Name: Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup to Warm Your Soul
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Fresh Basil; 1 cup Fresh Parsley; 3 cloves Garlic (use fresh for best taste); 1/2 cup Blanched Almonds (or use pine nuts or walnuts); 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast; 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus more for sautéing); 1 medium Onion (finely diced); 2 stalks Celery (chopped); 2 cans Cannellini Beans (rinsed and drained); 4 cups Vegetable Stock; 2 cups Baby Spinach (or substitute with kale or chard)

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As I stirred the pot, the vibrant green of the fresh basil and parsley blended beautifully with the creamy white beans, creating a vision of spring in my kitchen. This Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup is not just a meal; it’s a delightful escape from the grind of fast food, ready in a mere 30 minutes. Embrace the nourishing comfort of this vegan bowl, filled with heartiness that warms the soul. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this easy vegan soup invites you to indulge without the guilt. Imagine how it feels to dive into a bowl of velvety goodness that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Ready to transform your meal times and savor something truly special? Let’s whip it up together!

Why is this soup so irresistible?

Simplicity at Its Best: This White Bean Pesto Soup is incredibly easy to make—just blend, sauté, and simmer!

Flavor Explosion: The fresh basil and parsley create a vibrant, aromatic experience that elevates each spoonful.

Comforting Nourishment: A perfect blend of plant-based protein and fiber ensures each bite is not only satisfying but incredibly wholesome.

Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can delight your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with warm crusty bread or croutons for extra crunch, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Transform your dining routine and embrace this vibrant, easy vegan soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!

White Bean Pesto Soup Ingredients

For the Pesto

Fresh Basil – Essential for a vibrant flavor and aroma in this white bean pesto soup.
Fresh Parsley – Complements basil and adds a refreshing touch to the pesto.
Garlic – Uplifts both the pesto and soup with its aromatic essence; use fresh for the best taste.
Blanched Almonds – Provides creaminess and nuttiness; try substituting with pine nuts or walnuts for a twist.
Nutritional Yeast – Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy, enhancing the depth of your pesto.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Vital for blending and sautéing, ensuring richness in every spoonful.

For the Soup

Onion – The aromatic base that brings sweetness when sautéed; finely dice for even cooking.
Celery – Adds texture and enhances the overall flavor of the soup base.
Cannellini Beans – Acts as a creaminess booster and thickener; rinse to cut down sodium.
Vegetable Stock – The foundational liquid that drives flavor in your nourishing soup.
Baby Spinach – Introduces vibrant color and nutrients; versatile enough to substitute with kale or chard.

This White Bean Pesto Soup is bursting with fresh ingredients that come together to create a delightful and comforting bowl, perfect for any day!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for White Bean Pesto Soup

Step 1: Make the Pesto
In a food processor, combine fresh basil, parsley, garlic, blanched almonds, nutritional yeast, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Blend this vibrant mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The pesto should have a creamy consistency and a rich green hue, smelling divine. Set aside the pesto to infuse your White Bean Pesto Soup with its fresh flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add finely diced onion and chopped celery, sautéing for about 5-6 minutes until they turn translucent and aromatic. The vegetables should soften nicely, creating a cozy base for your soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the sweetness to develop beautifully.

Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes into the pot with sautéed onions and celery. Sauté this mixture for an additional minute, letting the garlic become fragrant but not browned. This step enhances the flavor profile of your White Bean Pesto Soup with lovely undertones of warmth and spice, enticing your senses.

Step 4: Combine Beans and Stock
Add the drained cannellini beans and vegetable stock into the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring this hearty mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. The soup should bubble softly, allowing the flavors to meld together while the beans soften further, resulting in a comforting texture.

Step 5: Finish the Soup
Stir the prepared pesto and baby spinach into the simmering soup, allowing the spinach to wilt for about 1-2 minutes. This final touch enriches the White Bean Pesto Soup with vibrant green color and nutrients, bringing everything together. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring every spoonful is a delight!

Expert Tips for White Bean Pesto Soup

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and vegetables whenever possible. The vibrant flavors of your White Bean Pesto Soup rely on top-quality ingredients.
Texture Preference: If you like a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans before adding them. This creates a creamy base while keeping some whole for texture!
Pesto Perfection: Ensure the pesto is smooth by processing it well; chunky pesto won’t meld nicely into your soup.
Heat Control: Avoid burning the garlic by cooking it just until fragrant—overcooking can lead to bitterness in your soup.
Flavor Adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning according to your palate, adding more salt or a splash of lemon juice for a zingy finish.

What to Serve with Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup

Elevate your meal experience by pairing this delightful soup with complementary sides that enhance its flavors and textures.

