Tomato and Lemon Soup with Fresh Basil
A vibrant, simple soup with sun-ripened tomatoes and a zesty lemon kick, finished with fragrant basil. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 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 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon, fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1 medium onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cloves garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 2 cups canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth; bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato and Lemon Soup with Fresh 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 Tomato and Lemon 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato and Lemon 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 Tomato and Lemon 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.
Is Tomato and Lemon Soup with Fresh Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better soups dishes though.
