Rainbow Broth with Crisp Veggie 'Prisms' and Lemon Zest

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

A clear, vibrant soup infused with fresh herbs and colorful vegetables sliced into delicate prisms that catch the light. This soups ready in about 33 minutes pairs vegetable broth, carrots, zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice carrots, zucchini, and radishes into 1/8-inch-thick rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife for uniform 'prism' shapes. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Bring 4 cups vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp chopped dill and 1/4 tsp salt, then simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Add all sliced vegetables to the broth and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender but still holding shape. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp lemon zest. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining dill.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Broth with Crisp Veggie 'Prisms' and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Rainbow Broth with Crisp Veggie 'Prisms' and Lemon Zest?

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 vegetable broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Broth with Crisp Veggie 'Prisms' and Lemon Zest?

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 Rainbow Broth with Crisp Veggie 'Prisms' and Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 should I serve with Rainbow Broth with Crisp Veggie 'Prisms' and Lemon Zest?

A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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