There's something irresistibly fresh about a bowl of Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup. From the moment it hits the stovetop, the scent of simmering asparagus mingling with zesty lemon and cooling mint fills your kitchen with the essence of spring.
I first made this soup on a chilly April afternoon, looking to use up a bundle of asparagus before it wilted. What started as a throw-it-in-the-pot experiment turned into one of my favorite seasonal staples. Light, vibrant, and just the right amount of creamy, this soup is a breath of fresh air in a bowl.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving something light and comforting, or just trying to get more greens into your meals, this recipe delivers every time. Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Asparagus, Lemon, And Mint Soup
Get ready to meet your new go-to for spring and early summer cooking. This Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup is not only beautiful to look at, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients that’ll make you feel as good as it tastes.
First off, it’s incredibly fast and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
It’s also healthy without being boring. Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while mint and lemon add antioxidants and brightness. The end result is light, nourishing, and refreshingly satisfying.
Budget-friendly? Absolutely. With asparagus in season, you can whip this up without spending a fortune. A few pantry staples like broth, onion, and garlic help stretch the flavor while keeping costs down.
And perhaps best of all, this soup is ideal for entertaining. Served hot or chilled, it makes a stunning starter or a light lunch when paired with crusty bread. Add a swirl of yogurt or cream for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Looking to make it tonight? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient works together to create a delicate, refreshing balance of earthy and bright flavors.
Asparagus is the star, and the fresher, the better. Look for firm, vibrant green stalks with tight tips. Thinner stalks are especially tender and cook quickly, but thicker ones work just as well if you peel the lower half to remove fibrous skin.
Lemon brings the zing. I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice—it lifts the entire soup and complements the asparagus beautifully. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a bit of lemon zest right at the end intensifies the citrusy aroma.
Fresh mint is what sets this soup apart. It cools and brightens each spoonful, especially when added at the very end of cooking. Spearmint is the most common type and works wonderfully here. Avoid dried mint—it lacks the punch needed for this fresh, springy dish.
Yellow onion and garlic form the aromatic base. When gently sautéed, they add sweetness and depth without overpowering the fresh greens. Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to a well-rounded flavor.
You’ll also need vegetable broth to tie it all together. Use a low-sodium version if possible, so you can control the seasoning as you go. For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end, but it’s just as lovely without.
A standard immersion blender or countertop blender will make the final step a breeze. If you’re using a traditional blender, just remember to blend in batches and vent the lid slightly to avoid steam build-up.
How To Make This Asparagus, Lemon, And Mint Soup
Making this soup is delightfully simple, and the process is as soothing as the final dish. Here’s how to bring it all together.
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté it until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Next, add your chopped asparagus (trim off the woody ends first) and sauté it with the onion mixture for a few minutes to enhance its flavor. You want the asparagus to begin softening and take on a vibrant green color.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still bright green. Overcooking here will dull the color and flavor, so keep an eye on it.
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Add the fresh mint leaves and lemon juice, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If you’re using a countertop blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed. If you like a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or swirl in some Greek yogurt before serving.
From start to finish, this soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for sipping on your porch or serving at a spring gathering.
Storage Options
This soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or make-ahead meals. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
In the refrigerator, the soup will keep for up to 4 days. Store it in a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
You can also freeze it for later. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (lay them flat to save space), leaving about an inch of space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight or run the sealed bag under warm water. Then warm it on the stove, whisking if needed to restore its creamy texture.
For best results, add any cream or yogurt garnish after reheating—not before freezing.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is. You can switch things up based on what’s in your fridge or tailor it to suit dietary needs.
Want a dairy-free version? Skip the cream or yogurt at the end and use a swirl of coconut milk instead. It adds a subtle richness without changing the flavor too much.
If you’re looking to add protein, stir in cooked white beans or top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg. Both add satisfying heft while keeping things light and wholesome.
No mint on hand? Try fresh basil or tarragon for a different herbal twist. Basil adds a peppery sweetness, while tarragon brings a light anise flavor that complements the asparagus.
You can even turn this into a heartier soup by adding a handful of cooked orzo or rice right before serving. It’s a great way to stretch leftovers or make the dish more filling.
Don’t be afraid to play around—this soup is forgiving and fun to customize. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again with new ideas.
PrintAsparagus, Lemon, And Mint Soup Recipe
This Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup recipe is a bright, refreshing dish made with fresh asparagus, zesty lemon, and cooling mint. It's perfect for spring and summer meals, offering a light, healthy, and delicious option. Ideal for vegetarians and easy to prepare!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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¼ cup fresh mint leaves
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: ¼ cup Greek yogurt or cream for garnish
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
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Add chopped asparagus and cook for 5 minutes.
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Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add lemon zest, juice, and mint leaves. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and blend until smooth.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot or chilled, with optional yogurt or cream on top.
Notes
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Use fresh mint for the best flavor.
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For a creamier texture, stir in a little Greek yogurt or cream before serving.
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This soup is great served cold as a summer appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
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