Simmered Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Basil

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, lightly cooked soup featuring ripe tomatoes and zucchini, finished with fresh basil for a refreshing Whole30 starter. This mediterranean-inspired soups (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs avocado oil, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 85 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 85 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 diced medium zucchini and 2 diced medium tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to break down.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Basil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Zucchini Soup with Basil?

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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Basil?

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 Zucchini Soup with Basil 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.

Is Simmered Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Basil whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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