Recipe

Light Broccoli Soup

A cozy, bright green broccoli soup with fresh herbs and a savory finish. Creamy without heavy cream, weeknight-easy, and perfect with crunchy toast.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A bowl of light broccoli soup topped with chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil on a wooden table with a spoon beside it

Jump to Recipe

Some soups are basically a dairy delivery system. This is not that soup. This one is light but still cozy, the kind of bowl you can eat on a random Tuesday and feel like you made a good decision without sacrificing flavor.

We build the base with onion, garlic, and a little potato for body, then let broccoli do its thing. The “savory and herbal” part comes from a quick hit of lemon, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and a handful of soft herbs stirred in right at the end so they stay bright. It tastes green in the best way: fresh and vibrant.

Broccoli florets and fresh herbs on a cutting board next to a chef's knife

Why It Works

Silky texture without cream: A small potato and a good blend give you that creamy vibe while keeping it light.
Herbs that actually taste like herbs: We add them at the end so they stay fresh, not dull and cooked out.
Big savory flavor, minimal effort: A quick sauté plus a simmer, then blend. The soup tastes like you tried harder than you did.
Flexible: Make it vegan, add protein, swap herbs based on what is hanging out in your fridge.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: This soup freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers (leave a little headspace) and freeze for up to 3 months. Note: soups thickened with potato can turn slightly grainy after thawing. A quick re-blend (immersion blender works great) brings it back.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens, add a splash of broth or water. Avoid boiling after blending to preserve the bright green color and fresh herb flavor.

Pro tip: If you know you are freezing it, hold back the delicate herbs and stir them in after reheating for the freshest flavor.

Common Questions

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes. Use vegetable broth and skip the yogurt, or swap in an unsweetened plant yogurt. Finish with extra olive oil for richness.

How do I keep broccoli soup bright green?

Do not overcook the broccoli. Simmer just until tender, then blend right away. Adding the herbs off-heat also keeps the flavor and color fresh.

Do I need an immersion blender?

No. A countertop blender works too. Just blend in batches and vent the lid (cover with a towel) so steam can escape safely.

My soup tastes a little bitter. What now?

Broccoli can lean bitter if it is older or overcooked. Fix it with salt first, then add a squeeze of lemon. If it still needs help, add a small spoon of yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil to round it out.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Use the same amount by weight, and reduce simmer time slightly since frozen broccoli softens faster.

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 pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Immersion blender (or countertop blender)
Ladle

I started making versions of this when I wanted “real soup” energy without committing to a heavy, cream-based situation. The first time it worked, I remember standing at the stove tasting it and thinking, okay, this is the kind of simple that still feels impressive. Now it is my go-to when the fridge has broccoli that needs a plan and I want dinner to taste clean, savory, and a little fancy, even if I am wearing sweatpants.

Light Broccoli Soup

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small Yukon Gold potato (about 6 ounces), peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups broccoli florets (about 12 ounces)
2 cups broccoli stems, peeled and chopped (optional, or replace with extra florets)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or basil)
1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)

Optional toppings: toasted pepitas, croutons, grated Parmesan, chili flakes.

Instructions

Sauté the base. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Build the soup. Add diced potato, salt, pepper, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.
Add broccoli. Stir in broccoli florets (and chopped stems if using). Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, until broccoli is tender and the potato is fully soft. (If your stem pieces are large, give them a couple extra minutes.)
Blend. Remove bay leaf. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and vent the lid to let steam escape.
Make it herbal. Turn off the heat. Stir in parsley and dill, then add lemon juice a little at a time. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon until it tastes bright, savory, and fresh.
Adjust texture and serve. For a thinner soup, add a splash more broth or water. For thicker, let it simmer a few minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt if you want a creamy contrast, plus any toppings you love.

A pot of blended broccoli soup being pureed with an immersion blender

Nutrition information is estimated.

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