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A bowl of zucchini basil soup surrounded by a bowl of parmesan, zucchini, and fresh basil.

Zucchini Basil Soup Recipe

This creamy zucchini basil soup is one of the best things you can do with a summer zucchini haul. Sautéed onion, garlic, and fresh zucchini are blended with broth, basil, and a splash of milk into a silky, satisfying bowl that comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Course: Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: basil zucchini soup, zucchini soup recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 96kcal
Author: Lyn Croyle

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3-4 medium zucchini chopped, about 1 ½ pounds
  • 2 cups chicken broth vegetable broth
  • ½ cup milk or canned coconut milk for dairy-free
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving Use Any Combo

  • drizzle of olive oil
  • fresh basil
  • diced zucchini
  • croutons
  • Parmesan cheese
  • lemon slices

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped zucchinis and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  • Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, cover with a lid, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the zucchini is fully tender.
  • Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
  • Stir in the milk (or coconut milk) and chopped basil and blend again until smooth.
  • Add lemon juice and season the soup with salt, pepper,to taste.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls. Add extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Recipe Tips

  • Avoid hot soup splatters: Let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering and keep it safe to handle.
  • Sauté slowly: Cook the onion and garlic gently over medium heat to build a sweet, flavorful base. Don't rush this step.
  • Add basil at the end: Stir basil in at the blending stage, not during simmering, to keep the soup a beautiful soft green with bright, fresh flavor.
  • Adjust the consistency: Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water a little at a time until it's just right.

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 505mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 426IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg