Name: Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, comforting bowl that bursts with fresh flavors and nourishing goodness, this Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe is just what you need. It balances vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tangy tomatoes in a savory broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal to sip throughout the week, this soup offers simplicity, flavor, and versatility all in one pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four sections: the top left has fresh vegetables arranged neatly on a wooden surface, including orange carrots in a white cloth, beige parsnips, yellow and green zucchinis, orange and red peppers, celery, and onions in white mesh bags, with a celeriac root in the center. The top right shows the same vegetables washed and placed in white bowls and a white colander, with celery leaves and whole peeled onions, parsnips, carrots, peppers, and a celeriac root visible. The bottom left shows finely chopped vegetables organized in metal bowls on the same wooden surface, featuring diced onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, peppers, and squash. The bottom right shows the chopped vegetables portioned into several transparent resealable bags with yellow edges. All items rest on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays an important role in making the soup deliciously satisfying. From the earthy sweetness of carrots to the bright acidity of tomatoes, every element complements the others, creating a harmonious medley of textures and tastes.

Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adds subtle richness.
Onion, diced: Gives a slightly sweet, aromatic depth that forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Carrots, sliced: Add natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue that makes the soup visually inviting.
Celery stalks, chopped: Impart a mild, slightly peppery crunch that balances other flavors.
Garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the broth with a warm, fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.
Zucchini, diced: Absorbs flavor well and contributes a tender bite without overpowering the soup.
Canned diced tomatoes (14 oz): Bring acidity and a fresh, juicy quality that brightens the broth.
Vegetable broth (4 cups): The savory liquid that ties every component together, making it hearty and soul-satisfying.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that adds layers of earthy, herbal complexity.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors of the vegetables and broth.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook these for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and begin to release their natural sweetness. This step lays down a flavorful foundation for your soup and ensures the veggies aren’t just spicy but wonderfully tender.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Zucchini

Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Garlic should be cooked just long enough to release its aroma without burning, so keep it moving in the pan for about a minute. The zucchini adds a gentle texture that will soak up the flavors simmering around it.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning

Now it’s time to bring in the heart of the soup: the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir everything together so the vegetables are nestled evenly in the liquid.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Raise the heat to bring your soup to a boil. Once bubbling, turn the heat down to low and let it gently simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, and the vegetables soften perfectly, resulting in a hearty, comforting bowl that tastes like it’s slow-cooked for hours.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

A white bowl filled with a clear broth soup containing small, uneven pieces of orange carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, and light yellow bits of onion or cabbage floating on top. The soup looks light and fresh with a mix of small vegetable chunks scattered throughout. The bowl sits on a countertop with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens each spoonful, adding fresh herbal notes. A dollop of plant-based sour cream or a grating of Parmesan (if you’re not vegan) can add even more richness and creaminess to the experience.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dunking, a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a more indulgent meal. The complementary textures and flavors turn a light soup into a full, satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe in colorful bowls to make mealtime more joyful. For a family-style presentation, ladle it into a large rustic Dutch oven placed on the table so everyone can serve themselves, adding their favorite garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Pour portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of vegetable broth or water can help loosen the consistency if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I add other vegetables to this Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe?

Absolutely! This soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to toss in your favorites like green beans, bell peppers, potatoes, or even kale for extra nutrition and texture.

Is this soup suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use vegetable broth that doesn’t contain gluten. It’s a wholesome option for many dietary preferences.

How can I make the soup more filling?

Adding beans such as cannellini or chickpeas, small pasta shapes, or cooked rice turns this into a more substantial, meal-worthy soup perfect for hungry days.

What herbs are best besides Italian seasoning?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano work great if you want to experiment. Using fresh herbs instead of dried can enhance the brightness and complexity of your soup.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Definitely! This dish tastes even better after resting, so making it a day ahead and refrigerating it before reheating helps the flavors deepen beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Hearty Vegetable Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe a whirl. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big, warm hug no matter the season. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and full of comforting, vibrant flavors, this soup is sure to become one of your go-to meals, especially when you want something simple yet satisfying. Enjoy every wholesome spoonful!