🍲 Classic Vegan Minestrone Soup – Hearty, Healthy & Comforting

 

This Vegan Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian-inspired recipe that’s hearty, nourishing, and loaded with vegetables. With beans, pasta, and greens in a rich tomato broth, it’s the perfect cozy meal for weeknights or meal prep. Packed with fiber and plant-based protein, this wholesome soup is both filling and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Minestrone Soup

• Plant-Based & Dairy-Free – 100% vegan with clean, wholesome ingredients.

• Hearty & Filling – Pasta, beans, and vegetables make it a complete meal.

• Versatile & Flexible – Easily adapt with seasonal veggies or gluten-free pasta.

• Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this classic minestrone soup, you’ll need:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 cup celery, chopped

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with liquid)

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups zucchini, chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• 1 cup elbow macaroni (use gluten-free if needed)

• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt for several minutes, stirring often.

2. Add Tomato Paste & Spices

Stir in tomato paste, garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Broth

Add diced tomatoes with liquid, stir, and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth, zucchini, bay leaves, and mixed vegetables.

4. Add Pasta

Bring soup to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

5. Finish the Soup

Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in beans and greens. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

🌱 Serving Suggestions for Minestrone Soup

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.

• Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.

• Top with fresh parsley or vegan parmesan.

• Portion into jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

💡 Pro Tips

• Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers (prevents mushiness).

• Add seasonal vegetables like squash, green beans, or bell peppers.

• Adjust broth thickness with extra water or broth if desired.