Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon

Name: Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped; 1 cup fresh peas; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 lemon, juice and zest; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Good-For-You Recipes

I absolutely love preparing this Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon during the warmer months when fresh produce is at its peak. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas lift my spirits, making it a true celebration of spring. With tender vegetables and a bright burst of lemon, it’s not just a meal; it's an experience that transports me to a sunlit garden. Each spoonful is refreshing and nourishing, perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for dinner, and I always find it brings a smile to those I serve it to.

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:25:35.553Z

When I first made this Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon, I was experimenting with flavors and wanted something bright and invigorating. The combination of fresh peas, asparagus, and bright lemon juice created a soup that's not only delicious but also extremely satisfying. I learned that adding lemon zest right before serving enhances the aroma and taste tremendously, making the soup feel even more refreshing.

Each time I prepare this soup, I love to include whatever seasonal vegetables I have on hand. It allows the recipe to evolve with the seasons, each bowl telling a different story based on what's available. Using homemade vegetable broth elevates the flavors, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and refreshing flavors that scream spring
Packed with seasonal vegetables for maximum nutrition
Easy to make and perfect for meal prep

Preparing the Vegetables

Choosing fresh, high-quality vegetables is key to enhancing the flavors of this soup. When selecting asparagus, look for firm stalks with vibrant green hues and closed tips, as they indicate freshness. For peas, opt for those that are glossy and plump, which ensures a sweet taste and tender texture. Give all vegetables a good rinse before chopping to remove any dirt or pesticides. This prep work pays off when you bite into the bright, clean vegetables in your soup.

When dicing onions and garlic, be sure to use a sharp knife to prevent bruising the vegetables and to make clean cuts. The aromatics should be sautéed until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step develops the foundational flavors in your soup. If you're in a hurry, you can use pre-chopped onion and garlic, but fresh ones will impart a much richer flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Cooking and Serving Tips

While simmering the soup, keep an eye on the heat level to ensure it maintains a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil. A rapid boil can cause the vegetables to overcook, leading to a mushy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld beautifully. The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant and slightly crisp, usually about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary to elevate the brightness of the dish.

For an added touch, consider serving the soup with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan. This offers a creamy contrast to the bright, zesty flavors. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the lemon, which provides a balanced creamy texture while still keeping some vegetable chunks.

Ingredients

Gather all your fresh ingredients for a delightful cooking experience!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
1 cup fresh peas
4 cups vegetable broth
1 lemon, juice and zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste before serving!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious soup!

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Remaining Vegetables

Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes. Add the chopped asparagus and peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.

Finish with Lemon

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your freshly made Spring Vegetable Soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, use homemade vegetable broth, and feel free to mix in any other seasonal vegetables you enjoy.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This Spring Vegetable Soup can be made ahead of time and stored for savoring later. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling it again, as this can overcook the vegetables. If you're planning to freeze the soup, consider omitting the lemon juice until you're ready to enjoy it, since the citrus zest may lose its brightness after freezing.

When reheating, if you find the soup has thickened, add a splash of water or additional broth to achieve your desired consistency. The flavors will only become richer as the soup sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just make sure to store portions in smaller containers for easy grab-and-go servings!

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! While this recipe features asparagus and peas, you can easily substitute with seasonal offerings like green beans or zucchini. If you want to add a protein element, consider tossing in cooked chicken or chickpeas. Both will complement the flavors well, making the soup heartier and satisfying for a light dinner.

If you're looking to spice things up, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process. This will add a gentle heat that balances nicely with the freshness of the vegetables. For a herbal touch, experiment with basil or dill, which can be stirred in at the end along with the lemon juice for an aromatic finish. Each variation can transform your Spring Vegetable Soup while retaining its delightful essence!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans to customize the soup.

→ Is this soup vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable broth.