Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs

Name: Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs, especially during chilly days when comfort food feels like a warm embrace. Packed with colorful vegetables and fresh herbs, this soup is more than just a bowl of goodness—it's a way to nourish both body and soul. The vibrant flavors dance together, creating a deliciously satisfying experience. Plus, it's super easy to make, so I can whip it up anytime I need a nutritious meal. Trust me, you'll want to have this recipe on repeat!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:04:16.208Z

When I first tried making this Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs, I couldn’t believe how much flavor a simple mixture of vegetables could bring. I roasted some of the veggies beforehand to enhance their sweetness, and the aroma filled my kitchen with warmth and comfort. The addition of vibrant herbs like thyme and parsley takes this soup to a whole new level.

One tip I discovered is to let the soup simmer for a bit longer than usual. Not only does it allow the flavors to meld beautifully, but it also makes the vegetables tender while maintaining their vibrant colors. It's a satisfying dish that I love sharing with friends and family!

        Why You'll Love This Soup
        A myriad of fresh vegetables that provide essential nutrients
Herbs that elevate the overall flavor profile
Comforting warmth that makes you feel cozy inside

      

Exploring the Vegetable Medley

The beauty of this Healthy Vegetable Soup lies in the variety of vegetables used. Carrots provide natural sweetness, while celery adds a subtle earthiness and crunch. I like to keep my veggies uniform in size, cutting them into a half-inch dice for even cooking. This ensures that everything cooks uniformly and achieves that delightful tender but not mushy texture. If you're looking to add color, consider incorporating purple carrots or multi-colored bell peppers for visual appeal.

Zucchini and bell peppers introduce a refreshing lightness to the soup. When diced, zucchini cooks quickly and contributes a lovely subtle flavor, while bell peppers add a slight sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. If you find yourself short on any vegetable, don't hesitate to substitute with what you have on hand. Green beans, squash, or even spinach can work nicely. Just remember to adjust cooking times as necessary.

Herbs That Make a Difference

Herbs are the unsung heroes of this soup. Dried thyme and basil not only contribute to the flavor complexity but also enhance the overall aroma. I recommend using high-quality dried herbs for a more intense flavor, as they significantly impact the final taste. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or rosemary, which pair beautifully with the other vegetables and add a hearty warmth to each spoonful.

For an extra kick in flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the end of cooking. This will brighten the soup and provide layers of flavor that invite you to savor each bite. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can be tossed in when serving for an aromatic finish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious vegetable soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

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

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the zucchini, bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in dried thyme and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop while keeping the vegetables tender.

Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Healthy Vegetable Soup with Herbs hot, and consider pairing it with a fresh whole-grain bread for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the dish and enhances the freshness of the herbs.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Healthy Vegetable Soup is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only improve as they meld together over time! If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. It will last up to three months in the freezer, and you can thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, I find that a stovetop works best to maintain the soup's texture. Simply simmer over low heat until warmed through, adding a bit of vegetable broth if the soup thickens during storage. You'll want to keep an eye on the color and fragrance while it heats as this will guide you to the perfect serving temperature.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your soup experience, serve this dish with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, which adds a savory depth that complements the vegetables beautifully. A side salad featuring light greens or roasted veggies can balance the meal nicely, providing a variety of textures and additional nutrients with each bite.

Consider transforming this soup into a complete meal by adding quinoa, lentils, or cooked pasta. These add-ins will not only enhance the fiber content but also make it heartier. Just stir them in towards the end of the cooking process, giving them enough time to warm through and soak up the delicious flavors of the soup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver, and they work well in soups as they retain their nutrients.

→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool, then freeze in portions. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What can I add to make this soup heartier?

You can add cooked lentils or beans for protein or pasta or quinoa for added texture.