Packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a splash of bright lemon juice, this basic vegetable soup is as nutritious as it is comforting. It makes a huge batch—12 full cups—and serves as a fantastic foundation for meal prepping throughout the week. Enjoy a bowl as an easy starter or a light, satisfying lunch whenever you need a quick reset!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 (1 cup per serving)
Weight Watchers Points: 0 points per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, cut small
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 6 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp table salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large stockpot, combine the minced garlic, diced carrots, zucchini, onion, red pepper, celery, cabbage, Swiss chard, cauliflower, broccoli, fresh thyme, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and set to high heat until the broth reaches a boil. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet hold their shape.
- Season & Finish: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as desired.
- Serve or Store: Ladle into warm bowls to serve immediately, or allow the soup to cool before transferring to airtight containers for meal prep.
Pro Tips for Customization & Storage
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap in whatever zero-point vegetables you have on hand, such as green beans, spinach, diced tomatoes, or yellow squash.
- Storage: Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Add Extra Protein: To make it a heartier main meal, toss in cooked chicken breast, canned white beans, or chickpeas (note: points may adjust depending on your WW plan).
