Johnson's Rainbow Vegetable Soup
A vibrant, nutrient-packed soup bursting with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, simmered to create a light yet satisfying bowl of nourishment. This american-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium zucchini, medium yellow squash, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dill
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice zucchini, yellow squash, and carrots into 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop onion and mince garlic. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini and yellow squash, then stir in minced garlic. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, add dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Squeeze juice of one lemon into the soup and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Rainbow Vegetable Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Johnson's Rainbow Vegetable Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Rainbow Vegetable Soup?
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 Johnson's Rainbow Vegetable Soup 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 Johnson's Rainbow Vegetable Soup?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.