Silky Zucchini Soup Recipe

Creamy Garden Zucchini Soup Recipe: Simple Summer Joy

Cool summer evenings call for a comforting zucchini soup recipe that warms the soul without weighing you down.

This vibrant green soup bursts with fresh garden flavors and creamy textures that dance on your palate.

Packed with nutrients and simple ingredients, the recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Fresh zucchini takes center stage, blending seamlessly with aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance of smooth consistency and rich flavor profiles.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this soup offers a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables with minimal effort.

Grab a ladle and get ready to savor a bowl of pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Zucchini Soup Ingredient Overview

For Base and Flavor:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and enhancing deep flavors; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
  • Onion: Delivers sweet, aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the soup's overall profile; select firm, bright white or yellow onions.
For Vegetable Body:
  • Zucchini, Potatoes: Creates creamy texture and hearty substance; pick fresh, firm zucchini with vibrant green color and smooth potatoes without sprouts.
  • Thyme, Oregano, Paprika: Introduces warm, earthy herbal notes and subtle spice; use fresh herbs when possible for more intense flavor profile.
For Creaminess and Finishing:
  • Broth: Provides liquid base and additional savory undertones; opt for low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth for better control of saltiness.
  • Milk, Shredded Cheese: Adds luxurious smoothness and rich, tangy finish; select full-fat milk and sharp cheddar or gruyère for maximum flavor complexity.
  • Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances overall taste; use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for more nuanced seasoning.

Tools to Cook Zucchini Soup

  • Large soup pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup base.
  • Food processor or blender: Perfect for creating a smooth, creamy texture by puréeing the cooked vegetables.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, potatoes, and zucchini.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp and reliable for precise vegetable preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of herbs and spices.
  • Ladle: Convenient for transferring and serving the soup.

Cooking Zucchini Soup Made

Velvety Zucchini Comfort

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a warm base by gently softening onions in a large pot, letting their sweet aroma fill your kitchen.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Combine fresh zucchini and hearty potatoes with aromatic herbs, allowing them to dance together in bubbling broth.

  • Smooth Transformation

Use a blender to transform the tender vegetables into a silky, creamy texture that feels like liquid velvet.

  • Cheese Finale

Swirl in rich milk and melt delicate cheese into the soup, creating a luxurious finish that warms you from the inside out.

  • Serving Magic

Sprinkle with a hint of fresh herbs or a crack of black pepper, then ladle into bowls that promise comfort and satisfaction.

Tips to Boost Zucchini Soup Flavor

  • Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for more depth and color.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill to transform the soup's flavor profile and create a personalized touch.
  • Stir in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or white beans to make the soup more filling and satisfying.
  • Swap milk with heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, more luxurious soup consistency that adds complexity to the dish.

Serve Zucchini Soup Creatively

  • Garden Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top to add bright green color and a burst of herbal freshness that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
  • Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside toasted rustic sourdough or garlic bread slices to create a delightful textural contrast and help soak up every delicious spoonful.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crumbled feta cheese to enhance the soup's flavor profile and add extra protein and crunch for a more substantial meal.
  • Elegant Wine Pairing: Match this zucchini soup with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to elevate the dining experience and balance the soup's creamy richness.

Storage for Zucchini Soup

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the zucchini soup in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of extra broth or milk if the consistency becomes too thick during reheating. Stir until heated thoroughly and smooth.
  • Portioning Hack: Consider dividing the soup into single-serving containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight meals. Label each container with the date and contents for easy tracking and organization.
Print
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Silky Zucchini Soup Recipe

Silky Zucchini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy zucchini soup delivers summer garden freshness with silky smooth textures. Rich herb-infused broth promises comfort and nourishment for hungry souls seeking simple seasonal elegance.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 medium-sized zucchini, chopped (approximately 6 cups or 900 g)
  • 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese (can omit for vegan recipe)
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (can omit or replace with nondairy milk for vegan recipe)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Foundation: In a large pot, warm olive oil or butter over medium heat, gently sweating diced onions until they become translucent and release a delicate aroma.
  2. Build Flavor Base: Add chopped potatoes, zucchini, thyme, oregano, and paprika to the pot. Pour in broth and elevate heat to initiate a robust boil, allowing herbs to infuse their essence into the liquid.
  3. Simmer and Tenderize: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and soften for 20 minutes. Verify potato tenderness by easily piercing with a fork, ensuring complete vegetable integration.
  4. Smooth Transformation: Transfer the mixture in batches to a blender, processing until achieving a luxuriously smooth, velvety purée that eliminates any textural irregularities.
  5. Final Refinement: Return the silky soup to the pot, reheating gently. Introduce milk and gradually fold in shredded cheese, stirring continuously until dairy components melt into a creamy, harmonious blend.
  6. Season and Serve: Conduct a final flavor assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to elevate the soup’s nuanced profile. Ladle into warm bowls, presenting a comforting and elegant culinary creation.

Notes

  • Optimize Vegetable Prep: Dice onions, potatoes, and zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Master Herb Infusion: Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release maximum flavor and aromatic compounds into the soup base.
  • Blending Technique: Cool soup slightly before blending to prevent steam pressure buildup and potential splattering, ensuring smooth and safe puréeing.
  • Cheese Melting Strategy: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a silky, creamy consistency without separating dairy components.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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