Simmered Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Soup with Lemon Zest
A vibrant, low-calorie soup highlighting fresh zucchini and sweet cherry tomatoes, finished with a bright lemon note for a refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs large, diced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 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
- 1 large, diced zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp, fresh, chopped basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 large zucchini, diced, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender, blend until smooth, then return to pot).
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh basil and simmer for 2 more minutes. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Zucchini and Cherry Tomato 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 Zucchini and Cherry Tomato 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 large, diced zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Zucchini and Cherry Tomato 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 Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Soup with Lemon Zest 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 Simmered Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Soup with Lemon Zest?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
