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: 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Juice of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely adore a warm bowl of soup, and this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is my all-time favorite. The bright flavor of fresh lemon combined with the richness of cream creates a perfectly balanced dish that awakens my taste buds. I love enjoying this soup on a chilly day, paired with some crusty bread. It's simple to make yet feels so luxurious, and I always end up going back for seconds. The vibrant green color adds a wonderful touch to my table, making it a feast for the eyes as well.

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:52:13.111Z

My journey to the perfect Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup started when I craved something light yet satisfying. I experimented with various ingredients and discovered that adding a touch of lemon zest truly brightened the whole dish. The creaminess comes from blending cooked spinach with vegetable broth and cream, creating a velvety texture that's just delightful.

During one of my kitchen adventures, I paired this soup with homemade croutons, which added a lovely crunch! I also learned that using fresh spinach instead of frozen gives a superior flavor and vibrant green color that’s both inviting and healthy. It’s recipes like this that make cooking so rewarding!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Refreshing citrusy flavor that lifts your spirits
Creamy consistency that feels indulgent yet light
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a vibrant Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup lies in the freshness of its components. Fresh spinach is not only a nutrient powerhouse but provides a beautiful color that enhances the visual appeal of the soup. Always opt for bright green, tender leaves, as older spinach may have a bitter taste. Additionally, ensuring your onion is diced uniformly will promote even cooking and prevent any pieces from being undercooked or overly soft.

The role of the olive oil is crucial in this recipe; it adds both flavor and healthy fats. I recommend using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the overall taste. If you want to lighten the dish further, consider using a lower fat dairy option such as half-and-half instead of heavy cream, making sure to adjust the simmering time to avoid curdling.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

When sautéing the onion, keep an eye on it; you want the pieces to become soft and translucent without browning, which can take about 5 minutes over medium heat. If your garlic begins to brown faster than the onion softens, reduce the heat slightly to avoid bitterness in the soup. Additionally, ensure your spinach is sautéed until just wilted to retain its nutrients and bright color, about 3–4 minutes.

For the blending step, using an immersion blender is the easiest option, allowing you to puree the soup directly in the pot. If opting for a countertop blender, wait for the soup to cool slightly before transferring in batches to avoid hot splashes. Blending until the soup is velvety smooth will enhance the luxurious texture that makes this soup indulgent yet light.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

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

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your tasty soup:

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Cook Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Combine and Blend

Pour in the vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Once ready, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can also transfer it to a blender in batches if necessary.

Finish with Cream and Lemon

Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. You can garnish with additional lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy your delicious soup!

Pro Tips

For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a handful of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, during the cooking process.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the soup up to the blending stage and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring to incorporate any ingredients that may have separated.

If you're planning to freeze the soup, I recommend omitting the cream until you're ready to serve. This prevents the cream from curdling when thawed. Once cooled, pour into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat, adding the cream once warmed to restore its rich texture.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing this soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving can add an extra dimension of flavor. You might also try garnishing with a few pine nuts or croutons for added texture, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an umami boost.

For a unique twist, you can introduce other ingredients, such as cooked potatoes or leeks, into the blend for added heartiness. Additionally, experimenting with herbs like dill or basil can infuse even more freshness and elevate the soup's flavor profile. This versatility allows you to customize your soup for different occasions or personal tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but it may result in a different texture and slightly less vibrant color.

→ How can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.

→ Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ How should I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.