Simmered Tomato and Avocado Soup with Lemon Zest
A vibrant, dairy-free soup featuring ripe tomatoes and avocado for a silky texture, finished with a fresh citrus note. This mediterranean-inspired soups (dairy-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups (canned, no salt added) diced tomatoes
- 1 ripe, peeled and pitted avocado
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 cups diced tomatoes (canned, no salt added) and 1 cup vegetable broth; bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 peeled and pitted ripe avocado until smooth.
- Step 5: Return to low heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; heat for 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 6: Serve hot with extra zest for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Tomato and Avocado Soup with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Simmered Tomato and Avocado Soup with 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Tomato and Avocado Soup with 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 Simmered Tomato and Avocado Soup with 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.
Is Simmered Tomato and Avocado Soup with Lemon Zest dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
