This Easy Zucchini Celery Carrot Soup is a perfect example of how simple vegetables can come together to create a comforting, nourishing, and beautifully balanced dish. Light yet satisfying, this soup is ideal for a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or even as a soothing starter. The natural mildness of zucchini creates a smooth and creamy base once blended, without the need for any dairy. Carrots bring gentle sweetness and a warm color, while celery adds a subtle savory note that keeps the soup fresh and well-rounded. Finished with a touch of lemon juice, the flavors feel bright and clean rather than heavy.
This recipe relies on basic cooking techniques: careful chopping, gentle sautéing, slow simmering, and thorough blending. Each step plays an important role in building flavor and achieving the final silky texture. The result is a soup that feels homemade, wholesome, and deeply comforting, while still being simple enough for everyday cooking.
Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all the vegetables first.
Begin by thoroughly washing the zucchinis, carrots, and celery. Chop the zucchinis into medium pieces, dice the carrots into small cubes, and dice the celery evenly. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Preparing everything in advance ensures a smooth cooking process and helps the vegetables cook evenly. - Heat the olive oil.
Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm until it coats the bottom of the pot easily and begins to shimmer slightly. Properly heated oil helps develop flavor and prevents sticking. - Sauté the onion until soft.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base of the soup, giving it a gentle sweetness and depth. - Add the garlic carefully.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can introduce bitterness.

- Cook the carrots and celery.
Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well so they mix evenly with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. This step helps release their natural flavors before the liquid is added. - Add zucchini, broth, and seasonings.
Add the chopped zucchinis to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and all vegetables are submerged in the broth. - Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are fully tender. The carrots should be easy to pierce with a fork. - Blend the soup until smooth.
Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth and creamy. If using a standard blender, carefully blend the soup in batches and return it to the pot. Make sure the soup reaches a uniform, velvety consistency with no visible chunks. - Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
Stir in the lemon juice, which adds brightness and balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more salt or black pepper according to preference. - Serve and garnish.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 120
This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy simple vegetables in a comforting, elegant form, proving that wholesome ingredients and careful technique can create a truly satisfying meal.