Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

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Healthy and well-balanced, this Vegetable Quinoa Soup filled with hearty vegetables, protein rich quinoa and beans is oil-free and so easy to make using a slow cooker, Instant Pot or stovetop method!

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (1)

It’s another rainy day in Southern California, and as much as I love the sun, the rain is always welcome. So what could be better on a rainy day than a bowl of warm, nourishing soup brimming with an abundance of vegetables, quinoa and flavorful herbs!

Using cabbage leftover from this, A Very Good Vegan Split Pea Soup, and zucchini I had on hand gave me a good starting point. Add to that the usual mix of carrots, celery and onion, along with diced tomatoes, beans, quinoa and herbs completes the medley of goodness!

Not only is this vegan vegetable soup with quinoa super easy to make (whether in the crock pot or on the stove-top), but overall you will find the ingredients to be accessible, healthy and low-fat. It has all the attributes I love!

For those who don’t care for quinoa, you will love it in soups – I promise! It adds fiber, protein, and cooks up perfectly every time.

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2)

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Ingredients You’ll Need

In this recipe, onion, carrots, celery, and herbs are sauteed and simmered with quinoa, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini and beans for a healthy and delicious soup perfect for a vegan lunch, dinner or meal prep idea.

Here is everything you will need:

  • Quinoa – I used a tri-color, use your favorite color quinoa
  • Cabbage – green or savoy cabbage, or sub with a few handfuls of spinach or kale
  • Zucchini – sub with yellow squash or use a combo
  • Carrots
  • Celery – feel free to add a few leaves
  • Onion – any color will do
  • Herbs – I used herbs de provence, but feel free to use thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano or Italian seasoning blend.
  • Tomatoes – use diced tomatoes (pref fire roasted)
  • Beans – use your favorite. I used a three bean medley and one can of white beans.
  • Vegetable broth – I use and recommend 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of BTB Veg Paste (affiliate link) with water. The jar lasts forever and the flavor is delicious!
  • Salt + pepper

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (3)

How To Make Vegetable Quinoa Soup

(Note – The full printable recipe and instructions for Instant Pot, stovetop and slow cooker methods is at the bottom of this post)

  • Start by sauteing the onion, carrots and celery for 4 minutes, add the dried herbs and garlic powder and continue to cook for 1 minute more.

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (4)

  • Add the quinoa, beans, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, pour the vegetable broth overtop.

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (5)

  • Give a good stir and cook according to the method used as noted in the recipe card below.

And there you have it, shown below, a hearty vegetable soup with quinoa to nourish your day. Cheers to good food that encourages good health!

Top Tips

  • Serve with avocado. This soup is especially delicious served with avocado, adding creaminess and another layer of flavor!

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (6)

How To Store

  • Refrigerator: Leftovers will keep for 5 – 6 days in the refrigerator, stored in a covered container.
  • Freezer: This quinoa vegetable soup freezes well for up to 2 – 3 months. To freeze, let cool completely and store in freezer safe containers (affiliate link), leaving 1/2 inch head space for expansion. Let thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat: Simply re-warm on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave using 30 – 60 second intervals, stirring after each, until warm.
  • Meal prep: It makes a great meal prep for the week with homemade Artisan Bread or Naan on the side for soaking up the juices.

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (7)

Serving Suggestions

Pair this healthy vegetable quinoa soup with a side for an even heartier and filling meal. Here are a few of my favorite options:

  • Bread: Serve with a slice of homemadeArtisan Bread, soft & chewyNaan Bread, or gluten-freeSoccaflatbread for soaking up the juices.
  • Salad: Pair with a House Salad, Green Salad + Chickpeas, or simple leafy green salad with Vegan Ranch,Lemon-Herb Hemp Dressingor.
  • Sandwich: Pair with this,Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich, orVegan Egg Salad Sandwich!
  • Veggies + dip: It’s wonderful served with veggies sticks and Classic Hummus or Simple White Bean Hummusfor a light snack or lunch.

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (8)

More Easy Soup Recipes

Soups can be light or hearty, and make great lunch and dinner ideas. Take a look at these other vegan soup recipes, you just may find a new favorite!

  • Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup(a fan favorite!)
  • Creamy Broccoli + Red Lentil Soup
  • See all vegan Soup recipes on TSV!

If you try this easy soup recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

Print

VEGTABLE QUINOA SOUP

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (9)
Print Recipe
★★★★★5 from 8 reviews

Bursting with vegetables and flavor, this vegetable quinoa soup recipe is another great vegan soup for the crockpot, Instant Pot or stovetop!

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Vegansita
  • Cook Time: 1 - 8 hours
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Serves 4 - 6 1x
  • Category: Soup, Entree
  • Method: Slow Cooker, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 large carrots, sliced or diced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/4 head of cabbage, chopped
  • 2 medium zucchini, cut in half & sliced
  • 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes with juices (pref. fire roasted)
  • 2 cans (14 oz.) beans of choice, drained and rinsed (I used one can white beans & one can three bean medley)
  • 1/3 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 teaspoons herbes de provence or 1 teaspoon each thyme & rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth
  • mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

Slow Cooker:

  • In 5 – 6 quart crockpot, place ingredients in the bottom starting with the carrots and ending with the liquids.
  • Cook on LOW for 6 – 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 – 5 hours. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Instant Pot:

  • Set Instant Pot to SAUTE and add the 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/4 cup water, onion, carrot, and celery, saute for 5 minutes, adding the herbs and garlic powder in the last minute (feel free to skip this step entirely adding everything to the pot and cooking).
  • Add quinoa, beans, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth, stir to combine.
  • Attach lid and turn to the lock, set the valve to SEALING, and manually set to HIGH pressure for 3 minutes (takes about 25 minutes to come to pressure). Let natural release for 10 minutes. Season to taste.

Stovetop:

  • In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil (or 1/4 cup water for water saute), add onions, carrots and celery, saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, cover, turn heat to low and simmer for 35 minutes – 1 hour. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with your favorite artisan bread. Add diced avocado for another layer of flavor.

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for 5 – 6 days. To keep longer, store in the freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. Let thaw before reheating.

Serves 4 – 6

Notes

For the beans, use your favorite. I just happen to use what I had on hand. I used one can of great northern beans and one can three bean medley which included black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans. I was nice mix.

I use herbes de provence here (it is one of my favorite herb blends). If you don’t have any on hand, a mix of any of the following herbs will work just as well: thyme, rosemary, fennel seeds, basil, savory, and coriander. Use any combo of up to 2 heaping teaspoons. If you have a bay leaf on hand, by all means add one.

Instead of cabbage, sub with 2 – 3 cups of fresh baby spinach or kale. If cooking in the slow cooker add it the last 30 minutes. Stovetop, add at the last 5 – 15 minutes. Instant pot, stir in as soon as you remove the lid.

Updated: Vegetable Quinoa Soup was originally published in February 2017. It has been updated with new photos and helpful tips in April 2020.

FOLLOW TSVonFacebook,Instagram,PinterestorRSSfor more updates and inspiration!

Vegetable Quinoa Soup (Easy + Healthy Recipe) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

FAQs

How to improve vegetable soup? ›

A squeeze of citrus, a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of cream, a dusting of cheese or a good chile powder, a sprinkling of some herbs or croutons — all can take a perfectly fine soup into the realm of the delectable. Even a spiral of good olive oil to finish and some coarse sea salt can do wonders.

Can I substitute brown rice for quinoa? ›

Brown rice

Brown rice is a great substitute for quinoa in recipes such as stir-fries, grain bowls, salads, and soups. It has a similar nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture and is also rich in dietary fiber and nutrients.

How long does quinoa take to cook? ›

Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve until water runs clear. Transfer quinoa to a medium pot with water (or broth) and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until quinoa is tender and a white "tail" appears around each grain, about 15 minutes.

How many calories in a cup of quinoa soup? ›

1 cup of quinoa & vegetable soup, peruvian style (Tasty Kitchen) contains 110 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 90% carbs, 4% fat, and 6% protein. This is a good source of vitamin a (75% of your Daily Value).

How much quinoa per person? ›

How to cook quinoa perfectly every time. You'll need about 50g of quinoa per person (make sure to rinse it first) and chicken or vegetable stock. We can't emphasise using stock enough. It really makes a difference to the flavour, yet is subtle enough not to distract from your final dish.

