Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs

Name: Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 bay leaf; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs whenever I'm in need of a cozy meal. It's packed with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, making it both nutritious and delicious. The colors of the vegetables always uplift my mood, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible. In just a short amount of time, I can whip up this comforting soup that satisfies my cravings while keeping things healthy. Plus, it's versatile—I can easily swap in whatever vegetables I have on hand!

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:40:09.751Z

When I first experimented with this Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could yield such rich flavors. I chose fresh vegetables from the local market, and the result was a burst of taste in every spoonful. The trick is to sauté the vegetables before adding the broth; it really brings out their natural sweetness and depth.

Over the years, I’ve refined the recipe to include my favorite herbs like thyme and basil, which add an aromatic touch. Each time I make it, there’s always a little twist based on what’s fresh. It’s become a staple in my home, perfect for both a quick lunch and a light dinner.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with fresh, vibrant vegetables
Aromatic herbs elevate the flavors
Comforting and satisfying yet low in calories

      

Mastering the Sauté

Sautéing is a crucial technique in this Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs. The initial step involves heating the olive oil until it shimmers, which indicates it's hot enough to release the flavors of the vegetables you add. Start by adding the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about five minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This initial cooking lays the foundation for the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile by allowing the vegetables to meld together beautifully.

Be careful not to rush this step. Overcooking the vegetables can lead to a mushy texture, which is not ideal. You're looking for them to soften while still maintaining some bite. Stirring occasionally allows even cooking and helps prevent sticking, ensuring the caramelization process begins, which adds depth to your dish.

The Art of Layering Flavors

Adding garlic after the initial vegetable sauté is key to maximizing its flavor. It should cook only for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned, as this can introduce a bitter taste. Follow garlic with the zucchini and bell pepper, both of which will add a fresh, vibrant crunch to your soup. Sautéing these vegetables briefly ensures they retain their color and texture, contributing to a visually appealing and satisfying soup.

When combining the broth and seasonings, taste as you go! This step allows you to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. The bay leaf and dried herbs infuse the soup during the simmering phase, so finding that balance of seasoning early ensures your final dish is well-rounded and flavorful.

Storage and Variations

This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors develop even further as it sits. If you prefer, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just remember to leave some space in the bag as liquids expand when frozen, preventing a messy rupture.

Feel free to customize your soup based on what's in your fridge. Swap out green beans for broccoli or add kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also toss in cooked grains like quinoa or barley for added texture and nutrition. These variations make it adaptable to different seasons and personal tastes.

Ingredients

To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your healthy vegetable soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add Garlic and Other Vegetables

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the diced zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Combine Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the green beans, canned tomatoes, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Serve and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your healthy, homemade soup!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving.

Garnishing for Flavor

The garnishing step using fresh parsley not only elevates the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness at the end. I recommend using flat-leaf parsley, which has a more robust flavor compared to curly parsley. This enhances the herbal notes in your soup, balancing the earthiness of the vegetables beautifully.

If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. The acidity brightens the flavors and adds an unexpected zing, making the soup feel lighter and more vibrant.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your soup is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more vegetable broth or even water to reach your desired consistency. This is particularly effective if you're utilizing high-starch vegetables like potatoes in variations, which can thicken the soup significantly.

On the other hand, if your soup lacks flavor, it may need a bit more salt or an additional boost of herbs. As it simmers, the flavors mingle, so tasting during the final minutes allows you to decide if it needs further enhancement.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add any seasonal vegetables you prefer, such as spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes.

→ How can I make it heartier?

For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked beans or lentils.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth, this soup is gluten-free.