spinach soup recipe with Lemon-Dill & Toasted Pine Nut Crunch

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I’ve found the ultimate secret to quick, healthy dinners with this incredible spinach soup recipe! This vibrant green, creamy bowl instantly soothes the senses, making busy weeknights feel a little more luxurious. Perfect for busy parents seeking healthy eating and health-conscious home cooks, this spinach soup recipe delivers delicious flavor and comes together faster than takeout, offering a wonderful family-friendly meal. Get ready for a wholesome bowl with simple steps and smart swaps.

Ingredient Matrix (Measurements • Role • Swap)

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful spinach soup recipe:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (60 ml / 1/4 cup): For sautéing aromatics and creating a luscious drizzle. Swap: Avocado oil works well too.
Yellow Onion (1 large / 180 g), finely chopped: The sweet base of flavor, mellows as it cooks.
Garlic (4 cloves / 20 g), minced: Adds pungent depth and warmth. Choose fresh for best flavor.
Fresh Spinach (900 g / 2 lbs), thoroughly washed, stems removed: The star of our spinach soup recipe, providing vibrant color and essential nutrients. Swap: Frozen spinach (about 20 oz thawed and squeezed dry) works beautifully if fresh isn’t handy.
Vegetable Broth (1.2 liters / 5 cups): The liquid foundation, infusing every spoonful with savory notes. Opt for low-sodium broth to control seasoning.
Lemon Zest (from 1 large lemon): Brightens the entire soup, adding a fragrant, citrusy lift.
Fresh Lemon Juice (15 ml / 1 tablespoon, plus more to taste): Cuts through richness, providing a vital tangy balance.
Fine Sea Salt (5 g / 1 teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances all flavors.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1.5 g / 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
Pine Nuts (60 g / 1/2 cup): Toasted for a nutty crunch and delightful texture contrast.
Fresh Dill (15 g / 1/4 cup), finely chopped, plus extra sprigs for garnish: Imparts a fresh, anisy aroma and herbaceous notes, complementing the lemon beautifully.
Unsweetened Plain Plant-Based Yogurt (120 g / 1/2 cup) (e.g., oat, soy, or coconut): For a creamy, vibrant drizzle that adds a tangy finish. Swap: Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if dairy is part of your meal plan.

Tools & Equipment (and Why They Help)

Having the right tools makes preparing this spinach soup recipe a breeze:

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: My personal preference is a 6-quart Dutch oven for even heat and plenty of space to wilt that mountain of spinach.
Immersion Blender: This handy gadget lets you blend the soup right in the pot, saving dishes and time while achieving a silky-smooth texture. Swap: A regular stand blender works too; just remember to blend in batches and be extremely careful with hot liquids, holding the lid securely.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for efficient and safe preparation of onions and garlic. Always ensure your board is stable.
Ladle: For safely transferring hot soup into bowls.

Safe handling reminders: Be mindful of hot surfaces and steam when cooking. Always cut away from yourself on a stable surface with sharp blades to prevent accidents.

Step-by-Step Method with Sensory Cues

Follow these simple steps to create a truly comforting spinach soup recipe:

Sauté Aromatics (5-7 minutes): Heat 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until it softens and turns translucent, filling your kitchen with a sweet, comforting aroma. Stir in the minced garlic for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Wilt Spinach & Build the Base (5-8 minutes for spinach, then 10 minutes simmer): Add the thoroughly washed spinach to the pot in batches, if needed. Stir frequently as each batch dramatically wilts down to a fraction of its size, turning a deep, vibrant green. Once all the spinach is wilted, pour in the vegetable broth and add the lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes to allow all the wonderful flavors to meld. If it looks dry before adding broth, don’t worry, the spinach will release plenty of liquid.
Toast Pine Nuts (3-5 minutes): While the soup simmers, heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring constantly, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and smell deliciously nutty. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly! Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
Blend to Creamy Perfection (3-5 minutes): Carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender (working in batches if necessary, ensuring not to overfill and holding the lid securely with a thick towel). Blend until the soup is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. Return the blended soup to the pot. I often let it cool for just a few minutes before blending; it helps manage the steam.
Finish & Season (2 minutes): Stir in the 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of fresh lemon juice, the finely chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon juice or salt until the soup tastes perfectly balanced and rich. In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened plain plant-based yogurt with the remaining 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of olive oil and a tiny pinch of salt until smooth and pourable—this creates your vibrant drizzle.
Serve with Crunch and Swirl (1 minute): Ladle the hot spinach soup recipe into deep, light-colored bowls. Use a small spoon to create a decorative swirl or zig-zag pattern with the plant-based yogurt drizzle across the surface. Sprinkle generously with the toasted pine nuts and garnish with a few fresh dill sprigs in the center for a bright color pop and added texture contrast. This easy dinner idea is ready to enjoy!

