Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer minestrone recipe! This soup is like a cool breeze on a hot day, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that highlight the best of the season’s vegetables. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when the sun is shining and you’re craving something light yet satisfying. Imagine a bowl brimming with colorful zucchini, crisp green beans, and sweet bell peppers all swimming in a savory broth—delicious, right?
What I love most about this minestrone is its simplicity. You can toss in whatever seasonal veggies you happen to have on hand, and it always turns out fantastic! I remember the first time I made it for a summer picnic; everyone went back for seconds. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just chop, sauté, and let the magic happen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your summer cooking routine!
Ingredients for Summer Minestrone Recipe
Gathering the freshest ingredients is key to making this summer minestrone shine! Here’s what you need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing, adds a lovely richness
- 1 onion, chopped – a classic base for flavor
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 carrot, diced – brings a hint of sweetness and color
- 1 zucchini, diced – tender and delicious when cooked
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – I love using red or yellow for sweetness
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut – adds a nice crunch
- 4 cups vegetable broth – the heart of the soup, choose a quality brand!
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – for that juicy, tangy flavor
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – protein-packed and creamy
- 2 cups fresh spinach – for a pop of green and extra nutrients
- Salt and pepper to taste – seasoning is everything!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – for a hint of herbal goodness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic Italian flavor
Feel free to play around with these ingredients! This soup is super forgiving, and you can swap in any seasonal veggies you have lying around. Enjoy the colorful variety!
How to Prepare the Summer Minestrone Recipe
Making this summer minestrone is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll want it nice and warm before adding the aromatics.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and you can smell that lovely garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen.
- Now, stir in the diced carrot, zucchini, and chopped bell pepper. Cook this vibrant mix for another 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften up a bit.
- After that, add the trimmed and cut green beans. Cook for an additional 3 minutes—this keeps them crisp and bright!
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook for another 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Serve your minestrone warm, garnished with fresh herbs if you have them. Enjoy every spoonful of this summery delight!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—nutrition facts can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guideline. For each serving of this delightful summer minestrone, you’ll get about 150 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber. It’s a light and nutritious option that’s perfect for those hot days when you want something tasty and healthy. Remember, the more colorful the veggies, the better the nutritional benefits! Enjoy this soup knowing you’re treating your body right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Refreshing and light, making it ideal for hot summer days.
- Packed with seasonal vegetables, so you get all those amazing flavors.
- Healthy and nutritious, with plenty of fiber and protein from the beans.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in any veggies you have on hand!
- One pot means less cleanup, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your summer minestrone truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing step—letting the onions and garlic cook until translucent really enhances the flavor. Also, remember to use seasonal vegetables; they’re fresher and tastier! If you find the soup getting too thick, just add a splash more vegetable broth to keep it nice and soupy. And don’t skip the seasoning! Tasting as you go is key; you want that perfect balance of flavors. Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes before serving so all those delicious flavors meld together. Trust me, you’ll love it even more!
Variations
One of the best things about this summer minestrone recipe is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the vegetables based on what you have in your fridge. Broccoli, asparagus, or even corn are fantastic additions! You can also play around with different herbs; fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor even more. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. Want a heartier version? Add some small pasta or quinoa to the mix! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your summer minestrone is super simple! Just let the soup cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just scoop out what you need and heat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If it’s a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in a bowl—just cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Enjoy that deliciousness all over again!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing the summer minestrone with the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights! I love serving it with a crusty slice of artisan bread or a warm ciabatta roll—perfect for soaking up that delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the soup beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a grilled vegetable platter or some pesto pasta. And if you want to keep things light, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of the soup can add a delightful finishing touch. Enjoy your colorful summer feast!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Vegetable Chinese Soup.
Print
Summer Minestrone Recipe: 7 Fresh Ingredients to Relish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing summer minestrone soup filled with seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Stir in carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add green beans and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans, spinach, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- This soup is best served fresh.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: summer minestrone recipe