Warm Crusty Bread: The perfect vehicle for scooping up each velvety bite, offering a satisfying crunch against the creamy soup.
Garlic Bread: A fragrant twist that pairs beautifully, adding a savory layer to your dining experience. Your senses will dance with every bite!
Crunchy Croutons: These will add a delightful crunch to the silky soup, creating an intriguing contrast in textures. A fabulous finishing touch!
Side Salad: A vibrant green salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette brings freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus provide a sweet and smoky flavor complimenting the herbaceous notes.
Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy, this dish serves as an excellent base, soaking up the soup’s delightful flavors while adding a nutty taste.
Lemonade or Herbal Iced Tea: These refreshing beverages brighten the rich tastes of the soup while providing a cool contrast.
Fruit Sorbet: For a light and sweet ending, a scoop of sorbet cleanses the palate and leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied after your meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can make the pesto up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and vibrant. The soup base (without the pesto and spinach) can also be prepared up to 24 hours ahead—simply sauté the vegetables, mix in the beans and stock, and let it cool before storing. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the soup and add the pesto and spinach just before serving to ensure it remains fresh and green. This way, you can savor the comforting flavors of your White Bean Pesto Soup with such ease!

How to Store and Freeze White Bean Pesto Soup

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock if the soup thickens.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a delightful meal.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Feel free to stir in fresh spinach just before serving to revive the vibrant color and nutrients of your White Bean Pesto Soup!

Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the soup out; if necessary, consume within 2 hours to ensure safety and freshness.

White Bean Pesto Soup Variations

Feel free to play around with these ideas to make this comforting soup even more delightful and personalized!

Kale Swap: Replace baby spinach with kale for a heartier texture and additional nutrients, simply remove the tough stems.
Kale brings an earthy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy beans, adding depth to each spoonful.
Nut Alternatives: Use walnuts or sunflower seeds in place of blanched almonds for a new twist on flavor in your pesto.
These substitutions not only change the taste but also provide a unique texture, allowing your soup to surprise your taste buds.
Extra Veggies: Boost the health factor by adding diced zucchini or carrots for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
Tender pieces of zucchini or sweet carrots enhance the overall nutrient profile while adding layers of flavor and texture.
Heat It Up: Add a pinch more red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to crank up the heat level to your liking.
This spicy kick can transform your creamy soup into a fiery delight, perfect for those who enjoy a little adventure in their meals.
Herb Variety: Try mixing in fresh cilantro or mint to the pesto for a refreshing twist that brightens the entire dish.
These herbs introduce light, aromatic qualities, making your White Bean Pesto Soup a vibrant, fragrant delight.
Creamy Coconut: Blend in a can of coconut milk for a tropical creaminess that pairs beautifully with the pesto.
This variation not only enriches the flavor but also infuses your soup with an exotic touch, creating a memorable experience.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra protein boost, making your meal even more satisfying.
These additions elevate your soup’s nutritional value while making it more filling and comforting for any occasion.
Homemade Stock: Swap out the vegetable stock for homemade broth to impart a richer, personalized flavor to your soup.
The subtle differences in flavor from using freshly crafted stock lend a homemade essence that brightens your White Bean Pesto Soup.

Experiment with these ideas, and don’t hesitate to mix and match to discover your perfect bowl of deliciousness!

White Bean Pesto Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right beans for my soup?
Absolutely! For the creamiest texture, I recommend using cannellini beans, as they blend beautifully into the soup. When selecting canned beans, look for those with no added salt or preservatives. If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to your soup.

What’s the best way to store leftover White Bean Pesto Soup?
Perfect question! To store leftovers, let the soup cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion the soup into individual servings in airtight containers or freezer bags, laying them flat for easy stacking. It will last for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating!

Can I freeze the soup without compromising its texture?
Very easily! To freeze your White Bean Pesto Soup without losing flavor or texture, ensure it’s completely cooled first. Pour into airtight containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove and consider adding a handful of fresh spinach just before serving for a delightful flavor boost.

What if my soup is too thick after cooking?
No worries! If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add a little vegetable stock or water to reach your preferred consistency. Stir it in gradually while simmering over low heat until the soup is just right. Remember, it’s all about creating that comforting, velvety texture—so you can easily adjust to your liking!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This White Bean Pesto Soup is vegan-friendly, but if you or your loved ones have nut allergies, you can substitute the blanched almonds in the pesto with sunflower seeds, which will give you a similar creaminess without the nuts. Just be sure to check all packaged ingredients for any allergens, especially the vegetable stock!

How long does homemade pesto last in the fridge?
Great question! If you happen to have leftover pesto from making your soup, store it in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation. Just give it a good stir before using it again in other dishes!