Tangy Tomato & Apple Cider Vinegar Soup with Herb Swirl

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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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.

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