Blended Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil Croutons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth, chilled tomato soup with vibrant basil, perfect for hot summer days when served cold. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes blends Ripe tomatoes, Fresh basil, Onion into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 4, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 100 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs peeled and chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to a blender, add 1/2 cup fresh basil, and blend until completely smooth.
  4. Step 4: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving, garnished with 1/2 cup basil croutons.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blended Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.

How do I store leftover Blended Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil Croutons?

Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blended Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil Croutons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blended Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil Croutons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blended Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil Croutons?

Italian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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