Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Zest of 1 lemon for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love whipping up this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup on a chilly evening. The bright, vibrant flavor of the lemon with the rich creaminess of the soup makes every spoonful a delight. Spinach, being the star ingredient, brings not only a gorgeous green hue but also a nutritional boost. This dish is quick, with simple ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a comforting lunch. The vibrant flavors really shine through, and I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with it too!

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:13:12.123Z

Once, during a particularly rainy week, I decided to create a comforting soup that would warm me up from the inside out. I unexpectedly stumbled upon the idea of combining creamy texture with a burst of citrus from lemon, and it proved to be a winning combination! The spinach adds that essential freshness, and I found myself reaching for seconds before I knew it.

To elevate the flavor, I strongly recommend using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. It profoundly impacts the brightness and taste of the soup. I also blended some of the spinach rather than leaving it all whole for a smoother texture, which I found to be particularly satisfying.

        What You'll Love
        Zesty lemon flavor that brightens the palate
Creamy consistency that's both comforting and filling
Packed with nutritious spinach for a wholesome meal

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is undoubtedly the spinach, which not only provides a beautiful green color but also packs a nutritional punch. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and antioxidants, making this soup both a comfort food and a health-boosting option. When selecting spinach, look for fresh leaves that are vibrant and free of wilting, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition in your dish.

Fresh lemon juice brings a zesty brightness to the soup, balancing the creaminess perfectly. When squeezing your lemon, make sure to roll it on the counter first to release more juice. The lemon zest used for garnish not only enhances the dish visually but also reinforces the lemony flavor profile. If fresh lemons aren't available, bottled lemon juice can be a temporary substitute, though the taste may not be as bright.

Technique Tips for Perfect Soup

When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The goal is to have the onions soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes on medium heat. If you notice the onions browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure a sweet, aromatic base for your soup without any bitterness.

Blending the soup can be done with an immersion blender for convenience, which allows you to blend directly in the pot. For a smoother texture, blend thoroughly until no green flecks remain. If you desire a bit more texture, blend just half of the soup and leave the other half chunky. This variation in mouthfeel adds interest to each spoonful.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest of 1 lemon for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

Blend the Soup

Once the soup is simmering, use an immersion blender to carefully blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.

Add the Cream and Lemon

Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously creamy soup!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. This will introduce a subtle heat that complements the lemon beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This soup can be served as a comforting lunch on its own, or you can pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a more filling meal. To elevate the presentation, consider drizzling a little extra cream or a splash of olive oil on top before serving. A few croutons or toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top can also add a delightful crunch.

To make the soup a full dinner option, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Simply sauté your choice of protein separately and then serve it alongside or atop the soup for a deliciously complete dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup makes for an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the soup up until the blending step and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of additional broth or cream to adjust the consistency if needed.

If you wish to freeze the soup, I recommend omitting the cream until it’s reheated to preserve the texture. Freeze in individual portions, and when you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat in a pot, and stir in the cream just before serving for that rich, velvety finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

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

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.