Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl
A velvety tomato soup brightened with a splash of apple cider vinegar, finished with a swirl of fresh basil and a hint of sour tang that elevates its depth. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs tomatoes, medium onion, medium carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 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
- 2 lbs tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 medium onion, 1 medium carrot, and 2 cloves garlic, then sauté in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs peeled and chopped tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine, and cook for 8 minutes until tomatoes break down and release liquid.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, blend soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth, then return to low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until the soup is warm and the basil is wilted, adjusting salt to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl?
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 tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl?
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 Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl 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 Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl?
Italian 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.