Our Late Summer Vegetable Soup Recipe

Soup is one of the most comforting and adaptable dishes you can make. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. 

This late summer vegetable soup is no exception—it’s light, refreshing, and packed with the best seasonal produce.

If you’re ready to explore a fresh, healthy soup perfect for the warmer months, follow this recipe to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Late Summer Vegetable Soup

At the heart of this soup are sweet summer vegetables and simple seasonings that come together to create a dish full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup

• 4 ears of fresh corn, kernels removed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
• ½ cup orzo (or substitute with ditalini, macaroni, or farro)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes in their natural juice
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium cucumber, diced (for a chilled version)
• 2 bay leaves (remove before serving)

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the right equipment handy. Luckily, you don’t need much:

• Measuring Tools: Measuring cups or scales to portion your ingredients. Keep a jug ready to add water if needed.
• Knives: A sharp vegetable knife works perfectly for prepping your produce.
• A Large Bowl: Use this to catch corn kernels when slicing them off the cob.
• Stockpot or Dutch Oven: Your pot should hold at least 5 quarts of liquid.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring and sautéing.

Once everything is ready, it’s time to start cooking!

How to Make Late Summer Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

Start by preparing your vegetables. The corn typically takes the most time, so begin there. Remove the husks and silks, then cut the tips off each ear. Stand the corn upright in a large bowl and slice downward to remove the kernels. Repeat for all four ears and discard the cobs.

Next, prepare the rest of your vegetables by chopping, slicing, or dicing them according to the ingredient list.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Heat your stockpot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir frequently for 3–5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and an additional 2 cups of water. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the corn, zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, and orzo. Stir everything together to combine.

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, like fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Serving Ideas For Late Summer Veg Soup

This late summer vegetable soup is a light yet hearty dish that can stand alone as a meal. 

For an extra touch, pair it with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled vegetables. 

Toppings like fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or even a swirl of vegan sour cream can elevate the dish further.

Storage Support and Reheating This Soup

This soup stores beautifully, so don’t worry if you have leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the consistency.

Final Thoughts

Late summer vegetable soup is a delicious celebration of seasonal produce. Its vibrant flavors, light texture, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for a warm day. 

Plus, it’s vegan, vegetarian, and easy to customize to suit your preferences.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or savoring leftovers, this soup is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions