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; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon zest for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I’ve always loved the bright, tangy flavor of lemon paired with the vibrant taste of fresh spinach. This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is my go-to comfort dish, especially during chilly days. The combination of rich cream and zesty lemon creates a unique balance that warms both the body and soul. It’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a wholesome meal. Plus, adding a little garlic enhances the overall flavor, taking it right over the top for me.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:22:14.779Z

Creating this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup became a delightful adventure for me. I experimented with different ingredients before perfecting the balance between the tanginess of the lemon and the creaminess of the soup. I found that sautéing the garlic before adding the spinach truly enhances the soup’s aroma and depth of flavor.

On my first attempt, I added too much lemon juice, making it overly sour. I learned that starting with a little lemon and gradually increasing helps you control the flavor. The result is a velvety soup that’s as delicious as it is nutritious, making it a staple in my kitchen.

        Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
        Tangy lemon flavor that brightens up your day
Creamy texture that comforts with every spoonful
Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach

      

Mastering the Blend

To achieve that velvety smooth texture in your Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, using an immersion blender is ideal. It allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot without transferring it to a traditional blender, which can be messy. Blend until the soup looks glossy and there are no chunks remaining. Aim for about 60 seconds of blending on medium speed to reach the perfect consistency without overdoing it and losing the vibrant green color of the spinach.

If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. To avoid explosions, fill the blender no more than halfway and always use a kitchen towel to cover the lid while blending. Always start at a low speed, gradually increasing to avoid splashes.

Brighten It Up

The zesty lemon juice is crucial in this recipe, as it brightens the entire dish. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for its vibrant flavor. When juicing, roll the lemon on the counter to break down the membranes, allowing for maximum juice extraction. For an added layer of lemon flavor, consider using both the juice and zest in the soup—zest enhances the aroma and provides a subtle background flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup beautifully.

If you find yourself out of lemons, lime juice can serve as an excellent substitute, offering a similar brightness with a unique twist. Just remember to adjust to taste, as lime can sometimes be a bit more tart.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon zest for garnish

Enjoy this nourishing dish as a light lunch or a hearty dinner starter!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Add Spinach and Potatoes

Stir in the chopped spinach and diced potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts down.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Blend and Add Cream

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon zest. Enjoy hot!

Pair this soup with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the soup, as this could cause the cream to curdle, affecting the texture and flavor.

If you want to make this soup ahead of time, consider omitting the cream and lemon juice during the initial cooking process. Once ready to serve, blend, then stir in the cream and lemon just before enjoying to preserve the soup's freshness and brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing your Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a cozy and satisfying meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or croutons adds a delightful crunch and additional flavor dimension complementing the soup's creaminess.

For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken or chickpeas right before serving. This variation not only boosts the protein content but also adds more substance to the soup, making it a fulfilling main dish rather than just a warm starter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze the soup in portions. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

It's fantastic with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled sandwiches.