There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Mediterranean vegetable soup. Bursting with fresh, vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, this soup captures the essence of sun-soaked Mediterranean flavors in every spoonful.
It’s not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome, making it a perfect meal for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a nourishing dinner, or a cozy starter for guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what’s in season or in your pantry. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delightful Mediterranean vegetable soup that’s as colorful as it is tasty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean vegetable soup is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a hearty and flavorful dish. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences.
The combination of tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and fragrant herbs like oregano and basil brings vibrant flavors that are both refreshing and comforting.
Not only is this soup packed with nutrients and fiber, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find fresh produce.
The soup freezes well too, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you need a quick, healthy meal. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting them soften slightly.
- Add the chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Season the soup with dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and squeeze the lemon juice into the soup for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve hot with your favorite bread or a side salad. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“To make this soup even more filling, add a cup of cooked chickpeas or white beans during the simmering stage. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of our homemade chilli powder blend.”
You can swap out any vegetables based on what you have available or what’s in season. Eggplant, spinach, or kale work wonderfully in this soup.
For a richer flavor, try roasting the vegetables lightly before adding them to the pot.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream at the end. This Mediterranean vegetable soup also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or 5 Ingredient Mediterranean Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Vitamin A | 75% DV |
| Vitamin C | 65% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or a warm garlic pita for dipping.
A simple Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s fresh flavors beautifully.
For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside our Cheeseless Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe That Tastes Amazing or with a side of herbed quinoa or couscous. This makes for a satisfying and balanced Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean vegetable soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and vibrant flavors, it’s a nourishing dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend meals.
The recipe’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to your taste and pantry, making it an easy go-to recipe for any occasion.
Enjoy the heartwarming comfort of this Mediterranean classic, knowing you’re also treating your body to wholesome goodness. If you loved this soup, be sure to explore more delicious and healthy recipes like Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings for more inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Mediterranean Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and flavorful soup packed with fresh Mediterranean vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a light, healthy meal any time of the year.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Mediterranean Vegetable Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful soup packed with fresh Mediterranean vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a light, healthy meal any time of the year.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 medium zucchinis, diced”, “2 medium carrots, diced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until softened, about 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}