Recipe

Healthy Garden Vegetable Soup

A bright, brothy vegetable soup packed with lean protein, cozy herbs, and crisp-tender veggies. Freezer-friendly, weeknight-easy, and wildly improv-friendly.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A steaming bowl of garden vegetable soup with carrots, zucchini, green beans, white beans, and herbs on a wooden table

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Garden vegetable soup is my favorite kind of healthy dinner because it does not feel like health food. It feels like someone cared enough to simmer a pot of comfort, but also remembered you have things to do and dishes to avoid.

This version is brothy and bright, loaded with vegetables that stay crisp-tender instead of turning into sad confetti. White beans add protein and a creamy body without cream, and a small hit of lemon at the end makes the whole pot taste like it just took a shower and put on clean socks.

Use what you have. Swap the veggies. Add pasta if you are in a carb mood. The goal is simple: a big pot of “I definitely have my life together” soup that tastes even better tomorrow.

Chopped carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, and green beans on a cutting board next to a soup pot

Why It Works

Big flavor, light feel: Tomato paste plus herbs builds that long-simmered taste fast, without relying on heavy fats.
Veggies that keep their texture: We stagger when we add vegetables so zucchini and green beans stay bright and crisp-tender.
Protein without drama: White beans make it satisfying and add a velvety broth when lightly mashed.
Finishes like a restaurant soup: Lemon and fresh herbs at the end lift everything so it tastes fresh, not flat.

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Fridge: Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 3 months. Leave a little headspace because soup expands.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
If adding pasta or rice: Cook and store it separately when possible. Add to each bowl so it does not soak up all the broth overnight.

Common Questions

FAQ

Can I make this soup without tomatoes?

Yes. Skip the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add an extra 1 to 2 cups broth and bump the flavor with more lemon at the end and a little extra dried herbs. A spoonful of pesto in the bowl also helps.

What vegetables work best here?

Anything that is not emotionally attached to being roasted. Great options: carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, peas, cabbage, spinach, kale, cauliflower, and bell pepper. Add tender greens at the very end so they stay green and lively.

How do I make it more filling?

Add cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or extra beans. You can also stir in 1 cup cooked whole grains like farro or brown rice, or add 1 to 1 1/2 cups small pasta.

How can I reduce sodium?

Use low-sodium broth, rinse canned beans well, and rely on acid and herbs for punch. Lemon juice and black pepper do a lot of heavy lifting.

My soup tastes bland. How do I fix it?

Try this in order: add a pinch of salt, add lemon juice, add black pepper, then add a tiny splash of vinegar. If it still feels shy, a teaspoon of miso or grated Parmesan can deepen the broth.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large Dutch oven or soup pot (5 to 7 quarts)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Can opener
Ladle
Optional: microplane or fine grater for Parmesan

This is the soup I make when my fridge is doing that thing where it looks empty but also somehow contains five half-used vegetables and one lemon rolling around like it pays rent. The first time I made it, I was trying to “eat lighter” and ended up accidentally making a pot so good I ate two bowls and called it balance.

Now it is my default reset recipe. It makes the kitchen smell like you have your life together, it forgives improv, and it turns leftovers into something suspiciously impressive. Also, it is the rare healthy meal that makes you excited to do the dishes because you want to lick the spoon anyway.