Introduction

This ultimate easy vegetable soup recipe is the perfect one-pot, healthy meal for any day of the week. Packed with fresh, vibrant vegetables and simple seasonings, it comes together quickly for a nourishing and comforting dish. For another wholesome vegetable side, try this Thanksgiving Peas With Pear And Pancetta Recipe.

Ingredients

This easy vegetable soup recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that build layers of savory flavor and hearty texture.

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
28 oz canned diced tomatoes
60 oz vegetable broth (low-sodium)
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
3 bay leaves
2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup frozen sweet corn
1 cup frozen sweet peas
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, which is roughly 20% faster than many similar recipes that require longer simmering times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. For this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe, dice one large onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture in every spoonful.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery (the “mirepoix”) and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

This foundational step builds the flavor base for your soup. Don’t rush it—properly sautéed aromatics add a wonderful depth.

Step 3 — Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Toasting the dried herbs with the vegetables unlocks their full aroma.

Step 4 — Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Add one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s extra flavor!

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 5 — Simmer the Soup Base

Let the soup base simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors from the broth, tomatoes, and aromatics to meld beautifully. The liquid should reduce slightly, concentrating the taste.

Step 6 — Add Hardy Vegetables

Add your chunkier, longer-cooking vegetables. For this recipe, add 2 cups of diced potatoes and 1 cup of chopped green beans. Continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7 — Incorporate Quick-Cooking Veggies

Stir in any quick-cooking vegetables like 1 cup of frozen corn and 2 cups of fresh spinach or chopped kale. Simmer for just 3-5 more minutes until the greens are wilted and the corn is heated through. This preserves their bright color and texture.

Step 8 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Turn off the heat. Taste your Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. For a bright finish, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. It’s delicious on its own or served with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	5g
Fiber	8g
Sodium	650mg
Vitamin A	120% DV
Vitamin C	60% DV

Note: Nutritional values for this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe are estimates based on typical ingredients and a 1.5-cup serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This flexible Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe welcomes all sorts of smart swaps. Here are a few practical ideas to tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Swap for a Protein Boost — Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a more filling, protein-rich meal.
Lower-Carb Version — Replace starchy potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips, which hold up well and absorb the savory broth.
Dairy-Free Option — Skip the optional Parmesan garnish or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar umami, cheesy flavor without dairy.
Gluten-Free Adaptation — This soup is naturally gluten-free; just ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free if needed.
Low-Sodium Variation — Use a no-salt-added vegetable broth and rely on herbs, garlic, a splash of lemon juice, or a dash of smoked paprika for deep flavor.
Extra Hearty & Rustic — Stir in a handful of pearl barley or small pasta like ditalini during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Creamy Texture (Dairy or Vegan) — Blend a portion of the cooked soup and stir it back in, or add a splash of coconut milk for a rich, vegan creaminess.
Spicy Kick — Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of your favorite hot sauce just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe with a crusty baguette or warm, buttery dinner rolls for a simple and satisfying meal.
For a heartier lunch, serve the soup alongside a half sandwich, such as grilled cheese or turkey and avocado.
Elevate your plating by garnishing each bowl with a swirl of pesto, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
This soup is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or as a comforting starter for a larger holiday gathering.
Serve it in a deep, wide bowl to showcase the colorful vegetables and make it easy to dip bread.
For a complete, cozy meal, pair your vegetable soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a make-ahead lunch, these ideas will help you enjoy this versatile and delicious soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Adding all vegetables at once, leading to mushy peas and crunchy carrots. Fix: Stagger additions based on cooking time; start with aromatics and root vegetables, add softer veggies like zucchini last.
Mistake: Using only water as the broth base, resulting in a bland, uninspired soup. Fix: Build a flavorful foundation with a good-quality vegetable stock or by sautéing vegetables until deeply caramelized.
Mistake: Over-salting early in the cooking process, especially if using a reduced broth. Fix: Season in stages and do a final taste adjustment just before serving.
Mistake: Skipping the sauté step for onions, garlic, and spices, which misses a key layer of flavor development. Fix: Cook these aromatics in oil or butter until fragrant and translucent to unlock their full potential.
Mistake: Boiling the soup vigorously, which can break down delicate vegetables and cloud the broth. Fix: Maintain a gentle simmer after the initial boil for even, clear cooking.
Mistake: Neglecting acid balance, leaving the soup tasting flat. Fix: Brighten the final bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to lift all the flavors.
Mistake: Cutting vegetables into wildly different sizes, causing uneven cooking. Fix: Aim for a uniform dice or chop so every spoonful is perfectly cooked.
Mistake: Overcrowding the pot, which steams vegetables instead of allowing them to sauté properly. Fix: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets direct heat contact.
Mistake: Forgetting to account for ingredient saltiness, like from canned beans or tomatoes. Fix: Rinse canned beans and opt for low-sodium versions, then adjust seasoning accordingly.
Mistake: Serving immediately without letting the soup rest, which doesn’t allow the flavors to meld. Fix: Let your easy vegetable soup recipe sit off the heat for 10-15 minutes for a more harmonious taste.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool your Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Your homemade vegetable soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming hot all the way through. For food safety, ensure the reheated soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Letting the flavors meld overnight often makes this easy vegetable soup taste even better the next day.

Conclusion

This Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe is a simple, healthy meal perfect for any day. If you love quick veggie dishes, try our Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe Easy or Pasta with Spinach Sauce Recipe. Give this soup a try and let us know what you think in the comments!