Looking for a cozy, nourishing dish that comes together in under an hour using just one pot? This Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal is exactly what you need. It’s brimming with vibrant vegetables, rich in flavor, and so simple to prepare that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re craving something light, need a nutritious weeknight dinner, or want to meal-prep for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and wholesome goodness.

Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each vegetable and seasoning adds its own special touch. From the sweetness of carrots and corn to the aromatic herbs, every component plays a role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture in your bowl.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables for a deeper flavor base.
Onion (diced): Provides a savory-sweet foundation that infuses the entire soup.
Garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant, zesty punch that’s essential for any great soup.
Carrots (peeled and sliced): Add natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Celery (sliced): Gives a mild, earthy crunch and classic soup flavor.
Zucchini (chopped): Offers gentle texture and soaks up all the delicious broth.
Green beans (trimmed & cut): Bring a pop of green and a satisfying bite.
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Sweet and juicy, they add bursts of flavor in every spoonful.
Frozen peas: For a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, peas are always welcome.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Lend tang and heartiness, plus a rich tomato flavor.
Vegetable broth: The backbone of the soup, making everything simmer into comfort food perfection.
Dried basil: Herbal and slightly sweet, basil gives a classic Italian note.
Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and depth that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chopped spinach or kale (optional): Stirred in at the end for extra nutrients and color.
Lemon juice (optional): Just a squeeze brightens up the whole pot.

How to Make Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors—the aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 2: Add the Heartier Vegetables and Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped zucchini, green beans, corn, peas, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. This is where the soup starts coming to life with color and texture. Give everything a good mix to combine all those lovely veggies.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, making sure all the vegetables are nestled into the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—your kitchen will begin to smell like a cozy café!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. This is the perfect time for the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become perfectly tender. Stir occasionally, and check that nothing is sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish with Lemon

If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt quickly and add a fresh burst of color and nutrition. For extra brightness, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve your Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal hot and enjoy every wholesome spoonful!

How to Serve Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Garnishes

Top your bowl with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese (if you like), or a crack of black pepper. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic. These simple garnishes make every bowl feel special and extra delicious.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderful paired with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread, a warm baguette, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, enjoy it alongside a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal in bread bowls for a fun twist, or ladle it into small mugs for a comforting appetizer at gatherings. For a family-style meal, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone help themselves—so cozy and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the soup even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal is a freezer superstar. Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly flexible—use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Potatoes, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes are all fantastic additions or substitutions.

Is this soup gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! The Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal is naturally gluten-free and vegan, as long as you use a gluten-free broth and skip any non-vegan garnishes like cheese.

How can I make the soup more filling?

For extra heartiness, add a can of drained beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or some cooked pasta toward the end of cooking. Both add protein and make it a complete meal.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Just add all the ingredients (except for any delicate greens or lemon juice) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for about 3–4 hours. Stir in the greens and lemon juice just before serving.

What’s the best way to adjust the seasoning?

Always taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you want extra brightness, a little more lemon juice at the end can really make the flavors pop!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal, you’ll see just how effortless and rewarding homemade soup can be. It’s comforting, customizable, and packed with nutrition. Give it a go—you might just find it becomes your new favorite weekday staple!

Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe for a Healthy Meal Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe is a nutritious, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for any day. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, it offers a wholesome, low-fat, vegan, and gluten-free option that’s simple to prepare and customize according to your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional)

Liquids & Canned Goods

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
6 cups vegetable broth
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Seasonings & Oils

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
Add Root Vegetables and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and soften the vegetables.
Add Remaining Vegetables and Broth: Add the chopped zucchini, green beans, corn, peas, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Add Leafy Greens and Lemon: If using spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, if desired.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy vegetable soup.

Notes

You can substitute any vegetables you prefer or have available, such as potatoes, squash, or bell peppers.
This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta, rice, or beans towards the end of cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American