Creamy Zucchini Soup with Basil is a light yet luxurious soup that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients. With tender zucchini simmered until soft and blended into a velvety smooth base, this soup is both comforting and refreshing. The addition of fragrant basil brings a bright, herbal note that perfectly balances the mild sweetness of zucchini, while a touch of cream (or a dairy-free alternative) gives the soup its signature silky texture.
This soup is ideal for late summer when zucchini is abundant, but it’s equally comforting year-round. Elegant enough for entertaining and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, Creamy Zucchini Soup with Basil is proof that wholesome food can also feel indulgent.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet full of flavor. It transforms humble zucchini into something special, and the fresh basil adds a beautiful aroma that makes every bowl feel fresh and satisfying. It’s also versatile—easy to make vegan, gluten-free, or extra creamy depending on your mood.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Light, creamy, and comforting
- Great way to use up fresh zucchini
- Naturally gluten-free
- Easy to adapt for vegan or dairy-free diets
- Ready in under 40 minutes
Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180–220 kcal
- Course: Appetizer / Soup
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh basil or olive oil for garnish
Cooking Directions
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and broth, then simmer.
- Blend soup until smooth.
- Stir in cream and basil.
- Season and serve.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. - Cook the Zucchini:
Add sliced zucchini to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes. - Add Broth:
Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until zucchini is very tender. - Blend the Soup:
Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender or countertop blender until completely smooth. - Add Cream and Basil:
Return soup to low heat. Stir in cream, basil leaves, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. - Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Top with grated Parmesan or croutons
- Serve chilled as a summer soup
Recipe Tips
- Do not overcook basil—add it near the end for fresh flavor.
- Blend thoroughly for the smoothest texture.
- Use young, tender zucchini for best taste.
- Adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.
Variations
Vegan Zucchini Basil Soup
Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
Zucchini Potato Soup
Add one diced potato for a thicker, heartier texture.
Lemon Zucchini Soup
Add a splash of lemon juice and zest before serving.
Spicy Zucchini Soup
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Cheesy Zucchini Soup
Stir in grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar before serving.
Freezing and Storage Time
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Avoid freezing with cream; add cream after reheating for best texture.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or countertop blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Conclusion
Creamy Zucchini Soup with Basil is a beautifully simple, comforting dish that turns everyday vegetables into something elegant and nourishing. With its smooth texture, fresh herbal flavor, and easy preparation, it’s a soup you’ll come back to again and again—perfect for cozy nights or light, refreshing meals.
Creamy Zucchini Soup with Basil
Description
Creamy Zucchini Soup with Basil is a light yet luxurious soup that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients. With tender zucchini simmered until soft and blended into a velvety smooth base, this soup is both comforting and refreshing. The addition of fragrant basil brings a bright, herbal note that perfectly balances the mild sweetness of zucchini, while a touch of cream (or a dairy-free alternative) gives the soup its signature silky texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
-
Cook the Zucchini: Add sliced zucchini to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
-
Add Broth: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until zucchini is very tender.
-
Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender or countertop blender until completely smooth.
-
Add Cream and Basil: Return soup to low heat. Stir in cream, basil leaves, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
