A warm, simple bowl to try today

This easy vegetable soup is quick, healthy, and made with things you likely already have. It cooks in one pot and tastes fresh and comforting. If you like simple, homey soups, you might also enjoy this easy and healthy chicken soup for a different take.

Why you’ll want to make this recipe

This soup is fast, flexible, and full of vegetables. It works as a light meal or a starter, and you can change the vegetables to match what’s in your fridge. It’s great for a busy weeknight or a easy lunch. If you want a vegan dessert idea after the soup, check this simple vegan sweet soup for something different.

How to make Easy Vegetable Soup

Follow these clear steps and you’ll have a pot of warming vegetable soup in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Stir in the zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Add spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Simple ways to serve Easy Vegetable Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls with a side or topping you like. Try bread, a grilled cheese, or a spoonful of plain yogurt or pesto on top. This soup also travels well for a picnic or lunchbox — see these easy camping recipes for other on-the-go meal ideas.

How to store this soup

Cool the soup at room temperature for no more than two hours. Then:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot.

Tricks to make this soup even better

• Cut vegetables in similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Use good vegetable broth for best flavor, or add a splash of soy sauce or miso for more depth.
• If you like a thicker soup, blend part of the soup and stir it back in.
• Add a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten the flavors.

Easy swaps and variations

• Make it heartier: add cooked beans or small pasta.
• Make it spicier: add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Use other greens: swiss chard or collard greens work well.
• For a creamy version: stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk near the end.

Quick nutritional note

Per serving (rough estimate): about 150–200 calories, mostly from vegetables and olive oil. It’s low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins from the mixed vegetables. Exact values depend on portion size and any additions.

Serving ideas for a family meal

• Pair with a simple sandwich or toast for kids.
• Add a side salad and crusty bread for adults.
• Serve with rice or grain bowls to make it more filling.
• Let everyone add their own toppings: cheese, herbs, or hot sauce.

What goes well with this soup

• Crusty bread or garlic bread
• A grilled cheese sandwich
• A light green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables or a baked potato on the side

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Add frozen vegetables a few minutes earlier in step 5 so they cook through.

Q: Can I make this on the stovetop ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it fully, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

Q: Is this soup vegan?
A: Yes, with the ingredients listed it is vegan. Use vegetable broth and skip dairy toppings.

Q: Can I use other herbs?
A: Sure — rosemary, oregano, or a bay leaf will work. Add dried herbs early and fresh herbs at the end.

Conclusion

If you want more recipes and variations to compare, take a look at these helpful links: Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe – NatashasKitchen.com, Simple Vegetable Soup – Brand New Vegan, and Easy Vegetable Soup – Downshiftology. These pages offer extra ideas and techniques you can try with this base recipe.

Easy Vegetable Soup

This easy vegetable soup is quick, healthy, and made with things you likely already have. It cooks in one pot and tastes fresh and comforting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine American, Vegetarian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth Use a good quality broth for best flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale Can substitute with other greens.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
• Add the carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
• Stir in the zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Cooking

• Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Add spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

Serving

• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Notes

Cool the soup at room temperature for no more than two hours, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot.

Keyword Easy soup, Healthy Soup, One Pot Meal, vegan soup, Vegetable Soup