Spring Pea and Spinach Soup

Name: Spring Pea and Spinach Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen peas; 2 cups fresh spinach, washed; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Seasonal Kitchen Recipes

When spring arrives, there’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant flavors of a Spring Pea and Spinach Soup. I love how easy it is to whip up this dish, using sweet peas and tender spinach that capture the season's essence. The combination of these ingredients not only makes for a visually appealing bowl of soup but also bursts with nutrients. With just a few simple steps, I can enjoy a creamy yet light soup that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-30T04:43:27.877Z

One of my favorite springtime rituals is harvesting fresh peas from my garden, and this Spring Pea and Spinach Soup is my go-to recipe for celebrating that bounty. I’ve found that using both fresh and frozen peas can give the soup depth, while the spinach adds a lovely color and texture. What really elevates this soup is a hint of lemon juice that brightens the flavors remarkably.

I once tried this recipe with different herbs like mint and basil, and it was incredible! Experimenting with herbs can lead to delightful variations, but I always return to my original version, which feels like a warm hug on a cool spring day. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to suit your palate, as that can make a world of difference.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright, fresh flavors that scream springtime
Simple ingredients that come together quickly
A creamy texture without heavy cream, making it guilt-free

The Freshness of Spring Ingredients

The star ingredients of this soup—peas and spinach—play a pivotal role in creating its fresh flavor profile. Peas contribute a natural sweetness and a vibrant green color, which not only enhances the aesthetics of the dish but also provides valuable vitamins like A, C, and K. Fresh peas, if available, are ideal, but frozen peas work splendidly too. They retain their sweetness and tender texture, making them a convenient choice any time of year.

Spinach, on the other hand, adds a subtle earthiness and richness to the soup without overwhelming the palate. It’s essential to use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor. If you’re pressed for time or can’t find fresh spinach, you can substitute it with baby kale or Swiss chard. Keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the taste slightly, but they will still yield a delicious soup.

Mastering the Texture

Achieving a creamy texture without heavy cream is a hallmark of this soup. The trick lies in puréeing the soup thoroughly after cooking. Using an immersion blender is my go-to method because it allows for easy blending directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, ensure you let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches to avoid any accidents from steam buildup.

For a touch of variation in the texture, consider reserving a handful of peas before blending and adding them back into the soup after blending. This will give your soup small bursts of sweetness and color, enhancing both its visual appeal and mouthfeel.

Serving Suggestions and Enhancements

While this Spring Pea and Spinach Soup is delightful on its own, a few toppings can elevate your dish. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of crème fraîche can complement the soup’s flavors and add creaminess. Try sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or croutons on top for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the soup.

For an additional flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil just before serving. These can enhance the soup’s freshness even further. If you're in the mood for a heartier meal, pair the soup with a crusty bread or a light salad, making it a delightful option for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 cups fresh or frozen peas
2 cups fresh spinach, washed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Cook the Peas

Add the peas to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Blend the Soup

Once the peas are tender, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don't have one, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches.

Season and Finish

Return the blended soup to the pot. Squeeze in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently reheat if necessary before serving.

Pro Tips

For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt before serving. Garnish with additional spinach or fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. It can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, but leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If you find the soup has thickened while sitting in the fridge, don't worry! A splash of vegetable broth or water can help restore its original consistency. Gently heat while stirring to ensure an even temperature throughout.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup comes out too thick, adding a little extra broth or water during reheating is a simple fix. Aim for a silky consistency that is easy to sip, but if it remains too chunky, blending it a bit more should smooth things out. Taste for seasoning after any adjustments, since you may need to add extra salt or lemon juice to balance the final flavor.

Should you find the peas aren't as sweet as expected, a small pinch of sugar can help enhance their natural sweetness. Alternatively, a dash of honey can also work wonders; simply stir it into the finished soup, tasting as you go to ensure it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable. If you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers, simply double the ingredients. When doing so, make sure to adjust your pot size accordingly to prevent boiling over. Keep in mind that the cooking time may increase slightly, particularly during blending, as you'll have more soup to process.

If downsizing, feel free to halve any ingredient. The soup will still retain its delightful character. Just remember that often, making such adjustments necessitates checking for seasoning at the end since halving or doubling doesn’t always equate to proportional adjustments in salt, acid, or spice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.

→ How long can I store this soup in the fridge?

You can store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no dairy.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.