Spring Minestrone Soup Recipe

Spring Minestrone Soup is a fresh, vibrant take on the classic Italian vegetable soup, filled with tender spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and baby spinach. Light yet hearty, it’s the perfect seasonal dish to enjoy as a main course or a satisfying starter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Features seasonal spring vegetables
• Light, healthy, and packed with nutrients
• Easy to prepare and great for meal prep
• Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan
• Comforting yet perfect for warmer weather

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, diced
• Carrot, diced
• Celery stalks, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Zucchini, diced
• Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
• Vegetable broth
• Cannellini beans (or other white beans)
• Ditalini pasta (or orzo)
• Asparagus, chopped
• Frozen peas
• Baby spinach
• Lemon juice
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Sauté the aromatics
   In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and vegetables
   Stir in garlic, zucchini, and potatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer the base
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add beans and pasta
   Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, until the pasta and potatoes are tender.
5. Finish with greens
   Add asparagus, peas, and spinach. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the spinach is wilted and asparagus is tender-crisp.
6. Season and serve
   Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and chopped herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey for a meatier meal.
• Use different grains: Swap pasta for barley, farro, or quinoa.
• Add herbs: Try thyme, dill, or tarragon for a unique flavor.
• Creamy version: Blend half the soup for a thicker consistency.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add water or broth if needed to loosen.
• Freezing: Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months. Cook pasta separately when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use canned vegetables in this soup?

Fresh vegetables are best for flavor and texture, but canned beans and frozen peas work well.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add everything except pasta and greens. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cooked pasta and greens at the end.

Is it okay to skip the lemon juice?

Lemon juice adds brightness, but you can skip it or substitute with a splash of vinegar.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, great Northern or navy beans are excellent alternatives to cannellini.

What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?

Orzo, elbow macaroni, or small shells are good substitutes.

Is this soup good for leftovers?

Yes, but store the pasta separately if possible to avoid it becoming too soft.

How do I make the soup more filling?

Add extra beans, grains, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.

Can I blend this soup?

You can blend part of the soup for a creamy texture, but it’s traditionally served brothy.

Does this soup freeze well?

It freezes beautifully without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Conclusion

Spring Minestrone Soup is a wholesome, flavorful way to celebrate the bounty of the season. With its fresh ingredients and comforting warmth, it’s an ideal dish for spring evenings or a nutritious lunch. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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