Simple Spring Minestrone Soup

Name: Simple Spring Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Light Wellness Dishes

I absolutely adore springtime, and what better way to celebrate this vibrant season than with a bowl of hearty Minestrone Soup? Fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of pasta come together to create a delightful dish that’s not only filling but also colorful and nutritious. I love how easy it is to customize based on what’s in season or what I happen to have in the fridge. This soup is a canvas for creativity, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:58:17.450Z

When I first tried making Minestrone Soup, I was surprised at how versatile and forgiving it is. I’ve experimented with different vegetables and herbs based on what I have on hand, and each variation tells its own story. I learned that simmering the vegetables just the right amount gives them a tender crispness that keeps the soup vibrant and fresh.

One of my favorite tips is to add a splash of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the flavors beautifully and balances the richness of the broth. The first time I added it, I knew I had found a secret ingredient that I’d always include in my soups from then on!

Why You'll Love This Soup
Bursting with fresh spring vegetables
Quick and easy to prepare
Hearty and satisfying without being heavy

Maximizing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The key to a vibrant Spring Minestrone Soup lies in the freshness of the ingredients. I highly recommend visiting your local farmers' market to select in-season vegetables like zucchini, green beans, and carrots. When picking produce, look for vegetables that are firm and rich in color, which indicates peak ripeness. Fresh herbs, particularly basil, should also be vibrant and aromatic, as this will significantly enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with different vegetables based on what’s available. For instance, incorporating asparagus or peas can elevate the dish even further. If you have gluten-sensitive diners, consider swapping the small pasta with gluten-free options like quinoa or brown rice, adjusting cooking times as necessary to ensure they're cooked to your preference.

Enhancing Texture and Nutrition

To achieve a delightful balance of textures in your soup, ensure that the vegetables are cut uniformly. This will facilitate even cooking and prevent any pieces from becoming overly soft while others remain crunchy. I find that dicing the carrots and celery into small pieces allows them to release their flavors into the broth without losing their bite during simmering. Adding the green beans a bit later in the cooking process ensures they maintain their crispness.

For a nutritional boost, feel free to add legumes such as cannellini beans or lentils. Adding them along with the broth not just enhances the heartiness of the soup, but also contributes protein and fiber, making it a more satisfying meal. Just be mindful of adjusting the salt levels, as canned beans can be salty themselves.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this refreshing soup:

Soup Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure all your vegetables are fresh for the best flavor in this soup!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Minestrone Soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

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

Add Remaining Veggies

Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes. Then, add the zucchini and green beans, cooking for an additional 4 minutes.

Combine Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the can of diced tomatoes and oregano. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, add the pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice just before serving, and garnish with fresh basil.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Minestrone Soup hot!

Pro Tips

For a heartier version, feel free to add a can of white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This minestrone soup makes for excellent leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a medium heat setting on the stove to prevent overcooking the vegetables. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water during reheating to restore the soup’s consistency, especially if it thickens in the fridge.

If you want to make a larger batch, consider freezing portions. Portioning into individual airtight containers before freezing ensures that you can easily defrost only as much as you need. When reheating from frozen, simply transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw, then heat on the stove, stirring constantly until warmed through.

Delicious Variations

Feel free to customize this minestrone by incorporating seasonal vegetables or even a handful of leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard toward the end of the cooking process. They wilt down nicely and add a boost of color and nutrients. For a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions, adjusting the spice level to your taste.

For those who enjoy a richer flavor, adding a parmesan rind during the simmering process can amplify the umami. Just be sure to remove it before serving. You can also finish the soup with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the dish right before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this soup. Just add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

→ Is it possible to make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully overnight. Just reheat before serving and add a little extra broth if needed.

→ Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier option. Just add it after the vegetables are sautéed.

→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.