Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil
A vibrant, herb-infused tomato soup that captures the essence of ripe summer tomatoes and garden-fresh basil. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs large (about 1.5 pounds) ripe tomatoes, medium, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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
- 4 large (about 1.5 pounds) ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 4 large ripe tomatoes (cored and chopped) to the pot, stirring to combine, then pour in 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down into a smooth texture.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil 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 Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh 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 Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh 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.
What goes well with Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
The fresh basil made all the difference! Served with crusty bread, it was perfect for a cool evening.
- ★★★★★
Quick and easy, and the flavors were bright. My kids even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
A hit at my dinner party! Everyone raved about the soup's richness and simplicity.