Basic Vegetable Soup Recipe

Basic Vegetable Soup Recipe

Why People Love This Basic Vegetable Soup

This basic vegetable soup is a comforting, nourishing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for using up vegetables you have on hand. It’s a healthy, low-calorie meal that can be customized with seasonal vegetables or your favorite protein, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

For more comforting dinner ideas, try this Shrimp Crab Lasagna Recipe for a hearty seafood twist on your family meals.

This vegetable soup is also budget-friendly, making it a staple for families looking to enjoy healthy dinner recipes without hassle. If you love easy meals, you might also enjoy our Best Chicken Spread Recipe for sandwiches during the week.

This soup also supports your meal prep goals, as it stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners. You can add a variety of vegetables to match the seasons, making each pot unique. The warmth and simplicity of this soup will bring a cozy feeling to your kitchen while providing a nutritious meal your family will look forward to enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)

• 2 cups vegetables or protein (such as peas, green beans, chicken, or tofu)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For another comforting recipe, check out these Fluffy Bakery-Style Vanilla Cupcakes for a sweet finish to your meal.

Instructions

 In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

 Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

 Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

 Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

 Add the additional vegetables or protein of your choice.

 Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.

For inspiration on adding depth to your soups, see this guide on Serious Eats.

Tips & Variations

• Add leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes for extra nutrients.

• For a low-carb meal, use zucchini or cauliflower in place of potatoes.

• Add cooked beans for protein and fiber.

• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for enhanced flavor.

• If you prefer a creamy soup, blend half of the mixture and return it to the pot.

• Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

• Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.

If you’re looking for another warm dish, these Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs pair well with a light soup for a comforting dinner.

Storage

Store leftover basic vegetable soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6

Tools Used

• Large pot

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Wooden spoon

• Ladle

Final Thoughts

This basic vegetable soup is a warm, comforting dish that fits perfectly into your weekly meal rotation, helping you stay on track with healthy dinner recipes while enjoying delicious flavors. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and perfect for meal prep. You can pair this soup with your favorite salad, warm bread, or a small dessert to create a complete and satisfying dinner any day of the week.

Before your next shopping trip, consider trying this Homemade Fruit Cake to pair with your soup for a complete meal experience.

If you enjoy easy family dinners and want more comforting meals like this, explore Delish’s soup collection for additional creative variations to keep your dinners exciting.

Basic Vegetable Soup

Summary: This basic vegetable soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, customizable with proteins, and is ideal for anyone looking for a healthy dinner recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups broth chicken, vegetable, or beef
• 2 cups vegetables or protein peas, green beans, chicken, or tofu
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Keywords:
• basic vegetable soup, healthy dinner recipes, easy family dinner, low-carb soup, high-protein soup
• Cuisine:
• American
• Category:
• Soup
• Prep Time:
• 10 minutes
• Cook Time:
• 25 minutes
• Total Time:
• 35 minutes
• Servings:
• 4–6
• Calories:
• Approx. 180 per serving (depending on broth and added protein)
• Equipment:
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• - Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Instructions:
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add additional vegetables or protein of your choice.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve warm with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Notes:
Add leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition.

For a low-carb version, swap in zucchini or cauliflower.

Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.