Vegetable Soup is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Brimming with hearty veggies and fragrant herbs, every spoonful is both satisfying and nourishing—whether you’re shaking off a chilly day or just craving a burst of color and flavor in your bowl. The combination of fresh produce, savory broth, and just the right amount of seasoning makes this soup a true kitchen staple that’s as comforting as it is adaptable. If you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your week or want to wow family and friends with a vibrantly wholesome classic, this Vegetable Soup ticks all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making Vegetable Soup is how each component works in harmony, creating a depth of flavor and color that’s truly irresistible. From the earthy sweetness of carrots to the bright pop of peas, every ingredient is simple but essential, ensuring each bite is packed with taste, texture, and veggie goodness.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky base while helping to gently sauté your aromatics.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Builds a subtle sweetness and savory flavor in the soup.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic, mouthwatering depth.
Carrots (3 medium, sliced): Bring tender texture and a natural hint of sweetness.
Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Gives a lovely crunch and savory note to balance other veggies.
Zucchini (1, chopped): Adds juiciness and absorbs all the soup’s delicious flavors.
Green beans (1 cup, trimmed and cut): Lend a satisfying bite and vibrant color.
Potato (1, peeled and diced): Makes the soup extra hearty and gives a little creaminess as it cooks.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juice): Give tang, acidity, and beautiful body to the broth.
Vegetable broth (6 cups): The backbone of the soup—use good-quality broth for best results.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an herby undertone that pairs well with veggies.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Offers sweet, aromatic notes throughout the soup.
Bay leaf (1): Imparts a subtle, savory layer during simmering—don’t forget to remove it later!
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Bring bursts of sweetness and color in every bite.
Peas (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Add bright green color and a naturally sweet flavor.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A fresh finish that ties everything together.

How to Make Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This gentle sautéing draws out the onion’s natural sweetness, giving your Vegetable Soup a beautifully layered flavor base right from the start.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Carrots, and Celery

Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these together for another five minutes, stirring occasionally. As these veggies start to soften, they release their aromatic oils, which mingle magically to deepen the overall flavor. These are the backbone veggies that define every good Vegetable Soup.

Step 3: Toss in Hearty Veggies

Now, add your chopped zucchini, green beans, and diced potato. Stir them all together so everything gets glossy with oil and seasoned with those sautéed flavors. These bigger, chunkier vegetables need a bit more time to cook, ensuring every spoonful is substantial and satisfying.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all their juices, followed by the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in your dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir before cranking up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. These additions will impart beautiful color and aroma, transforming your simmering pot into classic Vegetable Soup in the making.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, lower the heat and let your soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to really meld together and gives all the veggies plenty of time to soften. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll definitely start feeling excited for that first bowl.

Step 6: Add Corn and Peas

During the last five minutes of cooking, stir in the corn and peas. These quick-cooking veggies hold their color and snap when added at the end, keeping your Vegetable Soup looking and tasting fresh. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and for a final touch, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

How to Serve Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing your Vegetable Soup is a simple way to add both flavor and eye appeal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a handful of crunchy croutons can elevate each bowl. Try a drizzle of good olive oil or a shave of parmesan (if not vegan) for extra richness.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with Vegetable Soup like a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth! You could also serve it alongside a flavorful salad or a warm, cheesy sandwich for the perfect cozy meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with herbed focaccia or garlic knots.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, try serving Vegetable Soup in bread bowls, mini cocottes, or even wide mugs for casual gatherings. You could also set out a “serve-yourself” toppings bar with grated cheese, toasted seeds, or a squeeze of lemon for everyone to customize their own bowl. Presentation is the easiest way to turn this classic dish into a memorable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegetable Soup should be cooled and transferred to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen over time, making each reheated bowl even more delicious.

Freezing

Vegetable Soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, avoid freezing if your soup contains pasta, as it can become mushy; add cooked pasta after thawing instead.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour your Vegetable Soup into a pot and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If your soup thickens too much, just splash in a bit more broth or water.

FAQs

Can I add other vegetables or use what I have on hand?

Absolutely! Vegetable Soup is endlessly adaptable. Cabbage, spinach, bell peppers, kale, or even small pieces of sweet potato work wonderfully. Just keep in mind different veggies will have varying cook times, so add hardier ones earlier and quick-cooking greens near the end.

Can I make Vegetable Soup ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, Vegetable Soup tastes even better after the flavors have had a day to meld in the refrigerator. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

How can I make Vegetable Soup more filling?

If you’re craving something even heartier, toss in a can of drained beans (like cannellini or chickpeas), or stir in some cooked pasta, rice, or barley. These additions add substance without compromising the classic character of the soup.

Is Vegetable Soup vegan and gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as written! Just double-check your vegetable broth label to ensure there are no hidden animal products or gluten.

Can I make Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and set it on low for 6–7 hours. Add the peas and corn in the last hour for best texture and color.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so rewarding about making a pot of Vegetable Soup from scratch—it’s warmth, comfort, and health all in one bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply want to meal prep a wholesome staple, give this recipe a try and discover just how satisfying homemade soup can be!

Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This flavorful and healthy vegetable soup is a comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Packed with a variety of colorful veggies and aromatic herbs, this vegan and gluten-free soup is easy to make and sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Soup Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
Add Veggies and Broth: Stir in zucchini, green beans, and potato. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add corn and peas in the last 5 minutes.
Season and Serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.