There’s nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a bowl of creamy vegetable soup. This recipe takes a medley of fresh, wholesome vegetables and transforms them into a rich, velvety soup that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch, a light dinner, or a cozy starter for a special meal, this creamy vegetable soup hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those extra servings of vegetables while indulging in a luscious, smooth texture that feels indulgent without the heaviness.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this delicious soup, share some tips and variations to customize it to your liking, and provide serving suggestions to make your meal complete. If you love hearty, healthy comfort food, keep reading—this creamy vegetable soup recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy vegetable soup is a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Unlike many soups that can be watery and bland, this version is thick, smooth, and bursting with natural vegetable flavors.
The creaminess comes from a clever combination of potatoes and a splash of plant-based milk, making it both dairy-free and satisfying.
It’s incredibly versatile: you can swap out vegetables based on what’s fresh or what you have in your fridge. It’s also a fantastic recipe for meal prep since it reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
Additionally, this soup is:
- Gluten-free and vegan-friendly (if you use plant-based milk)
- Rich in fiber and vitamins from the assorted vegetables
- Easy to customize with herbs and spices for different flavor profiles
- A great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender or countertop blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add root vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften and release their flavors.
- Pour in broth and season: Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add remaining vegetables: Stir in the diced zucchini and green beans. Simmer uncovered for another 8-10 minutes until these veggies are tender but still vibrant.
- Blend for creaminess: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend about half of the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer half the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until creamy, then return to the pot. Stir to combine the blended and unblended parts for a lovely texture.
- Finish with plant-based milk: Pour in the plant-based milk and stir well. Heat through for 3-5 minutes but do not boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra boost of flavor, roast the vegetables before adding them to the soup for a deeper, caramelized taste.”
- Use seasonal vegetables: Feel free to swap zucchini and green beans with peas, kale, spinach, or even sweet corn depending on the season.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas for a more filling soup.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or rosemary, or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chilli powder for a kick.
- Make it nutty: Blend in a handful of cashews or a spoonful of tahini with the plant-based milk for a richer texture.
- Slow cooker option: Follow the same steps but use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking. See similar ideas in Best Vegetarian Creamy Soup Slow Cooker Recipes to Try.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 bowl) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Sodium | 600 mg (variable depending on broth) |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Calcium | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This creamy vegetable soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a warm baguette to soak up every drop.
You can also enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich soup.
For a heartier option, try serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich made with your favorite cheese or a vegan alternative. This combo is a classic comfort food that never disappoints.
If you want to keep the meal plant-based and dairy-free, try pairing it with a batch of Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy or some Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for a complete, satisfying feast.
Conclusion
This creamy vegetable soup recipe is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection, offering a perfect balance of health and comfort. It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and lends itself to endless variations depending on your tastes and available ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal that feels indulgent without any guilt.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegetarian recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or dive into some Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more wholesome inspiration.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your bowl of creamy vegetable goodness!
📖 Recipe Card: Creamy Vegetable Soup
Description: A rich and comforting creamy vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a cozy 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, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots, celery, potato, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat through gently, then serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 18 g
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