Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 1 medium potato, peeled and diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely adore making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, especially on chilly days when I crave something warm and comforting. The combination of fresh spinach and zesty lemon creates a delightful balance that brightens the palate. With its creamy texture, this soup feels indulgent while being packed with nutrients. It’s quick to make, and I love how it can be a light meal or a perfect starter. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens for the whole family!

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-18T12:19:12.198Z

When I first tried making a spinach soup, I was skeptical about achieving that creamy texture without heavy cream. However, I discovered that using blended potatoes and a splash of lemon juice not only thickens the soup but enhances its flavor, making it a standout dish. My friends couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious it turned out!

One key tip I learned is to sauté the garlic until fragrant before adding the spinach. This tiny detail makes a world of difference in the overall taste of the soup. Now, it's my go-to recipe, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying during a quiet dinner at home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty lemon flavor perfectly complements the earthy spinach
Creamy and satisfying without being heavy, great for any meal
Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any day of the week

      

The Heart of Creaminess

One of the standout features of this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is its luscious texture, achieved without heavy cream. The potato acts as a natural thickener, lending a creamy mouthfeel while keeping the soup light. Make sure to select a starchy variety like Yukon Gold, which breaks down beautifully during cooking and integrates well. For an even creamier consistency, you can blend in a small amount of cashew cream or coconut milk after blending, both of which pair well with the soup's flavors.

For a unique twist, try incorporating silken tofu in place of some of the potatoes. This will enhance the protein content while maintaining that creamy texture. Simply add cubed silken tofu when blending; it will dissolve smoothly into the mixture, resulting in a rich soup that keeps the healthy profile intact.

Zesty Enhancements

The key to elevating the lemon flavor throughout your soup is in the zest. By incorporating both the juice and the zest, you get a punchy brightness that cuts through the earthy spinach. Remember to use fresh lemons, as the bottled juices don’t offer the same vibrant taste. You can also experiment with the acidity by adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully while providing a deeper complexity.

For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. This subtle kick complements the refreshing lemon, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking to ensure the flavors are balanced and bright without overpowering the natural ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

When serving your soup, consider a topping of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added texture and flavor contrast. Both options provide a delightful crunch that pairs well with the velvety soup. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley also make a refreshing garnish that adds a burst of color and taste. You can serve this soup as a light standalone meal or pair it with a slice of crusty artisanal bread for a heartier option.

If you’re preparing this soup in advance, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or in the microwave for a quick meal. For longer storage, consider freezing it in individual portions. Make sure to leave some space at the top of your containers, as the soup will expand upon freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results before reheating.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Broth and Potato

Add the diced potato and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potato is tender.

Incorporate Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of it. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.

Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of additional lemon zest if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt before serving. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Why Spinach Matters

Fresh spinach not only provides a vibrant green color but also loads of nutrients, including iron and calcium. Opting for fresh over frozen spinach ensures that the flavor is at its peak, as frozen spinach can sometimes carry a muted taste. When preparing your spinach, aim to wash it thoroughly to remove any grit, and consider giving it a rough chop to help it wilt quickly in the soup.

If you're looking for alternatives to spinach due to dietary restrictions or preferences, Swiss chard or kale can be excellent substitutes. However, keep in mind that these greens have a heartier texture. You may want to cook them a bit longer, contributing about 5 extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure they're tender before blending.

Adapting for Dietary Needs

This soup is naturally vegan, but if you're looking for a gluten-free option, be sure to check that your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. In addition, some store-bought vegetable broths can have added flavors or preservatives that may not align with your health goals, so opting for low-sodium or homemade can give you better control over the flavor.

For those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, cauliflower can be swapped in for the potato. It will provide a similar texture without the extra carbs. Make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as cauliflower may take a bit less time to become tender, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning to serve a larger group, this recipe is easily scalable. For every additional two servings, simply add another cup of vegetable broth and one extra potato, along with more spinach as desired. Just ensure you have a pot large enough to accommodate the increase.

Alternatively, if you're cooking for fewer people, this soup freezes beautifully. Make a full batch, enjoy a portion, and freeze the rest in smaller containers. When reheating, the soup can sometimes thicken; adding a splash of vegetable broth or water while warming will bring it back to the desired consistency without compromising the flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Is this soup vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no dairy products.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, celery, or peas for more flavor and nutrition.