I absolutely love this Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe because it’s vibrant, nourishing, and packed with fresh flavors that wake up your senses on even the gloomiest days. It’s one of those recipes I turn to whenever I want something comforting but also super healthy, especially during cold season or whenever I feel like my body needs a little extra love.
When I first tried this soup, I was amazed at how creamy and satisfying it is without any dairy—thanks to those soaked cashews—and how the zingy lemon and ginger brighten every bite. You’ll find that this soup not only helps support your immune system but also fills you up without weighing you down, making it perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Immunity-Boosting Ingredients: Loaded with greens, fresh herbs, ginger, and lemon to support your body’s defenses.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Cashews make it velvety without any cream or dairy, perfect for dairy-free diets.
- Simple and Fast to Prepare: Minimal chopping and straightforward steps make it a go-to for busy days.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to make a soup that’s green, fresh, and full of depth. Plus, they’re easy to find and swap depending on the season or what’s in your fridge.
- Extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil: I usually go with olive oil, but coconut oil adds a lovely tropical note if you want to switch it up.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a great base flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic: Essential for that warm, aromatic punch that wakes up the soup.
- Asparagus spears: They add a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and terrific texture.
- Broccoli: Fresh is best for crunch and vibrant color, but frozen works beautifully too.
- Ginger: The secret hero for that immunity boost and gentle heat that balances all the greens.
- Fresh spinach: A great nutrient powerhouse that wilts down quickly and blends right in.
- Cashews: Soaking them is a game-changer for creaminess—don’t skip this step!
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, mint, dill, chives): I love mixing a few for complexity but pick your favorites.
- Coconut oil: Adds richness and a silky finish to the soup once blended.
- Lemon or lime zest and juice: These brighten the whole bowl with a fresh, tangy lift.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To balance flavors and bring everything together.
- Low-sodium chicken or veggie broth: Keeps it light but flavorful—homemade broth is always a plus if you have it.
Variations
This Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe is super flexible, and I love mixing it up depending on what veggies and herbs I have on hand or my mood that day. Feel free to make it your own!
- Make it Spicy: I sometimes add a small diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a warming kick that pairs wonderfully with the ginger.
- Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and double-check your broth is vegan-friendly—this makes it completely plant-based and just as tasty.
- Seasonal Swap: If asparagus isn’t in season, try green beans or zucchini for a similar fresh green crunch.
- Herb Change-Up: If you only have one herb like basil or cilantro, no worries! The soup still tastes amazing. I’ve also tried mixing thyme and oregano for a more earthy twist.
How to Make Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Base
Start by heating the olive or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and sliced garlic, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant but not browned. This step builds a flavorful foundation, so keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning—it’ll turn bitter if rushed.
Step 2: Add Your Veggies and Cashews
Next, stir in your asparagus, broccoli, sliced ginger, fresh spinach, and soaked cashews. Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low, letting everything cook gently for about 10-12 minutes until the veggies are tender but still bright green. Stir once or twice during this time to keep things from sticking.
Step 3: Blend Until Chunky and Perfect
Carefully transfer the cooked ingredients to a blender or food processor. Add the second half tablespoon of coconut oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and the broth. Pulse until it turns into a chunky purée—you want to keep some texture rather than making it completely smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more broth and pulse a few more times.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Pour the soup into bowls and top with whatever you love—chopped nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of your favorite fresh herbs. This final touch adds both texture and extra layers of flavor that make every spoonful delightful.
Pro Tips for Making Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Soak Your Cashews Well: This step is key for creamy texture—try to soak them overnight or at least 4 hours for best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Greens: Cook just until tender to keep that bright green color and fresh flavor buzzing through your soup.
- Blend in Batches: If your blender isn’t super powerful, do this in smaller batches to avoid overheating or lumps.
- Adjust Consistency Gradually: Start with less broth, then add more as needed—you can always thin it, but not thicken after blending.
How to Serve Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping this soup with chopped roasted almonds or pepitas for crunch, plus a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy vibe. Fresh herbs like extra cilantro or chives add brightness, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a few diced avocado cubes make it extra creamy and luxurious.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with toasted whole-grain bread or crusty baguette to soak up all that goodness. For a heartier meal, I like serving it alongside a simple quinoa salad or a roasted veggie platter for a wholesome boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve served this soup in small shot glasses as a starter, garnished with microgreens and a tiny lemon zest twist — it’s such a fun and elegant surprise! Another time, I filled small bread bowls with the soup for a rustic, cozy vibe that my guests loved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for 3-4 days. Giving it a good stir before reheating helps redistribute the flavors, especially if it thickens slightly.
Freezing
This Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little space at the top because it expands when frozen.
Reheating
I like to gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, a splash of broth or water helps bring it back to the perfect consistency without losing any flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use other nuts instead of cashews in this soup?
Cashews are ideal because they blend into a creamy texture without overpowering the soup’s fresh flavors. However, if you have a nut allergy or just want to experiment, soaked macadamia nuts or even blanched almonds can work — just expect a slightly different flavor and texture. Avoid nuts with very strong flavors like walnuts or pecans, as they might clash.
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Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go. The cashews provide all the richness you need, making it creamy and satisfying without dairy or animal products.
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How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer uncovered a little longer before blending. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or water after blending and stir until you reach your desired texture.
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Can I prepare this Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I truly enjoy making this Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe because it feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to share with friends or family when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you’ll see why I keep coming back to it season after season, especially when I want to feel healthy, nourished, and completely satisfied.
PrintBig Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4+ hours soaking time for cashews)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding cashew soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Big Green Immunity-Boosting Vegetable Soup is a nutrient-packed, vibrant soup combining fresh greens, cashews, and aromatic herbs to support your immune system. Made with wholesome vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, spinach, and infused with garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs, this thick, creamy soup delivers both flavor and nourishment in every comforting bowl.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 6 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2” pieces
- 2 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1” piece ginger, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1/2 – 1 cup frozen spinach)
Nut and Herb Blend
- 1 cup cashews, soaked in water overnight or for at least 4 hours
- 1/2 cup soft fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, mint, dill, chives; a mix is preferred)
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon or lime
Other Ingredients
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare Cashews: Ensure your cashews have been soaking for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften them for blending.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic, sautéing for a few minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Cook: Stir in the asparagus pieces, broccoli, sliced ginger, spinach, and soaked cashews. Cover the pot and cook gently over medium-low heat until all vegetables are tender and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and the broth. Pulse the mixture to create a chunky purée. If a thinner consistency is desired, add more broth accordingly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of chopped nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast, chopped avocado, everything spice, or extra fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking cashews softens them, ensuring a smooth and creamy blend in the soup.
- Using a mix of fresh herbs adds complexity and freshness to the flavor profile.
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegan.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by increasing or decreasing the amount of broth used during blending.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg