If you’ve ever visited Olive Garden, you know their vegetable soup is one of the most popular and comforting dishes on the menu. A rich and flavorful medley of fresh vegetables, savory broth, and Italian seasonings, it’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out.
Fortunately, you don’t need to make a trip to your local restaurant to enjoy this heartwarming dish. In this blog, we’ll show you how to recreate Olive Garden’s famous vegetable soup right in your own kitchen with a copycat recipe that’s just as delicious, if not better!
Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal to serve on a cozy evening or need a dish that will satisfy a crowd, this vegetable soup recipe has you covered.
Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s an easy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Plus, this recipe is so versatile, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
So, let’s dive into how to make this delightful soup that’ll rival the one you love from Olive Garden!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Olive Garden vegetable soup recipe will become your new go-to for cozy dinners.
First and foremost, it’s a healthy choice, brimming with colorful vegetables that are full of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great option for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals or simply wanting a lighter, more nutritious dish.
Another great reason to love this soup is its simplicity. With just a handful of basic ingredients like fresh vegetables, vegetable broth, and Italian seasonings, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, even though it’s quick and easy.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and straightforward.
Moreover, this vegetable soup is incredibly versatile. Want to add some extra protein? Toss in some beans or even leftover chicken.
Looking for a heartier meal? Stir in pasta or rice for a more filling option. It’s a customizable recipe that allows you to get creative with your ingredients, making it a great option for different dietary preferences.
And finally, the best part—this soup stores well for leftovers! Whether you want to keep it for meal prep during the week or store it in the freezer for future meals, this soup holds up beautifully.
It’s perfect for making in large batches and enjoying over several days, which makes it a great choice for busy families or meal-planning enthusiasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
To get started, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chopped onions, minced garlic, celery, and carrots.
Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the kitchen is filled with the wonderful aroma of the sautéing aromatics.
This step adds a deep, rich flavor to the soup that sets the base for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Once your aromatics are softened, it’s time to bring in the heart of the soup. Stir in a can of diced tomatoes and a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste.
These ingredients will lend a wonderful depth of flavor to the broth. Next, pour in your vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred).
Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together before adding in the rest of your vegetables.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Beans
Now that the base is simmering nicely, it’s time to add the vegetables! Stir in the zucchini, green beans, and any other veggies you’re using (like potatoes, bell peppers, or spinach).
If you’re adding beans for extra protein, now’s the time to toss them in as well. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed in the soup.
Allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat for another 20–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to give the soup some flavor! Season it with salt, pepper, and a good sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir the soup and taste it—feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse the broth. If the soup looks too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After simmering to perfection, ladle the hot vegetable soup into bowls. For the full Olive Garden experience, garnish your soup with freshly chopped parsley or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve with a side of warm breadsticks or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. Enjoy the comforting taste of this hearty vegetable soup!
Tips for the Best Olive Garden Vegetable Soup
- Use Fresh, Quality Vegetables
The best vegetable soup starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. If you can, choose organic vegetables or those that are in season for the most vibrant flavor. - Fresh carrots, zucchini, and green beans will make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the soup.
- Don’t Rush the Sautéing Step
Sautéing the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots at the beginning of the recipe is key to building flavor. Don’t skip or rush this step—it allows the aromatics to release their natural sweetness and depth, which forms the foundation for the entire soup. - Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar
For an extra layer of depth and tang, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking. It will enhance the tomato base and give the soup a slightly sweet, savory flavor. - Customize with Pasta or Rice
While Olive Garden’s version of this soup is delicious on its own, you can make it even heartier by adding a handful of small pasta like ditalini or orzo. - Alternatively, you can add cooked rice for a more filling meal. If you’re adding pasta or rice, be sure to cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
- Season to Taste
The key to any great soup is seasoning. Always taste and adjust your seasonings as you cook. If the soup needs more brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice; if it needs more richness, a small spoonful of olive oil will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings until it tastes just right! - Make It Ahead for Better Flavor
Like many soups, this Olive Garden vegetable soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. - Consider making a big batch in advance and let it sit in the fridge overnight. It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
- Freeze for Later
This soup freezes beautifully, so if you make a large batch, divide it into portions and freeze for later. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed to restore the texture. It’s the perfect quick meal on a busy day!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Olive Garden vegetable soup is how adaptable it is to your preferences and dietary needs.
Here are a few variations and substitutions to help you customize your soup:
Gluten-Free
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply skip the pasta or substitute it with gluten-free pasta. You can find a variety of gluten-free pasta options at most grocery stores, such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
Alternatively, try using zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb, gluten-free twist.
Low-Carb
For those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake, you can omit the pasta altogether and opt for more non-starchy vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower.
Additionally, if you want to add some bulk, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for regular rice and blends beautifully into the soup.
Protein Boost
This soup is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, but if you’d like to add some protein, you can include cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage. If you prefer a plant-based option, you can add tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils.
Just make sure to cook your meat or beans separately and stir them into the soup toward the end of the cooking process.
Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan cheese garnish, or opt for a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast, which will still provide that cheesy flavor.
You can also substitute a dairy-free broth if you’re following a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance.
Add More Greens
Feel free to experiment with extra greens for added nutrition. Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard would be a wonderful addition. Just chop the greens and add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to keep them tender but not overcooked.
Extra Veggies
Don’t hesitate to throw in any other vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash make excellent additions and can add a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with frozen peas or corn for a burst of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Olive Garden vegetable soup into a satisfying meal, consider pairing it with these delicious accompaniments:
Breadsticks or Crusty Bread
For the ultimate Olive Garden-inspired experience, serve your vegetable soup with warm, buttery breadsticks. If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, a slice of crusty sourdough or Italian bread works wonderfully. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth, making every bite more satisfying.
Fresh Salad
Pair the soup with a crisp, fresh salad for a balanced meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully.
If you want to take it up a notch, try a Caesar salad for that classic Olive Garden touch. You can also add some olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions to your salad for extra flavor.
Cheese and Herb Toppings
Top your bowl of vegetable soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that signature Italian flavor. If you like a bit of extra zest, you can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Sandwiches or Panini
For a more filling meal, serve your vegetable soup with a side of sandwiches or panini. A classic grilled cheese sandwich or a turkey and cheese panini pairs beautifully with the soup.
The warm, melted cheese and crispy bread are perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
Baked Potatoes
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty side, baked potatoes are a great choice. Their soft, fluffy texture is the perfect contrast to the vegetable soup.
Top them with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chives to make them even more delicious.
Roasted Vegetables
For a wholesome, vegetable-forward meal, serve the soup with roasted vegetables on the side. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of root vegetables will complement the soup’s flavors and add an extra layer of texture to your meal.
With these serving suggestions, you can create a full meal that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor, just like the dishes you’d enjoy at Olive Garden!
Whether you keep it light with a salad or go all in with a hearty bread or sandwich side, you’ll be sure to enjoy this soup in a variety of delicious ways.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once you’ve made your delicious Olive Garden vegetable soup, you may have some leftovers to enjoy later!
Here’s how to store and reheat your soup to keep it fresh and tasty:
Storing Leftovers
To store your vegetable soup, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Make sure to store it in a way that allows easy access, as you’ll want to reheat individual portions when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
If you’d like to keep your soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Just pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your soup, place it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin the soup if needed. Once it’s heated through, it’s ready to enjoy!
If you’re in a rush, you can also reheat your soup in the microwave. Just transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a little broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden vegetable soup recipe is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving something warm and comforting on a chilly evening or looking for a nutritious meal to serve throughout the week, this soup is an ideal choice.
By following the simple steps and customizing it to your liking, you can create a meal that’s packed with flavor, vegetables, and heartiness. Plus, with tips for storage and reheating, you can enjoy the soup for several days or even freeze it for later.
Next time you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup, skip the restaurant and make this easy copycat version at home. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients—vegetables, broth, tomatoes, seasonings, and beans—into the crockpot. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. You’ll have a delicious, ready-to-enjoy soup with minimal effort!
2. What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can easily substitute it with chicken broth or even water mixed with vegetable bouillon cubes. These options will still give your soup great flavor without compromising on taste.
3. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! While the soup is vegetarian, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage for extra protein. Simply add the cooked meat towards the end of the cooking process to warm it through.
4. How do I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage if you’re adding meat, or toss in a diced jalapeño pepper for an extra kick.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep—just store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Olive Garden Vegetable Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven (6-8 quart)
- 1 chopping board
- 1 knife
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 can opener (if using canned tomatoes and beans)
- (1) Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 medium Carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 sticks Celery chopped
- 1 14.5 oz Can diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz Can tomato paste
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 medium Zucchini chopped
- 1 cup Green beans chopped
- 1 cup Canned kidney beans or beans of your choice, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Optional for garnish:
- Parmesan cheese chopped parsley
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add Vegetables and Beans:
- Add the chopped zucchini, green beans, and beans to the pot. Stir to combine, and bring the soup back to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Season the Soup:
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with breadsticks or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Vegetables: Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes. The more colorful, the better!
- Meat Option: For added protein, you can include cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage. Stir it into the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat as needed.
- Customization: Want to make the soup gluten-free? Skip the pasta or use gluten-free noodles. You can also add extra protein with beans or tofu for a hearty, vegan version.
