Spring Minestrone Soup

Name: Spring Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut; 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen); 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Cooking

I love making Spring Minestrone Soup when the season starts to bloom. The vibrant colors of vegetables and the fresh herbs truly reflect the essence of spring. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have, allowing for flexibility in ingredients. With a rich and nourishing broth, this soup is not just a meal, but a celebration of fresh flavors. It's perfect for enjoying on a sunny day or as a cozy dinner during spring evenings. Trust me, this dish will become a seasonal favorite!

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:49:36.450Z

Making this Spring Minestrone Soup has created countless delightful moments for my family and me. Each time I prepare it, I get to select the freshest ingredients from the local market—everything from crisp green beans to vibrant peas. Using seasonal vegetables makes this soup both healthy and delicious, highlighting the natural flavors.

What truly sets this soup apart is the addition of fresh herbs right at the end. I love adding a generous handful of basil and parsley to the pot just before serving. This not only brightens the soup but also elevates its taste, giving it that fresh, spring vibe I adore.

You'll Love This Because
Packed with seasonal vegetables bursting with flavor
A light, refreshing broth that's perfect for transitional weather
Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners

Ingredient Role Insights

Each component of the Spring Minestrone Soup plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The base of the soup, including onion and garlic, provides a savory depth that is essential for a rich broth. Sautéing these aromatics until they're golden and fragrant is key; this step ensures the onions release their natural sugars, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pot, which distributes heat evenly and prevents burning.

Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini and green beans not only add vibrant color but also contribute freshness to each spoonful. They should be added in stages to ensure they cook perfectly—soft but still retaining some bite. If you're using frozen peas, add them towards the end to preserve their bright green color and sweetness. Alternatively, you can substitute any leftover vegetables you have on hand; just keep in mind that firmer vegetables may need a longer cooking time.

Making the Perfect Broth

The broth is the heart of this minestrone soup, and using a quality vegetable broth elevates the overall flavor. If you're making your own broth, simmer vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot tops, and celery leaves for 30-40 minutes. Allow it to cool and strain properly for a clear, flavorful base. Store-bought broth is also a great time-saver! Just be sure to check for sodium levels and opt for low-sodium varieties if you're watching your salt intake.

To make the broth truly shine, don't skip the addition of dried thyme; it adds an aromatic and slightly floral note that complements the fresh herbs beautifully. Allowing the soup to simmer for a full 15 minutes helps to meld the flavors, softening the vegetables while still keeping them distinct. If you're in a hurry, a short simmer of 10 minutes will still give you a delicious soup, but the longer cooking time truly enhances the depth of flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

When serving, don't forget the optional grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that rounds out the freshness of the soup. If you prefer a vegan version, nutritional yeast can be an excellent substitute for that umami kick. I recommend serving the soup with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad to keep the meal light and vibrant.

This minestrone soup is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months. Just be aware that textures may change slightly after freezing—vegetables may become softer upon reheating. To reheat frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Ingredients

Gather all your fresh ingredients to make this delightful soup.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Once you have everything prepped, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Spring Minestrone Soup.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Then, stir in the zucchini and green beans, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, stir in the peas and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Enjoy this nourishing soup on its own or with some crusty bread!

Pro Tips

To make this soup even heartier, consider adding a can of cannellini beans or cooked pasta. For added flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish beautifully.

Key Techniques for Success

Properly sautéing the onion and garlic is essential for a well-rounded flavor base. Aim to sauté them until the onion is translucent and just starting to caramelize. This not only deepens the flavor but also prevents any harsh raw onion taste in the final soup. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.

When adding ingredients at different stages, consider their cooking times. For instance, carrots and celery will take longer to soften than zucchini and green beans. By staggering their addition, you ensure each vegetable retains its best texture. As a rule of thumb, aim for a fork-tender but still slightly crisp vegetable for the best eating experience.

Customizing Your Soup

Feel free to get creative with the vegetable selections based on what's in season or what you have leftover. Kale, spinach, or even diced potatoes can be great additions. If you’re looking for protein, consider adding canned beans like cannellini or chickpeas—just rinse them well before adding to keep the broth clear and flavorful.

For an extra boost of flavor, you might add a splash of lemon juice or a hint of red pepper flakes right before serving. Both ingredients can elevate the dish, adding brightness and a bit of warmth respectively. And don’t hesitate to adjust the herbs depending on your palate; oregano or dill can bring a delightful twist to this classic soup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add meat to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or sausage to make it more filling. Just sauté the meat alongside the onions.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, this minestrone soup freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it when you're ready to enjoy.

→ What can I substitute for vegetable broth?

You can use chicken broth or water with bouillon cubes as an alternative.

→ How can I make this soup vegan?

This recipe is already vegan! Just omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a plant-based cheese if desired.