Best Ways to Serve & Store

This creamy ‘spinach soup recipe’ makes a wonderful healthy dinner idea for busy weeknights or a comforting lunch. It also serves as an elegant starter for special gatherings.

Pairings: Enjoy it with crusty bread, a simple side salad, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of plant-based cream adds extra richness.
Storage: Store cooled ‘spinach soup’ in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer convenience, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of broth or milk to revive its texture while warming.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Fit for Spinach Soup

This versatile ‘spinach soup’ fits seamlessly into various healthy eating plans. It’s naturally vegetarian when using vegetable broth and is entirely gluten-free.

Diet Adaptability: Easily make it vegan by choosing coconut or cashew cream and vegetable broth. For low-carb meals, simply swap the potato for cauliflower florets.
Health Benefits: Enjoy a balanced meal packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting satiety and sustained energy. This dish is a protein-rich option when paired with bone broth or a side of lean protein.

Budget & Time Snapshot

Whip up this family-friendly meal with minimal effort and expense. It’s a fantastic option for quick meals without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Active cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Approx cost per serving: $1.50 – $2.50 (varies by ingredient choice).

Save money by opting for frozen spinach, store-brand broth, or budget-friendly full-fat coconut milk for creaminess. Double the recipe for easy batch cooking and quick meals throughout the week or freeze individual portions for convenient healthy dinner ideas later.

Ingredient Sourcing & Smart Buying

Finding quality ingredients for your ‘spinach soup recipe’ is straightforward. You can source vibrant fresh spinach from your local farmers market or any major grocery store.

Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh spinach offers a slightly better texture, but frozen spinach is equally nutritious, often more economical, and incredibly convenient for making this soup. Canned cannellini beans are a speedy swap if you’re short on time for potato prep.
Organic Options: Easily order organic spinach, broth, and other staples through grocery delivery services. Look for meal kits focusing on healthy, quick meals; they sometimes include similar fresh, pre-portioned ingredients.

Pro Tips, Adjustments & Safety

Elevate your ‘spinach soup’ with these practical tips and ensure a safe, delicious cooking experience.

Technique Upgrade: For an even deeper flavor, take an extra few minutes to slightly caramelize the onions before adding other ingredients. I always make sure my spinach isn’t overly wet to prevent watering down the soup’s rich texture.
Flavor Tuning: For picky eaters, blend the soup extra smooth and swirl in a little mild cream. Spice lovers can add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. For low-sodium needs, use unsalted broth and adjust salt at the table.
Allergy Notes: This recipe is easily made dairy-free with plant-based cream. Always check your broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary for your dietary needs.

FAQs

Is this ‘spinach soup’ good for meal prep or weight goals?

Yes, this ‘spinach soup’ is excellent for quick meal prep. Its high fiber and nutrient content make it a satisfying option that fits well into weight management goals. Portion it out for easy, healthy lunches throughout the week.

What are the healthiest substitutes for cream in this recipe?

For a dairy-free or lighter version, you can use full-fat coconut milk, a homemade cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water), or even blended white beans. These swaps add lovely creaminess and complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I order ingredients for this ‘spinach soup’ online or use a meal kit?

Absolutely! Most grocery delivery services carry all the fresh and pantry items needed for this versatile ‘spinach soup’. While specific meal kits are rare, many healthy dinner ideas kits feature similar fresh ingredients you could adapt.

How can I make this soup more filling?

To make this soup heartier, stir in some cooked chicken or chickpeas after blending. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top also adds substance and extra protein.

Is frozen spinach as good as fresh for this recipe?

Yes, frozen spinach works wonderfully and is often more convenient and budget-friendly for this ‘spinach soup’. I always make sure to squeeze out any excess water after thawing to prevent diluting the soup’s flavor and texture.

What kind of broth is best for a flavorful soup?

Using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor for your soup. Bone broth is also an excellent choice, adding extra nutrients and a richer mouthfeel.

Conclusion

This easy ‘spinach soup recipe’ delivers on all fronts: incredible flavor, nutrient-rich ingredients, and minimal kitchen time. It’s a true winner for busy families, making healthy eating simple. Pin this recipe, add the ingredients to your next grocery list, and enjoy a comforting bowl this week!