Springtime Soups: Lighter, Brighter Bowls for the Season

As the chill of winter fades and spring awakens with vibrant greens and fresh flavours, it’s the perfect time to transition from the hearty, heavier soups to lighter, brighter bowls. 

Springtime soups celebrate the season’s freshest produce, offering a delicious and nourishing way to embrace the change in weather. 

Whether you’re craving a delicate broth, a zesty chilled soup, or a creamy but healthy blend, there’s a perfect spring soup for everyone.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of spring-inspired soups that highlight seasonal ingredients and bring a touch of sunshine to your bowl.

The Beauty of Springtime Soups

Spring soups differ from their winter counterparts in a few key ways:

Lighter Broths – Instead of thick and heavy bases, spring soups often use clear or lightly creamy broths to keep them refreshing.

Seasonal Vegetables – Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce, such as asparagus, peas, leeks, radishes, and early potatoes.

Zesty & Herbaceous Notes – Fresh herbs like basil, dill, mint, and parsley add a burst of flavour, while citrus zest and vinegar brighten the taste.

Chilled Options – Some spring soups are best served cold, making them perfect for warm days.

Five Refreshing Springtime Soup Recipes

1. Classic Spring Pea & Mint Soup

A celebration of spring in a bowl, this soup is vibrant, naturally sweet, and bursting with freshness.

Ingredients:

500g fresh or frozen peas

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

750ml vegetable stock

A handful of fresh mint leaves

2 tbsp Greek yoghurt (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until soft.

Add the peas and vegetable stock, bringing to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the fresh mint, then blend until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper, and serve with a dollop of Greek yoghurt. (Pea and mint soup is a favourite with my wife and I.)

2. Asparagus & Lemon Soup

This light and tangy soup is packed with the delicate flavour of fresh asparagus and a hint of citrus.

Ingredients:

1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and chopped

1 leek, sliced

750ml vegetable stock

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

100ml cream (or dairy-free alternative)

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Sauté the leek in a little olive oil until soft.

Add the asparagus and vegetable stock, simmering for 10 minutes.

Blend until smooth, then stir in the lemon juice, zest, and cream.

Season to taste and serve with crusty bread.

3. Chilled Cucumber & Yoghurt Soup

A cooling soup that’s ideal for warmer spring days.

Ingredients:

1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped

250ml Greek yoghurt

1 garlic clove, minced

A handful of fresh dill

Juice of half a lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Garnish with extra dill and a drizzle of olive oil.

4. Light Spring Minestrone

A delicate take on the classic, using fresh spring vegetables.

Ingredients:

1 small leek, sliced

1 courgette, chopped

1 carrot, diced

750ml vegetable stock

100g baby spinach

1 tin of cannellini beans, drained

A handful of fresh basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Sauté the leek, courgette, and carrot in a little olive oil.

Add the vegetable stock and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in the beans and spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Finish with fresh basil and season to taste.

5. Carrot, Ginger & Coconut Soup

A warming yet light soup with a hint of spice and creaminess.

Ingredients:

500g carrots, peeled and chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

750ml vegetable stock

200ml coconut milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Sauté the onion and ginger until fragrant.

Add the carrots and vegetable stock, simmering for 15 minutes.

Blend until smooth, then stir in the coconut milk.

Season to taste and serve warm.

Final Thoughts

Spring soups are the perfect way to enjoy the season’s fresh ingredients in a light yet satisfying way. Whether you prefer a warm and comforting bowl or a refreshing chilled soup, there are endless possibilities to explore.

Do you have a favourite springtime soup? Let us know in the comments below!