How to thicken pumpkin soup? ›

There are several ways to thicken pumpkin soup. The easiest method is to reduce the soup by cooking off some of the liquid. Alternatively, use a slurry of all-purpose flour or cornstarch and water, add a teaspoon or two of either thickener to a small bowl and stir in 2 to 3 teaspoons of the soup to create a slurry.

What not to put in soup? ›

The Worst Things to Put in Your Soup
  1. By Sara Butler. If there's one good thing about fall and winter, it's soup. ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream creates an inviting texture for soups but that's where its positive contributions end. ...
  3. Juice. ...
  4. Turkey Bacon. ...
  5. Cheese. ...
  6. Croutons.

How to add depth of flavor to vegetable soup? ›

Dried herbs and seasonings: homemade seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried bay leaves lend flavor to the soup.

What color quinoa is the healthiest? ›

* Red quinoa contains more fiber in comparison with the other two varieties. It meets your daily dietary fiber requirements with ease and lowers the risk of several diseases, heart-related issues, and more.

Is it OK to eat quinoa everyday? ›

Studies have reported that consumption of one serving of quinoa (about 40 g) meets an important part of daily recommendations (RDA) for essential nutrients and health-improving compounds.

Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

What happens if you dont rinse quinoa? ›

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

What to season quinoa with? ›

If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!

How much does 1 cup of quinoa make? ›

Now that your quinoa is rinsed or toasted, it's time to cook it. For 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, you'll want to use 2 cups of water—this will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

How many calories are in 2 cups of homemade vegetable soup? ›

Vegetable Soup Homemade (2 cups) contains 9g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 2g fat, 4g protein, and 80 calories.

Can you freeze quinoa with vegetables? ›

This homemade vegetable soup with quinoa is light but filling and packs great for lunch. Like most soups, it tastes even better the next day. Bonus? It freezes well, too.

Is quinoa a vegetable? ›

Though technically a seed, Quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is a good source of plant protein and fiber. One cup cooked provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

What to eat with quinoa? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

How long does quinoa last in the fridge? ›

For a healthier twist on pasta or potato salad, toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, vinegar and olive oil. Add cooked quinoa to soups, stews and casseroles. Store cooked and cooled quinoa in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to tell if quinoa is done? ›

We prefer to bring the cooking liquid to a boil, stir in the grain, turn the heat down to low, then cover and simmer gently until all the liquid is absorbed. You'll know when the grain is done because it will look like it has popped open, revealing the germ of the kernel.

Should I cook soup with the lid on or off? ›

To thicken a soup, stew, or sauce, leaving the lid uncovered is ideal. "It must be off, or semi-covered, if you are slowing down the reduction process," says Stephen Chavez, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.

How do vegans thicken soup? ›

How to Thicken a Soup with Pureed Beans or Hummus. Blend 1½ cups cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas with ½ cup water or broth until completely smooth. Add 2 tablespoons bean puree per 1 cup soup or stew, then stir until fully incorporated.

What makes vegetable soup thicker? ›

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

What adds flavor to vegetable soup? ›

Add in different seasonings like curry powder, red pepper chili flakes or cayenne. This is a veggie loaded soup, take or leave what you don't like or add in different veggies you do like. Stir in spinach at the end, use russet potatoes instead of sweet potatoes, etc.

How to fix a bland vegetable soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

How do you doctor up a can of vegetable soup? ›

How To Make Canned Soup Taste Like Homemade
  1. Sauté some onions and/or garlic: Low and slow is the way to go. ...
  2. Add protein: Leftover chicken or steak, some cooked diced ham or bacon or sausage (just a little — that soup is already salty). ...
  3. More vegetables: This is a great place for leftover cooked veggies.
Apr 25, 2023

What can I add to soup to make it better? ›

These garnishes impart a little extra flavor and make your soup look restaurant-worthy.
  1. Chopped herbs, such as chives, cilantro, dill or parsley.
  2. Dusting of spice, such as cumin, paprika or white pepper.
  3. Lemon, lime or orange zest.
  4. Shaved, crumbled or grated cheese, such as feta, Parmesan or Pecorino.
Sep 23, 2016

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