Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup when I need a quick, comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of fresh spinach and tangy lemon creates a delightful flavor profile that is refreshing yet rich. It’s a perfect beverage for chilly evenings or paired with crusty bread for a light lunch. I can’t wait to share how easy it is to prepare this soup, ensuring that each spoonful bursts with vibrant color and taste.

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:10:13.210Z

My journey with this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup started during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. I experimented with the balance of lemon and cream, and trust me, the results were surprisingly delightful! I found that a hint of nutmeg added a warm undertone, enhancing the freshness of the spinach.

One critical tip I've discovered is to sauté the garlic lightly before adding the spinach. This step not only mellows the garlic's strong flavor but also allows it to infuse the soup with a delicious aroma. It becomes a cozy bowl of comfort that I keep coming back to.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bright lemon flavor that enhances the fresh spinach
Creamy texture that is both indulgent and comforting
Perfectly light yet satisfying, great for any season

      

Essential Techniques for a Creamy Texture

To achieve that luxurious, creamy texture in your Lemon Spinach Soup, blending is key. Using an immersion blender allows for easy blending right in the pot, making it less messy. If you opt for a traditional blender, ensure you let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches to prevent steam buildup, which can create a dangerous situation. Blend until smooth and glossy, with no chunks of spinach or onion remaining.

Incorporating the heavy cream properly also contributes significantly to the soup’s mouthfeel. After blending, take care to gently heat the soup once more to meld the flavors without boiling. Too much heat can curdle the cream, leading to an unappetizing texture. Stir in the cream slowly over low heat for the best results, ensuring a harmonious combination of flavor and texture.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Fresh spinach is the star in this soup, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pot; this will help maintain the soup's intended consistency. Also, baby kale or Swiss chard can be excellent alternatives if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile.

For those mindful of calories or dietary restrictions, swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk will yield a different but equally satisfying result, although it will lighten the creaminess. Using low-sodium vegetable broth also allows you to control the saltiness of the soup, making it adaptable for various taste preferences.

Ingredients

Fresh spinach
Onion
Garlic
Vegetable broth
Lemon juice and zest
Heavy cream

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor. Adjust lemon juice to taste based on your preference.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your perfect Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.

Add Spinach and Broth

Add the fresh spinach to the pot and stir until wilted. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer it to a blender in batches.

Add Cream and Lemon

Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.

For an extra touch, you can drizzle some olive oil on top when serving.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a more substantial meal, try adding cooked quinoa or white beans to the soup to increase its protein content, creating an even heartier dish. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of croutons on top can also elevate the flavor and presentation.

For entertaining, consider serving the soup in small cups as a starter during a dinner party. It’s light and refreshing, making it a lovely way to begin a meal. A few fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added as a garnish to enhance visual appeal and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.

For longer storage, this soup freezes well in portions. Consider using freezer-safe bags or containers; just leave some space at the top for expansion. To defrost, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave. Reheat slowly, similar to how you would with fresh soup, ensuring the cream re-emulsifies smoothly for the best texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pot.

→ How can I make this soup vegan?

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to make it vegan.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a light sandwich.