Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup! It's a delightful blend of fresh spinach and zesty lemon that not only warms me up but also brings a burst of flavor to my day. The creamy texture makes it incredibly comforting, while the bright notes of lemon provide a refreshing contrast. I've made this soup countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether served as a starter or a main course, it always leaves me feeling satisfied and nourished!

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:31:14.027Z

I remember the first time I decided to experiment with a lemon-infused twist in traditional spinach soup. The vibrant flavor of lemon elevated the dish to something truly special. The secret to a rich, creamy texture is blending the soup until it’s perfectly smooth after cooking. This ensures that each spoonful is velvety and soothing, making it a comforting meal on any chilly day.

My family and I often enjoy this soup together, especially during spring when the spinach is fresh and plentiful. Adding a touch of garlic and onion while sautéing creates a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen. I can’t resist serving it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of croutons for that added crunch!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory creaminess balanced perfectly with zesty lemon.
Fresh spinach that enriches both flavor and nutrition.
Comforting soup that's easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.

      

The Role of Spinach

Spinach is the hero of this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, providing not only a vibrant green color but also a wealth of nutrients. Fresh spinach contains vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and antioxidants, making this soup a healthful choice. Make sure to use fresh spinach rather than frozen for the best texture; frozen spinach can dilute the flavor and result in a less appealing consistency.

When adding the spinach to the pot, keep an eye on its color and texture. You want it to wilt down just enough to maintain a slight crunch before adding the vegetable broth. This ensures that the soup has depth—both visually and texturally, as perfectly wilted spinach adds an inviting layer of fresh flavor.

Understanding Creaminess

The heavy cream is key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture in this soup. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider substituting half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just be aware that these alternatives may alter the final taste slightly, so adjust the seasoning to maintain balance.

Incorporating the cream after blending is crucial for achieving a smooth consistency. If you add it too soon, while the soup is still cooking, it may curdle. Keep the heat low when mixing in the cream to avoid any unpleasant separation, allowing it to gently warm and integrate with the spinach and broth.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your serving experience, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of zest from a lemon, which not only looks appealing but also enhances the soup's citrus notes. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can further enrich its flavor, adding a fruity depth that complements the zingy lemon.

This soup also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad, making it ideal for lunch or a light dinner. For a more substantial meal, try adding cooked, diced potatoes or small pasta shapes, which will soak up the soup's creamy goodness while adding texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced 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, stir for a couple of minutes until just wilted. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes.

Blend and Add Cream

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil and add croutons on top for extra texture.

Enjoy your homemade creamy soup!

Pro Tips

For an extra zest, consider adding lemon zest to the soup before serving. This will enhance the lemon flavor and add an aromatic touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the cream may thicken upon refrigeration, so you might want to add a little extra broth when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

If you’re looking to freeze the soup, I recommend omitting the cream before freezing. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on the stove, stirring in the cream just before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize this soup based on your preferences or what you have on hand! For a little added protein, consider adding chickpeas or shredded chicken right after blending. If you're craving more texture, sautéing mushrooms with the onions can add an earthy flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.

For a spicier kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can transform the flavor profile effortlessly. Experimenting with different herbs such as thyme, dill, or basil can also introduce unique flavors that marry well with the core ingredients of spinach and lemon.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your soup ends up too thick after blending, don't hesitate to loosen it up with a bit more vegetable broth. This can help restore that desired creamy texture without altering the flavor balance too much. Additionally, if you find the soup lacking brightness, an extra squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the overall taste.

If you accidentally over-seasoned with salt, try adding a small, peeled potato to the pot during the simmering stage; it will absorb excess saltiness. Remember to remove it before blending! Adjustments like these will help ensure that your Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup remains delicious and balanced.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan alternative, and use vegetable broth.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

This soup can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.