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 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lemon slices for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup because it perfectly blends the brightness of fresh lemon with the richness of creamy textures. Each spoonful is a delightful combination of flavors that warms the soul. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner starter, this soup hits the spot. I've experimented with various greens, but spinach provides a lovely smoothness that pairs brilliantly with the lemony zest. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:40:22.766Z

Creating this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup was a delightful culinary journey. I was experimenting with flavors that would complement the vibrant greens, and the addition of lemon juice truly elevates the entire dish. I found that balancing the creaminess with a fresh citrus note made it an instant favorite at my dinner table.

During my first attempt, I learned a helpful tip: sautéing garlic and onions before adding the spinach creates a fragrant base and intensifies the flavors. It’s a simple step that transforms a good soup into a perfect one, and I can't wait to share it with you!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright citrus notes that enliven every bite
Silky smooth texture that's comforting and satisfying
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights

      

The Role of Spinach

Spinach is the hero of this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, contributing both nutritional benefits and a delightful texture. When cooked, spinach wilts quickly, making it perfect for this soup where freshness is key. It adds a rich green color to the dish, which is not only appetizing but also signals its healthiness. For a twist, you can substitute half of the spinach with kale or Swiss chard; just note these greens may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve tenderness.

The incorporation of spinach also brings a wealth of vitamins including A, C, and K, alongside essential minerals like iron. This not only enhances the soup's flavor profile but also boosts its nutritional value, making it a guilt-free indulgence. If you're worried about the spinach taste being overwhelming, squeezing extra lemon juice before serving can help balance it out beautifully.

Perfecting Creaminess

To achieve that desired creamy texture in the soup, the choice of heavy cream plays a pivotal role. It envelops the other ingredients and lends a velvety mouthfeel that’s hard to resist. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream can be used, but they will impart their own flavor to the soup. Heating the cream gently ensures it blends seamlessly without curdling; add it last to maintain its rich consistency.

Another tip I swear by to enhance creaminess is to blend in some of the cooked spinach with the broth before adding the cream. This helps achieve an incredibly smooth base that can make the soup even silkier while still celebrating the spinach's earthiness.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is versatile when it comes to serving options. While it makes an excellent lunch on its own, try pairing it with crusty bread or a light salad for a more substantial meal. Adding croutons or toasted pine nuts as a topping can also introduce a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup's smoothness.

For a delightful presentation, drizzle a bit of extra heavy cream or a swirl of olive oil on top before serving. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can elevate the flavor and provide an appealing pop of color. If you're preparing this soup for a gathering, consider keeping it warm in a slow cooker, which can also help develop the flavors even further.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients

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

Make sure everything is prepped and ready before starting to cook!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a warm and delicious soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

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

Add the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.

Add Cream and Lemon Juice

Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 3 minutes, but do not boil.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh lemon slices, and enjoy!

Enjoy this vibrant soup warm for a nourishing meal!

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the soup before serving. It pairs exquisitely with the spinach.

Storing and Reheating

This soup maintains its flavor and texture remarkably well, making it suitable for storage. After cooling, transfer your Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored frozen for up to two months, but remember that the cream may alter in texture once thawed. Reheat on low heat on the stovetop to ensure it warms evenly without boiling, which could affect the creaminess.

To rejuvenate the soup when reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. This helps bring it back to the perfect consistency since the soup may thicken as it cools or freezes. Stirring occasionally is key to preventing sticking at the bottom of the pot, and adjusting seasonings with fresh lemon juice can brighten it up once again.

Variations to Try

If you want to explore variations, consider adding ingredients like potatoes or leeks to enhance the body of the soup. These can be sautéed along with the onions to create an even cozier texture. For a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic, which complements the creaminess fantastically.

Another enriching variation can involve substituting some of the vegetable broth with white wine, adding depth to the flavor. This change can elevate the overall dish, making it suitable for special occasions. Additionally, you might experiment with adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream right before serving for added tanginess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before adding it to the pot.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for the cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative.

→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?

This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes nicely! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.