Jump to Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Savor the flavors of Italy with this traditional minestrone soup recipe, a hearty and wholesome dish that’s perfect for any season. This classic recipe brings together fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth, creating a comforting and nutritious meal for the whole family.

Four bowls of soup on a wooden table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cozy: This soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for those chilly days or evenings when you crave something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The rich flavors and aromatic herbs make it an ideal choice for a cozy meal.
  • Veggie-Packed: Packed with a variety of vegetables like onions, garlic, celery, green beans, and zucchini, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to get a good dose of vitamins and minerals, all while enjoying a tasty meal.
  • Versatile: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap in or out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Want to add more protein? Throw in some extra beans or lentils. Would you prefer a gluten-free option? Choose a gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether.
Three bowls of soup on a wooden table.

Origins of Minestrone

Minestrone soup, with its humble beginnings, has a rich history deeply rooted in Italian cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Roman times, though the concept of making a hearty vegetable soup likely pre-dates even this era. In its earliest form, minestrone was a simple peasant dish, born out of necessity and the practice of using whatever ingredients were available. This often meant a variety of vegetables, whatever the season or region could provide, making each pot of minestrone unique and reflective of local tastes and resources.

​Minestrone Soup Nutrition Bites

This traditional minestrone soup recipe contains 116 calories per serving. With 21 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein, and 5 grams of plant-based fat.

This vegan soup is an excellent source of vitamin A (615IU). It is also a good source of fiber (4g), vitamin C (15mg), and Iron (2mg).

Ingredients

Simple plant-based ingredients for a great recipe!

A variety of ingredients are arranged on a wooden table.
  • Avocado Oil: An alternative to olive oil, avocado oil is a great choice for sautéing onions and garlic at medium-high heat.
  • Onion: A staple in soup recipes, onions are sautéed until translucent, forming a fragrant base that adds depth to the Italian minestrone soup.
  • Garlic: Garlic cloves, minced and sautéed, infuse the soup with a rich aroma and flavor, essential for creating that authentic Italian seasoning taste.
  • Celery: Adding a slight crunch and fresh flavor, celery elevates the soup base, working well with other seasonal vegetables.
  • Zucchini: This versatile veggie blends perfectly with the tomato broth, absorbing the flavors and adding to the soup’s hearty texture.
  • Green Beans: Chopped green beans contribute a pop of color and a pleasant texture, complementing the other fresh vegetables in this healthy meal.
  • Vegetable Bouillon: Used instead of vegetable stock, bouillon adds a concentrated flavor, forming a robust soup base packed with flavor.
  • Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes add a rich, tomato-y broth that’s quintessential in a classic minestrone soup recipe.
  • Herbs: A mix of bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley infuses the soup with aromatic flavors, a signature of great Italian soup recipes.
  • Salt & Pepper: A pinch of salt and ground black pepper enhances all the flavors, bringing this hearty soup together.
  • Cannellini Beans: These white beans add protein and texture, making this traditional minestrone soup not only delicious but also a filling, healthy meal.
  • Noodles: Small pasta shapes, cooked al dente, are a classic addition to minestrone, absorbing the tomato broth and making the soup even more satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the Step-by-Step Instructions to master this Traditional Minestrone Soup Recipe, ensuring a delicious and heartwarming meal every time.

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and saute the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes. 
  1. Stir bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, zucchini, celery, and green beans. Cook until the veggies start to soften. 
  1. Pour in water, vegetable bouillon, crushed tomatoes, beans, and fresh parsley. Bring to a boil. 
  1. Add in the noodles and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  1. Serve with vegan parmesan and fresh herbs. 

Recipe Variations

Explore the versatility of this dish with these recipe variations, allowing you to customize your Traditional Minestrone Soup Recipe to suit your taste preferences and available ingredients.

  • Beans: You can use different types of beans, like kidney beans or chickpeas.
  • Noodles: Experiment with various pasta shapes or even gluten-free options like Banza.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or a handful of spinach.
  • Broth: You can substitute the water and bouillon with a pre-made vegetable broth for added flavor.
Three bowls of soup on a wooden table.

Serving Suggestions

This soup can shine on its own as the main course. However, if you are looking for tasty plant-based recipes to pair with it, here are some recommendations.

My favorite pairing to this vegan minestrone recipe is a warm loaf of Rosemary Bread or Roasted Sweet Potato Fries!

Another great side dish for traditional minestrone is Winter Roasted Vegetables. They are healthy and flavorful and take just 10 minutes of prep!

A tasty main dish to serve with this vegan soup would be Vegan Shepherdless Pie (Air Fryer & Oven Baked)!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, this copycat Olive Garden minestrone soup stores well! I highly recommend storing this soup in an airtight glass container such as a jar.

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a suitable container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A bowl of soup with vegetables and parsley on a wooden table.

FAQ

Is this vegan soup recipe a copycat of Olive Garden minestrone soup? 

Yes, this recipe is inspired by Olive Garden’s minestrone soup, tailored to be vegan-friendly.

What is the thickening agent for minestrone? 

Minestrone typically doesn’t require a separate thickening agent. The starches from the pasta and beans naturally thicken the soup as they cook.

What is the difference between minestrone soup and vegetable soup?

The main difference between minestrone soup and a typical vegetable soup lies in its composition and traditional ingredients. Minestrone is a specific type of Italian soup that typically includes a variety of vegetables, beans, pasta, or rice, and often a tomato-based broth. It’s known for being hearty and often includes Italian seasoning or herbs, giving it a distinct flavor profile.

On the other hand, a general vegetable soup can be more varied and less specific in its ingredients. It might not include beans or pasta and can have a broth base that isn’t necessarily tomato-based. The seasoning and flavor profile of a vegetable soup can vary widely depending on the recipe or regional influences.

Does minestrone traditionally contain meat?

Traditionally, minestrone soup does not contain meat. It is a vegetable-based soup that originated as a simple, hearty meal made with whatever vegetables were available.

Key ingredients typically include a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice, often in a tomato-based broth. The emphasis in minestrone is on the abundance of seasonal vegetables.

A bowl of soup with vegetables and parsley on a wooden table.

Recipe

Three bowls of soup on a wooden table.
5 from 4 votes

Traditional Minestrone Soup

Yield 8 Servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Savor the flavors of Italy with this traditional minestrone soup recipe, a hearty and wholesome dish that's perfect for any season.

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, chopped
  • 8 cups water + vegetable bouillon
  • 1 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes, can
  • 1 15.5 ounce can cannellini beans
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup dry pasta, of choice

Instructions 

  • Heat oil in a large pot and saute the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes.
  • Stir bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, zucchini, celery, and green beans. Cook until the veggies start to soften.
  • Pour in water, vegetable bouillon, crushed tomatoes, beans, and fresh parsley. Bring to a boil.
  • Add in the noodles and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Serve with vegan parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

Please read through the above blog post for helpful tips and tricks!

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1360mg, Potassium: 328mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 932IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 84mg, Iron: 3mg

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments