There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs like basil. This basil vegetable soup recipe is a vibrant, wholesome dish that celebrates the garden’s bounty while delivering a burst of flavor in every spoonful.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a nourishing dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for all seasons. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet aroma that elevates the simple vegetables to something truly special.
Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be adjusted to suit whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a versatile kitchen staple.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why this soup is a must-try, the exact ingredients you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions to create a delicious, hearty meal. Along the way, I’ll also share tips to customize the recipe and ideas for serving.
If you love wholesome, flavorful dishes, this basil vegetable soup will become one of your favorites in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This basil vegetable soup is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, loaded with a variety of colorful vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The fresh basil not only adds a wonderful depth of flavor but also brings health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s also super easy to make, requiring minimal prep and simple equipment. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, you can whip up this soup in less than 45 minutes.
Moreover, this recipe is highly adaptable — swap in your favorite vegetables or add beans and grains for extra protein and fiber.
Finally, it’s a perfect recipe for meal prepping or batch cooking. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weekdays when you want a healthy, homemade meal without fuss.
And if you love exploring other vegetarian delights, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red chili flakes for a little heat
- Fresh lemon juice for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for creamier texture)
- Soup bowls for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toss in the carrots, celery, and potato. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir to combine all the vegetables evenly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and canned tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried oregano and season with salt and black pepper. If you want a little spice, add the red chili flakes now.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil leaves. For a chunkier soup, leave it as is; for a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“Using fresh basil at the end of cooking preserves its bright flavor and color, making your soup taste vibrant and fresh.”
Here are some tips to make the most out of this recipe:
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, kale, or spinach all work beautifully.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Use fresh herbs: If possible, use fresh oregano or thyme along with basil for a more aromatic soup.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
- For creaminess: Blend half the soup and mix it back in for a creamy texture without any dairy.
If you enjoy this soup, you might also like our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings for more comforting bowl ideas.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 6g |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 65% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This basil vegetable soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a warm garlic baguette for dipping.
- Top with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for added richness.
- Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light, balanced meal.
- Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
For a complete plant-based dinner, consider pairing this soup with our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or a fresh vegan salad from our Best Vegan Salad Bowl Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals.
Conclusion
This basil vegetable soup recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in a flavorful, nourishing dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal that does not compromise on taste or satisfaction.
The combination of fresh basil, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes it a comforting bowl of goodness that’s easy to prepare any day of the week.
Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is flexible and forgiving, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and pantry staples. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious and healthy vegetarian options like our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love to keep your meal planning exciting and wholesome.
📖 Recipe Card: Basil Vegetable Soup
Description: A fresh and flavorful vegetable soup infused with aromatic basil. Perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Add oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 18 g
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