25 Vegan Soup Recipes
Updated: Dec. 20, 2023
You don't need heavy cream or chicken broth to make a satisfying meal. Here's the proof: vegan soups with all plant-based ingredients!
Several of our best vegan soups are hearty enough to be a full vegan dinner, thanks to a hefty portion of plant-based protein (think tofu, beans, lentils and grains). These soups take inspiration from around the world, using spices, herbs and surprising ingredients to pack plenty of flavor into every bowl.
Serve the soup with a simple vegan side, salad or a loaf of crusty bread.
Moroccan Vegetable Stew
In this recipe, a Moroccan spice blend adds complexity and heat to a simple vegetable stew. Pair with couscous or pita bread—or make a gluten-free dinner by serving the soup with rice or quinoa.
Whether you’re a vegan or simply trying to eat more plant-based foods, we have these vegan main dishes for you!
Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Soup
If “vegan” and “creamy” sound like impossible opposites, this soup will change your mind. The secret ingredient is coconut milk, which lends both rich creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot.
Vegan Ramen
Ramen packets are tasty in a pinch, but making homemade ramen pays dividends. The recipe amps up the flavors of a store-bought broth with miso and soy sauce, adding rich umami flavor. Topping with seared tofu makes the soup a full meal. The trick to crispy tofu is pressing it well.
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
The most surprising ingredient in this butternut soup? Apple! The fruit draws out the natural sweetness of butternut squash. The squash is so creamy that it becomes silky-smooth when blended, no dairy required. If you enjoyed this, then you must check out our collection of dairy-free soups.
Vegan Lentil Soup
Looking for a protein-rich vegan soup? Beans and lentils are your best friends. Lentils have 12 grams of protein in one 1/2-cup serving, plus they’re rich in iron and fiber. The mild, nutty flavor of brown lentils tastes delicious in this vegetable soup, which cooks in about 30 minutes. It’s one of our favorite easy lentil recipes.
Vegan Pumpkin Soup
This is one of the simplest vegan soups around, since the main ingredient comes in a can. No need to use fresh pumpkin here, since the uniform, super-smooth texture of canned pumpkin actually works best. A dash of coconut milk, maple syrup and cinnamon make this one of our best fall recipes.
Bean Counter Chowder
This soup is everything you want on a chilly day: simple, cozy and filling. Use your favorite type of mild bean here, like great northern beans or cannellini beans.
Vegetarian Pea Soup
Many split pea soups include ham, which adds smoky flavor and richness to the broth—but it’s not the only way to make a really good pea soup. This vegan recipe adds mustard for an umami flavor, as well as a sweet, complex base of leeks, potatoes and carrots. This soup is perfect for people new to vegan recipes.
Vegan Cabbage Soup
Shredded cabbage makes an affordable and healthy base for a vegan soup. The cabbage slowly simmers in a cozy, tomato-rich stock until it becomes tender and super-savory. To fill out a full meal, add a can of beans to the pot.
Vegan Jambalaya
The Cajun flavors of this jambalaya are so bold, you’d never guess it was vegan. A combination of canned beans makes a quick, filling substitute for the traditional sausage, but you could also add your favorite vegan meat substitute.
Vegan Potato Soup
This thick, hearty potato soup takes advantage of the many good vegan butter and milk substitutes on the market today. (Try our favorite non-dairy milk brands, if you don’t have a favorite yet.) The result is a creamy soup that no one would guess is vegan.
So-Easy Gazpacho
Many gazpacho recipes are naturally vegan, since they’re meant to be quite simple, showcasing the flavor of in-season tomatoes. This sweet-tangy recipe is delicious in a big bowl at lunchtime, and it also makes a refreshing party appetizer.
Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew
This bright, flavorful chickpea stew is a fun, filling dinner recipe. The recipe scales up well, making it perfect for a vegan potluck.
Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
Think of this soup more as a formula than a set-in-stone recipe. Just about any vegetables, in any season, taste great with the mild broth and lentil base. A shower of fresh herbs added just before serving brightens up the flavor of the lentils.
Vegan Carrot Soup
The trick to a velvety smooth carrot soup isn’t cream—it’s potatoes. Adding a Yukon gold to your recipe will make a super-smooth texture that doesn’t dilute the delicate, sweet flavor of carrots. Serve with crusty bread and your favorite vegan butter.
Chunky Vegetarian Chili
A good chili recipe demands a balanced spice blend and rich tomato broth, both of which are naturally vegan. When you add lots of tasty beans, corn and rice, you won’t even miss the meat. Add rice to the pot to make this an easy one-bowl meal.
Spicy Peanut Soup
Peanuts and sweet potatoes are a popular combination in North African cuisine; something about the creamy potatoes and the crunchy, fatty nuts makes it a perfect pairing. This soup is rich in both flavor and protein, making it a hearty winter meal. Serve with a fresh pan of cornbread.
Vegan Tortilla Soup
When eating vegan, it can be a challenge to get enough protein. This tortilla soup includes a hefty portion of quinoa, a good (and gluten-free) source of protein. Adding a topper of cubed avocado makes it hearty enough for dinner.
Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
Pumpkin sets this lentil soup apart from the many other recipes out there. The pumpkin adds a smooth sweetness to the base of the soup, a perfect platform for additional spices, from chili and cumin to curry.
Mushroom & Broccoli Soup
This soup is a great kid-friendly vegan recipe. While the recipe calls for only one bunch of broccoli, you can also add finely sliced broccoli stalks (save them in the freezer to use up in this soup). If you enjoyed this recipe, then you must try our vegan broccoli cheddar soup.
Cabbage Barley Soup
To lend a tasty tomato flavor, this soup adds an unusual ingredient: V8 juice. A mix of cabbage, carrots and mushrooms pack plenty of nutrients, while barley and lentils are filling and hearty.
Vegan Potato Leek Soup
A classic French recipe, potato leek soup is famous for its simplicity and elegance. Serve as a starter course before a plant-based dinner, and don’t skip a vegan dessert!
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Lentils cook up nicely in the slow cooker. No need to soak in advance, just rinse well and add to the pot with a melange of butternut squash and other veggies.
Arborio Rice and White Bean Soup
This cozy vegan soup is, essentially, a looser alternative to risotto. Rather than dousing the rice with cheese, this vegan variation enhances creamy arborio rice a mix of white beans and tender vegetables (fresh or frozen both work).
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe is creamy, rich and comforting. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or to make ahead and store as a freezer meal. Enjoy the soup along with these vegan comfort foods.
Originally Published: December 18, 2019
