Zucchini Summer Squash Soup (Printable)

Light and silky summer squash soup with fresh herbs and lemon zest

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 4 medium zucchinis (approximately 1.75 pounds), sliced
05 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
06 - 1 stalk celery, chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 4 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk, optional

→ Herbs and Seasoning

09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - Zest of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnish

15 - Extra fresh herbs, finely chopped
16 - Drizzle of olive oil or swirl of heavy cream

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in sliced zucchini and diced potato. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes, until vegetables are very tender.
05 - Remove from heat. Add chopped parsley, basil, thyme, and lemon zest.
06 - Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth and silky, or work in batches using a standard blender.
07 - Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
08 - Reheat gently if needed. Serve hot or chilled, garnished with extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil or cream.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It captures the essence of summer in a single bowl without ever feeling heavy on the palate.
  • The potato adds a natural creaminess that tricks your senses into thinking there is far more dairy than there actually is.
02 -
  • Leaving the skins on the zucchini gives the soup its iconic emerald glow.
  • Adding the herbs after the heat is off prevents them from turning bitter or muddy in color.
03 -
  • Wait for the soup to cool slightly before using a stand blender to avoid pressure building up under the lid.
  • A tiny pinch of nutmeg can deepen the flavor profile if you are using dairy cream.
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