Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 large potato, peeled and diced; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Vitality Kitchen

I love making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup on chilly evenings when I want something warm and comforting. The way the bright flavors of lemon and fresh spinach come together is simply delightful. It’s super easy to whip up and makes for a satisfying meal, especially when served with crusty bread. I often find myself getting seconds because it’s just that good! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens into my diet while still indulging in a creamy treat.

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:01:12.797Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was wowed by how the addition of lemon zest transformed ordinary spinach into a star ingredient. I realized that the zest brings a bright, tangy freshness that beautifully complements the creamy texture of the soup. I recommend adding a bit of garlic while sautéing the spinach; it infuses layers of flavor that truly elevate this dish.

Whenever I serve this soup, I love to garnish it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of croutons for added texture. It's become a household favorite, and I’m sure your family will love it just as much! Pairing it with a slice of warm bread makes it a perfect light dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The bright acidity of the lemon brightens the flavors of the fresh spinach.
Creamy texture that's both satisfying and comforting.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

The Role of Ingredients in Flavor Development

In this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, the fresh spinach plays a crucial role, providing not only nutrients but also a vibrant color and flavor. It’s essential to use young, tender spinach for the best taste; older spinach can be tougher and more bitter. When sautéed, the spinach will wilt quickly, releasing its natural juices which combine beautifully with the creamy base. My tip is to wash the spinach just before use to retain its freshness and crispness.

Lemon zest and juice are the standout ingredients that elevate this soup, imparting a bright acidity that balances the creaminess. Zesting the lemon before juicing helps release essential oils, intensifying the lemon flavor in the soup. I recommend using fresh lemons over bottled juice for the best flavor. The zest should be added during the blending to allow it to fully integrate into the creamy texture.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Consistency

For the smoothest soup, an immersion blender is your best friend. It allows you to puree the soup right in the pot, saving time and minimizing mess. As you blend, ensure you don’t overdo it; you want the soup to be velvety but not completely devoid of texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some of the sautéed spinach and diced potato to stir in after blending for a bit of bite.

If you find your soup too thick after blending, simply thin it out with additional vegetable broth or water one ladle at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate, concentrating the flavors further.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead option. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and restore that delightful creamy texture.

For serving, consider pairing the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top. A dollop of sour cream and crunchy croutons can add contrasting textures and flavors. You could also serve it with a side of a light salad or a fresh baguette to round out the meal. This makes it not only satisfying but also visually appealing.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this creamy delight:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious bowl of creamy soup:

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

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

Add Spinach and Broth

Add the chopped spinach to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Blend and Add Cream

Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a swirl of sour cream and croutons, if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy lemon spinach soup!

Enjoy your delicious soup warm with a side of crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Adjust the lemon juice to taste depending on how tangy you like your soup.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with other greens like kale or Swiss chard if spinach isn't available. Just remember, sturdier greens may require a bit more cooking time to soften. Alternatively, you could add a touch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a warming twist that complements the creaminess and lemon.

You can also enhance the soup by incorporating additional vegetables such as carrots or celery during the sautéing phase. This not only adds different flavor profiles but also boosts the nutrition factor significantly, making your meal even more wholesome.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice that your soup has a grainy texture after blending, this could be due to the cream being added too quickly when the soup was still very hot; this can cause the cream to curdle slightly. To avoid this, let the blended soup cool for a few minutes before stirring in the cream. This ensures a smooth and creamy final product.

For those who may have over-seasoned, a pinch of sugar can help balance out overly salty flavors. Always taste your soup after each seasoning addition, which is a good practice, especially when working with broth, as it can already contain a significant amount of salt.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

→ How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use vegetable broth.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy meal.