’s both comforting and packed with nutrition. Remember, cooking is about enjoyment and experimentation, so feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your taste.
For more delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes, explore other inspiring ideas like Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Fresh Vegetable Soup
Description: A light and healthy soup made with fresh seasonal vegetables. Perfect for a nourishing meal any day.
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 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 16 g
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