Description
This One Pot Spring Vegetable Soup is a bright and comforting dish that blends tender spring vegetables, orzo pasta, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Cooked in one pot, it’s the perfect balance of cozy and refreshing flavors — ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or light lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups carrots, chopped (about 2 medium)
- 1.5 cups asparagus, chopped (woody stems removed)
- 1.5 cups snap peas, trimmed and chopped
- 1 leek, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (white part only)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta (dry)
- 2 large leaves Swiss chard, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or white beans for vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add chopped carrots, asparagus, snap peas, leek, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and cover the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the dry orzo and chopped Swiss chard. Stir to combine.
- Add in shredded chicken (or plant-based protein). Reduce heat and simmer for about 6 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in the fresh dill and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately, optionally garnished with extra dill or grated cheese.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken with white beans or chickpeas.
- Use thicker asparagus spears to prevent overcooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- If reheating, add a bit of broth or water to thin out the soup as orzo may absorb liquid.
- Gluten-free option: replace orzo with gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa (cooked separately).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 446
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 60mg